Overfield Early Childhood Program

Parents:

I will share some of Maggie's recent achievements. She participated in a Destination Imagination competition on Saturday with a team of students. They had to do a music video, build props, etc. They did a modern day rap version of the Wizard of Oz and did an amazing job. They got a 2nd place. Maggie was "Rappin Dorothy" and wrote most of the script. Yesterday they had a puppet show at Concord and last year they had submitted stories to be used — Maggie was surprised yesterday when one of the shows was the story that she wrote. I am obviously a proud mother but I think this shows how important early creativity, play and interaction with nature is.
Heidi, an Overfield Parent

A mother recently e-mailed us about a conversation she said took place with her ten-year-old son as they were driving in the car. She explained that the conversation began“completely out of the blue (as kids often do in the car)." Ben said, “I’m so glad I went to Overfield. I think it made me smarter."

"Why do you think that?"

"Well, just the way you learn there. They use things the kids are interested in, and while you are working on those projects you learn your subjects like social studies, science and math. You learn those things while you work with art. Like when we worked on the street cleaner. We worked on it for a long time. But it was fun. We learned while we had fun. I wonder if they still have that street cleaner we made."

I found his summary of the Overfield approach so interesting. He hit it right on — 5 years later, after he had doubled the length of his life. The effects schools can have on children!

Thanks for all you do for children,
Lori, an Overfield Parent

P.S. Benjamin would really like to come visit Overfield again. Do you have school on Friday? Perhaps he could come for a peek that day when it is convenient.

As a new Overfield parent, I cannot begin to explain just how wonderful this school is. Children are treated with respect - respect for their thoughts, their feelings, their creativity - everything. Our daughter has grown so much thanks to Overfield and the many interesting opportunities afforded to the children here. And she's not the only one who is learning. We, as her parents, are discovering that we are parenting her in a different way since we joined the Overfield family. We encourage her to think and learn and try and fail without showing her how to do everything. We've learned just as much as she has. It is amazing to see just what a 3-year-old child is capable of, if you just let them learn through joyful experiences. Our daughter said it best when she said, "I love Overfield, Mommy. I love it so much that I just want to squeeze it!."
Tracy, an Overfield Parent

The education your child receives at Overfield cannot be gained anywhere else in the area. Higher level thinking skills, creativity, imagination, problem-solving and discovery are not things that are valued and taught at other early childhood programs as they are at Overfield. You provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Renee, an Overfield Parent

Overfield is the best school in the area. If you want your child to have a solid foundation on which to build their education on — it’s Overfield. There is no limit to the opportunities set before them.
Kim, an Overfield Parent

Thank you, all of you, for having the patience to guide my daughter in making positive changes in her learning and behavior and for subtly sneaking in Content Standards. I honestly believe she has excelled because the activities are relevant to everyday living, not because they coordinate with the “letter of the week” approach.
Jill, an Overfield Parent

What an incredible environment, philosophy, and set of teachers. A decision you will never regret.
Colleen, an Overfield Parent

Once you experience Overfield, you won’t want to go anywhere else!”
Amy, an Overfield Parent

The best facility, Overfield introduces my son to projects he would never do at home or with our babysitter.
Jill, an Overfield Parent

Visitors:

Dear Mrs. Hobart:

Our visit together this morning at your very special school was most engaging and stimulating. Thank you for taking the time to show me your lifetime work-of-art. The school speaks of excellence throughout and obviously reflects upon the faithful passion of you and your husband. I loved Overfield. It felt like a very happy, organized, dynamic, creative, and interesting place, where all sort of possibilities exist for tomorrow’s activities. The design and architecture are compelling - so simple and so effective. The natural light is healing and beckoning for children and staff. The proximity to nature is exciting. The fluid activity in each unit is engaging. The choreography to the whole place is sophisticated and elegant. You indeed have wrought a masterpiece and it was a true privilege to witness it. Upon your return, we'd love to show you our unfolding plans at the former Museum of Natural History. We have so much to learn from a professional like you. You will see a school circling its humble beginnings! Thank you again for taking the time to show me around. I was honored to see all that you have created at Overfield.

Sincerely yours,
Drausin F. Wulsin
Director of Development

Volunteers:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hobart,

I want to thank you for allowing me to volunteer at Overfield this summer. It is truly a privilege to work with your kind and patient teachers. They generously shared their knowledge with me, making this quite an enriching experience. I loved spending time with the children and found them to be incredibly interesting and bright. Overfield has always been a very special place to me. Returning to Overfield as a volunteer, after having spent so many wonderful days there as a child was an especially meaningful experience. Thank you for the wonderful school you have provided for children. I look forward to spending time as a volunteer at Overfield in the future. I appreciate the opportunity to once again, learn at Overfield.

Sincerely,
Megan Caughey