Our Specials

	Founding Member 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher Phyllis Nakagawa I believe that all children have the right to a safe and positive environment in which to learn and grow. Children learn at different rates, in different modes and with different types of motivation. As educators we must respect that individuality and create diverse opportunities for our children to grow. "If a child is to keep alive her inborn sense of wonder, she needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with her the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in." - Rachel Carson

	Founding Member 5th & 6th Grade Teacher Vic Smith Working with fifth and sixth grade students is refreshing, inspiring, often surprising, and just plain fun. A renewed excitement for learning seems to emerge in eleven and twelve year old children, especially when they are encouraged to investigate topics in ways that interest them. I believe that all of our children are worthy of high, realistic and individualized expectations. I perceive the upper elementary years as a time that we can help mold each student’s innate desire to learn in a way that will help guide him or her through many years of self-directed and stimulating educational opportunities.

	Founding Member Music & Suzuki Teacher Phyllis Smith Music brings such joy to life and the more we know and understand about music, the more we can appreciate what we are hearing. In classes we study composers, rhythm, melody, form and harmony, play instruments, listen and sing. Suzuki string lessons are offered to students of all ages. They provide opportunities for individual and group learning and performing in a variety of settings.

	3rd & 4th Grade Teacher Gail Spinden My goals as a teacher are to help children build independence and personal power, as well as to teach subject matter and skills that students can use to solve problems. I am enthusiastic about teaching, especially science, and provide many hands on experiments so students can learn through discovery. I offer a small, caring classroom where students are empowered to assume responsibility for themselves and their learning. My greatest joy as a teacher is to guide students so they will feel valued for their unique learning styles.

	Pre-K & K Teacher Katy Spiller Early Childhood is a magical phase of life, the time when one sees the world through wide-open eyes.  It is this outlook on life that inspired me to teach at the early childhood level. Teaching is a passion of mine; there is nothing better than the look on a child’s face when introduced to new and exciting things.    I feel very strongly that a child’s first experience with school should be positive.  Every child has his or her own style of learning and growing, along with a uniquely wonderful personality and talents.  Each needs to be nurtured in a way that will benefit her or his very own being.  My purpose is to encourage children in their journeys, and find exciting and enjoyable ways to do so.  Children are ready to dive in.  It is my job to provide the pool.