Support Mrs. Heindl's 3/4 day kindergarten

We, the undersigned, as current, future and past parents of children in Mrs. Heindl's class, former students, and community members, are writing in support of Pam Heindl and her 3/4 day kindergarten program.

We have learned through the district that her 3/4 day program will be changed to a full day program. Although Pam would bring success and achievement to any program, the 3/4 day program fills the need of many parents who do not want an all day kindergarten. Many families come to Olympic View because of such a dedicated teacher who brings integrity to the district. Each school should reflect the needs of that community, and the Maple Leaf Community wants 3/4 kindergarten as an option. Rather than dismantling the program, the school district should be doing everything in their power to replicate the program across the district. There is often a waiting list for the 3/4 day kindergarten, and interest exists across the district for similar programs.

For more than 20 years, Pam Heindl has dedicated her life to create arguably the best kindergarten program in the district. She provides an atmosphere of unparalleled support for each of her students. She accomplishes in 3/4 of a day, more than what many teachers could only hope to accomplish in two days. The students in her class make incredible progress, as a whole. Each and every student exhibits strong academic growth as shown by classroom performance and district testing.

Equally important is Pam's ability to create a sense of community in her classroom where she fosters a welcoming and caring atmosphere through her loving nature. Her instruction is rooted with a strong sense of purpose and determination of what she wants to accomplish, yet she encourages each child to reach into themselves and embrace humanity. Children are taught to connect with, and value, each other and celebrate in individual uniqueness. She develops her students' hearts and minds through beautiful classroom traditions which creates a loving spirit wrapped around all who enter. Her sense of humor is appreciated by both children and adults. She was born to be a kindergarten teacher and is of national Teacher of the Year caliber. She inspires her students, and all who watch her teach, to go out into the world to be better and make a positive difference in our world.

After 20 years of hard work and dedication to the hundreds of children who have had the pleasure of sitting in her class, Pam deserves more from the district. The Olympic View community loves her and wants to see her stay at Olympic View in her 3/4 day program.