This is the fourth in a five-part series highlighting stories of parents’ experiences in the Hoboken Public Schools Kindergarten program at the four elementary schools in the district.
Our 3 children are all at Wallace Elementary School. Our son in 3rd grade and our twins girls are thriving Kindergartners.
We decided to separate our twins for the first time this year and place them in different Kindergarten classes. They actually fight over who loves their teacher more! Both of their Kindergarten teachers are exceptional at teaching, nurturing and loving our children.
There was a smooth transition from preschool into a more structured learning environment. The small classrooms allow our daughters to learn socially and emotionally, and has been incredibly supportive in their need to be separate, independent and growing children. One of our daughters has been receiving ‘challenge’ work in addition to regular school work in a fun way that pushes her to want to learn more.
I asked both my girls what they loved most about being at Wallace and they agreed that it is having the older children at the same school. I agree with the girls and love having Kindergartners collaborate with older children at Wallace. My daughters have been learning to code with 5th graders on a monthly basis, building towers in science with 4th graders and working on reading and writing with 6th grade buddies.
In the 5 short months since Kindergarten started, I have seen tremendous growth in both of my girls. Their independence, knowledge in all different subjects, ability to communicate and socialize is impressive. I thank their teachers and the curriculum for their progress.
~Joyce Wang Simons, A Proud Wallace Mom
