February 26, 2014

Ms. Tonya Wilson

Principal

Colonial School

315 Highbrook Avenue

Pelham, NY 10803

Dear Ms. Wilson,

Looking ahead to the 2014-15 school year and beyond, we are concerned that given the size and range of the needs of our kindergarten cohort at Colonial School, the classrooms need additional support. Our primary suggestion is to increase to three sections in next year’s first grade. Our secondary suggestion is to secure interns for each of the 2014-15 first grade classrooms.

We strongly feel that our need for extra assistance – in either the form of smaller classrooms via three sections, or adding interns to existing classrooms – is as equally or more important than the issues facing the other Pelham elementary schools.As you know, the two classes currently have a large number of children in each classroom, with 22 in KH and 22 in KM. The addition of a third section, or intern support in each classroom, will lower the student/teacher ratio to a level that creates a more optimal environment for teaching and learning. Achieving acceptable student/teacher ratios in our classrooms has become increasingly urgent as our children face the more challenging benchmarks of the Common Core Curriculum.

We feel confident that you will agree that we must advocate for the best possible staffing situation for OUR school. In fact, it has come to our attention that there are 10 interns working in elementary classrooms in our District for the 2013-2014 school year. So, we believe our concern and request for educational support for next year’s Colonial School first graders is a reasonable one for consideration. It’s a solid investment in their future success, and the success of the District, as they progress through the Pelham school system.

We realize and appreciate all the efforts you put forth to make Colonial the best school possible. We feel very fortunate to have such a dedicated principal at Colonial who shares our values on the importance of excellence in education. We look forward to building a strong foundation of learning together with you, and all the excellent teachers at Colonial, during these critical formative years in our children’s lives.

We are happy to provide any support you will need to move this request through the proper Pelham Board of Education channels.

Thank you so much for all your assistance.

Sincerely,

Parents of KH and KM

cc: Tom Imperato, Board of Education

cc: Madeline Smith, Board of Education