Dear Members of the Woodbridge Board of Education,

We, the undersigned Beecher parents, request that the Woodbridge Board of Education follow the Bethany Board of Education’s example of hiring a dedicated full time employee at Beecher Road School to design and implement a transparent and formal enrichment program, including a robust program for talented and gifted students. The hope and expectation is that by following best practices, Beecher would develop a world class program. A specialist whose very job it is to help teachers better identify and nurture talent will help address the different learning and socio-emotional needs of high potential students. By hiring an Enrichment Specialist, Beecher Road School would be following its current model of leveraging specialists who assist students with different learning needs.

Many of us moved to Woodbridge because of the reputation of Beecher Road School and its promise to deliver an excellent education to all students, including those who are gifted and talented. If Beecher Road School, the main attraction in Woodbridge, can deliver on this promise to all students, at all levels of ability, both the school and our town will continue to thrive, attract and retain families.

We are looking for Rigor, Relevance and Relationships for our children. RIGOR: Without personal challenge, the child does not develop the work habits that will serve the child well when confronted with a challenging academic task. RELEVANCE: Rigor is relative to each student’s abilities and interests, and all students must be challenged to work at high levels if they are to be successful. RELATIONSHIPS: Children benefit from peer relationships with others who think like they do and who share common interests.

Continuous progress is important -- our children should be learning new things every day and continue to be motivated. Legislation sets a minimum standard but not a ceiling. The learning ceiling must be lifted for every child. Each child has the right to receive instruction appropriate to his or her intellectual needs.

We very much hope that you will partner with us to develop the talents and abilities of all our children to their maximum potential. We would like to count on your support for our request, which would represent just 0.4% of the school’s total budget. While hiring an Enrichment Specialist would not entirely solve the problem, it would be one small initial step in the right direction. Let us build on Beecher’s many strengths to become a school that delivers on its promise of excellence at all levels, to all students.

Thank you!