After observing the upheaval caused by the eminent overpopulation of Riverside School, I am writing to express my gratitude for all that Huntsville Public School has done for our students this past year.
My daughter is completing Junior Kindergarten this month, and will be attending Riverside next year in order to be in a French Immersion class. Ironically, I wish that she could remain at HPS for the reminder of her schooling. Teacher Kate McNaughton and Early Childhood Educator Val McLaughlin are an exceptional team who worked together seamlessly to provide a dynamic and multi-level program for their students. Leveled readers with interactive activities were sent home weekly and teachers provided feedback continually. Many students in the class are now reading independently at the age of four!
The administration was always accessible, and the parent council is inspiring in their passion for the school which is evident in the various fundraising and spirit events that they spearhead throughout the year. As educators ourselves, my husband and I were so impressed with the level of education that my daughter received at HPS that we debated whether or not to switch schools. We are very pleased that she will be able to attend HPS again in grade 4, and that made our decision easier.
In all of the discussion about the effect of the changes on Riverside students it is worth noting that this large influx of new faces will have a dramatic effect on the “little school with the big heart” and that these students will be welcomed into an exemplary public school that provides an outstanding education for our children.
I consider it a stroke of luck that HPS is our district school and we have had the privilege of being part of the HPS family for a year.
Andrea Laidlaw
Huntsville