As part of our series of articles for this year’s National Recreation & Park Association theme “Where You Belong”, we had a delightful conversation with Rachel Howard about her family’s experience with park district programs.
Rachel Howard is one of our most favorite people to talk with about the Park District, and especially about how her daughter Mia loves ParkSchool. The other day we got the latest on all things Mia, and learned a little about her brother Sam as well.
Last year when we talked with Rachel, Mia had just finished the school year as a Sapling. Now, Mia is 5 and a proud graduate of the Mighty Oaks preschool program. How is she doing? “She’s great! She went 5 days a week in the mornings,” said Rachel. “The program is fantastic. Miss Ginny and Miss Samia are incredible with the kids. It’s such a well-structured program that really gets the kids ready for Kindergarten. I’ve been so impressed with Mia’s growth, her independence, and how proud she was of the work she came home with. That’s been the most exciting thing—to see the pride she takes in the activities and all of the projects.” Being proud of what you’ve done. We couldn’t ask for a better outcome from Mia’s ParkSchool experience. Rachel continued, “Mia’s teachers have prepared her so well for the transition to Kindergarten. They really set the kids up for success as they enter elementary school.”
Our Miss Ginny retired in June after an incredible 39 years of making little lives better. You can read more about her in this story. Ask any Mighty Oaks parent, and they’ll tell you that Miss Samia continues to be amazing!
We talked about Mia making new friends and new connections at Mighty Oaks. “Yes! There were old friends who she had been with the year before, and there were lots of new friends this year as well.” ParkSchool kids tend to stay in the program. The smaller class sizes, the structure, and the connections to other families make it a place where everyone truly feels they belong. “Mia wants all of the kids in her class and her teachers to be with her when she goes to Kindergarten, because there is this warmth and sense of belonging to a community.” Well, we hope her friends go with her, but her teachers… not so much!
Did Mia do other Park District programs? “Yes!” (You can hear the smile.) “She did a Sports class, a Cooking class, and a Ceramics class after school at West Ridge. It’s so nice because she can stay at school and there’s a ‘bridge’ program where she played for a bit after Mighty Oaks. Then the teachers transition the kids to their after school classes, so parents don’t have to go back and forth.” How did Mia like those classes? “The Sports class (KidoKinetics) was great fun because they did some unique sports like Lacrosse and Pickleball. She also did Gymnastics on the weekends (at Centennial), which she loved.” We think “Keeping up with Mia” would make a great podcast!
“She’s formed a very strong bond with her friends and her teachers.” Connections, many of them lifelong, are what get built at your Park District. It truly is a place where you belong.
What’s next for the family? “My son Sam is 2½ and is in the Tot Stop camp this summer. He’s also done Gymnastics,” (at that age mostly tumbling, running, falling down), “and we love the Music class! We’re also registered for ParkSchool in the fall, so Sam will be a Sprout!”
That’s how the traditions continue and the connections grow at your Park District. We would love for you and your family to join us and be a part of everything we do. We invite you to share your stories with us. Right now, you can find all of our summer programs, activities, and events 24/7 on our website.
