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What do parents and educators have to say about TK?
"I can always tell which of my students came from TK! They come in confident, socially and academically prepared, and most importantly- loving school. Many of my students from TK regularly tell me how much they loved their TK teacher, and of all the fun activities they did. As a Kindergarten teacher, it's so reassuring to know that at the beginning of the year, I'll have some students that already know the rules and routines of our school, and who have built relationships with some of their peers, other teachers and staff, and our principal. TK is a wonderful program that benefits not only the students, but our campus as a whole!"
- Kami Ferguson
Kindergarten Teacher
"I think that TK is beneficial. I notice my TK students are more familiar with routines and they come in with more confidence. I don't think I've ever heard of my TK kids complaining that they have done a certain activity in TK and don't wanna do it anymore. Kindergarten is another new world for them and I believe that TK is good preparation for it. Thank you for all you do because it makes a difference in my classroom."
- Shirley Gunawan
Kindergarten Teacher
"TK is a huge advantage, even when fully remote during a pandemic. My daughter is in a TK class right now, and she's grown and learned so much. Calendar, recognizing emotions, patience for her turn, and accepting and growing from mistakes are all key skills she's learned so far this year. The teacher is able to meet each student where they are at and foster their interest, which other kids see and are inspired by. So, while not required, this has resulted in at least half the class reading or starting to read, the kids excited about things like building, scientific experiments, the weather/climate, drawing more complex pictures, and learning other languages. Even the remote aspect has become a learning experience, with my daughter knowing how to login, check and submit her own homework, and expressing interest in learning how to type with two hands. I wish my second daughter was born in a month that would let her be part of TK. I wish it was offered to all kids!"
- Van N.
TK Parent
"My daughter gained so much from attending the TK program at Blacow Elementary. The program provided a good combination of activities that improved my daughter’s academic skills and, most of all, fostered socio-emotional development that prepared her to be with her peers in kindergarten the following year. She blossomed in the TK Program from the many developmentally-appropriate opportunities provided by the teacher. While my daughter entered the program already equipped with expected knowledge and skills for her age, she improved on the confidence to use these inside and outside of school. She learned so much about making good choices, expressing and regulating her emotions, respecting peers and adults, and using problem-solving skills. The TK program was effective in helping my daughter get ready for the bigger demands of the next grade levels. In addition, she also developed friendships that have continued to grow until now because of the positive environment within the TK classroom."
- Jen Lambinicio
TK Parent
"Our son, Vihaan, is attending TK with Mrs. Ramos at Durham Elementary. He is one of those kids who started their School Life virtually, but we are so happy today that he felt connected to the class. Managing a Zoom class with 20+ five-year-old kids is a daunting task, but Mrs. Ramos worked-out things so well. It's an important stepping stone for the small-ones when they learn how to do things right. Vihaan feels connected with the class; he already met a few of his classmates and can't wait to attend in-person courses with them. He found an interest in crafting and painting already. I would surely recommend everyone to try out TK if their kids fall in that age category."
- Barnali & Pritam
TK Parents
"Our little one attended the TK program at Oliviera in FY19-20 and it was an immensely enriching experience. She became much more confident in her overall approach to things. She developed very good social, analytical and speaking skills. She learnt about different cultures by interacting with kids from different cultural backgrounds. Her teachers Ms. Rachel and Ms. Sam were extremely nurturing and took care of all of the needs of our child in school. They ensured kids were engaged with different activities which develops their mental skills and analytical thinking. When FUSD moved to an online mode in March 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we were amazed by the support provided by the school and her teachers. Our child transitioned to the online mode of teaching very seamlessly and thanks to her teachers for all the care and efforts for making this transition successful. I would highly recommend FUSD Transitional kindergarten and it has been a very nurturing and fulfilling experience for our child."
- Vytesh Ramesh
TK Parent
"TK is a wonderful program that prepares students for kindergarten! I find that the students that come into my kindergarten class from TK adjust quickly to the routines in kindergarten. Since TK follows many of the same rules and procedures of our school, TK students tend to know the playground rules and how things are done. Socially, the TK students have learned how to kindly interact with their peers which is great because they bring what they have learned into kindergarten. Academically, I find that many of the TK students have the foundation to take on the learning required in kindergarten. TK definitely gives students a head start!"
- Laura Wu
Kindergarten Teacher
"TK students are more prepared socially and emotionally to handle the academic rigor of Kindergarten. My TK students are often my leaders when it comes to classroom and learning expectations. Learning through play the way students do in TK is not only developmentally-appropriate, it is also incredibly effective and sets students up with a great love of learning! I know this as my own children benefited from TK programs and thrived when they were in Kindergarten."
- Lesli Norton
Kindergarten Teacher
"I have two students who participated in the TK program here in FUSD and would recommend it to any parent with a child(ren) that is of age to attend. This program is necessary and invaluable for our littlest scholars as they prepare for school life. Both children were able to navigate through Kinder and beyond with ease and comfort. My children were well prepared both academically and socially. The skills that were learned while in TK has proven to guide them through the challenges they have experienced during this pandemic and with distance learning. They can express themselves using proper social-emotional language and I know they are better students because of this."
