From: Erin Hoffman
Date: 4/23/2013 at 10:20 PM
Dear Members of the Board and Administrators,
My name is Erin Hoffman and I am the mother of four young children ages 6, 4, 2, and 4 months. My oldest son currently attends Kindergarten at Evergreen Elementary. To give you a bit of background, I was raised in Waterford and attended Waterford School District’s public school system from Kindergarten through grade 12. After earning a degree in Elementary Education and teaching First Grade in the Menomonee Falls School District for a number of years, my husband (who was also raised in Waterford) and I had the opportunity to move back to our hometown. One of the major factors that drew us back home was the reputation of our fine public education system. I give you this information because I want you to understand that my heart is here and it would make me most happy to see Waterford continue to blossom into a desired and sought after place to live and raise children. It is my hope that Waterford remains at the top of it’s game in educating our youth and continues to implement programs, philosophies, and methods that will allow us to compete with top districts both state and nationwide. With that being said, a large concern of mine is the fact that our district is lacking a 4-year old Kindergarten program. With neighboring excelling district’s offering such programs, I feel we have no choice but to begin to offer our very youngest the same valuable learning opportunities that a 4-year old Kindergarten program can provide.
Before I bombard you with data and research that supports the importance of laying the foundation for our young children, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and others who have expressed interest in implementing such a program. May I suggest we begin a focus group so that we can explore the possibility of a 4K program in our great district?
I do feel from the start I should disclaim that I am a full-time mother who doesn’t work outside the home. My motivation to see Waterford adopt a 4K program has NOTHING to do with wanting “free daycare or babysitting”. On the contrary, I would love for my children to be at home with me for as long as possible. Alas, our society has placed high expectations on these little ones and I’m afraid in order for preschoolers to meet these goals, a 4-K program that provides a level playing field for all incoming 5-year old Kindergartners is the only next logical step.
Please let me know how you would like to proceed with my proposal by responding to this email.
I can be reached at 262-534-4111 (Home) or 414-430-7385 (Cell) if you would rather chat via phone.
I look forward to hearing from you very soon.
Sincerely, Erin Hoffman
_____________________ See District Response Below _______________________
Good Morning, Mrs. Hoffman,
I am acknowledging your communication below regarding 4 yr old kindergarten.
The Board members have discussed the program several times at the committee level within the last few years. This topic was discussed as recently as last month. The general consensus was not to move forward. At our next meeting, I will ask the group if they wish to revisit the topic, based on your communication and the information you shared.
Thank you for reaching-out and your interest in WGSD programming,
Chris Joch
WGSD Superintendent