- Monica Ravelo
TK Parent
"TK with FUSD, by far was the best program to ready my child for 1st grade. My daughter had attended preschool, mommy and me classes, and I homeschooled, and none of it compared to the year of TK. She learned how to follow directions in a classroom setting, learned how read, learned how to be a friend and interact with her peers in a classroom setting. I was apprehensive at first given how much time we spent teaching her her letters, numbers etc, but the hands on learning of how to be on a schedule and follow the perimeters of a classroom and relearn what was taught to her in a group setting was invaluable. Of course, we did have an amazing teacher, it’s clear Mrs. Savage loves her job and her students. She was always making learning fun and met the skill level of each child, which I had the privilege to observe when volunteering in the classroom. I even tried to have my baby be born in the “TK months” so they would be able to attend TK. I really hope that you keep this program, as it benefits the kids as well as the parents to understand and get comfortable with the FUSD system. I also wish it would expand! To include children who will turn 5 between sept 2- sept 1 the next year. TK for all! It’s truly a unique and all around beneficial program!"
- Jamie Morris
TK Parent
"TK is a perfect introduction into the public school system. TK isn't just a class, it is a support community, it's a family. The nature of TK allows teachers to focus on creating a culture that allows students to grow academically but also, and more importantly, socially and emotionally. Students who go through TK are a step ahead of their peers because of what they learn in the program. Not only do they get the academics, but they are taught important lessons on the social-emotional side as well. My son's transition to Kindergarten was seamless because of TK. My oldest qualified for TK and I wish my other kids did too! Kindergarten teachers have so much curriculum they have to get through that there isn't the time to focus on helping students get along with each other, and be good friends."
- Jackie Ward
TK Parent
"Do you remember having to peel Josh off my leg in the first part of TK? You helped him gain confidence. Mrs. Tay was so kind and loving. I wouldn't want any kid to miss out on that opportunity."
- Jennifer Perry
TK Parent
"TK is an awesome program. My daughter, Chloe, did not make the cut off for kindergarten but was eager to go to school, we’re very glad there was a TK program by our house and was very lucky to have an awesome teacher, Mrs. Megan Savage. Chloe loved going to her class as she is very patient and is wonderful with these kids. My daughter looked forward to going to school everyday. Not only did she have a great teacher, she also loved making new friends and playing together after school was so important for her, physically and emotionally."
- Michelle Chan
TK Parent
"Students who have TK experience know how to use materials, can follow routines, have better impulse control, are able to work cooperatively with peers and they come in with the foundation they need to engage effectively with the kindergarten curriculum."
- Mrs. A.
Kindergarten teacher
"TK is a wonderful program and I highly recommend it. Students come to Kindergarten well prepared, confident, and ready to learn. Since they've already been exposed to a classroom environment, they have no problem transitioning to the next level. I really value the social-emotional skills that are developed in TK!"
- C. Lee
Kindergarten Teacher
"My son Shay had the pleasure of working with Ms. Silva in TK. I cannot express how important TK is for children. My son is very shy, and he was so nervous about school. I was worried that he would struggle in kindergarten. TK is so much more than academics. My son gained friendships, learned routines, and most importantly, found CONFIDENCE. Because of TK, he was more than ready for kinder. Shay is doing amazing in kinder and I cannot be more proud. I wish all my kids had the opportunity for TK."
- Sarita Trujillo
TK Parent
"TK has helped our son tremendously improve his social skills and confidence level. He doesn't shy away interacting and discussing various topics with his friends and classmates. For someone who was not so excited about attending classroom in pre-school, I am amazed to see how excited and engaged he is in TK classroom. He has also developed academically by doing interesting assignments in the classroom. I would highly recommend any parents to consider TK for their kids."
- Sudhanshu Rajvaidya
TK Parent
"I had a choice of continuing private pre-school or TK for my son and I chose TK (even though it meant arranging afterschool care for him) because we wanted him to get the experience in a public school setting. Now he is in 3rd grade and every year he has been doing very well. TK gave him a clear edge in understanding the school set up early and picking the social and behavioral skills which are critical to later grade success."
- Supriya Desai
TK Parent
“My daughter, Ava, attended TK with Mrs. Savage in 2018-2019. It was a wonderful experience and helped prepare her for kindergarten in many ways. TK helped Ava build emotional regulation skills, develop social skills and become kindergarten-ready. Her experience helped her become a confident student and improved her independence. Her transition into Kindergarten was smooth because of the preparation she received from TK. We were very grateful that this program was available to Ava and wish that it has been offered to our older children when they were entering school.”
- Adrienne Ayenco
TK Parent
"I love visiting TK classrooms! Students get to learn from play and get a head start with all their pre-academic skills. When these students enter Kindergarten they already know the expectations of classroom behavior. They come to school in Kindergarten with confidence and an eagerness to learn!"
-Tammy Pachote
Fremont Principal
"Students that attend TK come into Kindergarten already aware of the expectations of a classroom and are amazing role models for their peers who did not attend TK."
- Lauren Goldeen, M.S.Ed.
SDCII Kindergarten Teacher
"My daughter had a wonderful TK experience under the instruction of Megan Savage. I was worried about Autumn and how she would function at school. She was very young and I had concerns with how she would adjust to school. With the proper guidance, Autumn was able to develop the social and emotional skills she needed. TK helped her grow at an appropriate pace, adjust to being in a classroom, get used to being away from home, and succeed in building a love of learning. Ms. Savage is a whole magical toolbox of taking these kids from home to a classroom environment. TK is a specialized balance in my opinion."
- Diana Chapa
TK Parent
"Both of my kids have had the benefit of going through Fremont's TK program and I am soooo thankful! Both have had WONDERFUL TK teachers and have really loved the experience. My children did attend preschool before TK, and the TK program was the perfect transition from a preschool program to a kindergarten program. It has also given my children the benefit of time, I'm so glad they were both able to have a little more time to mature, learn social skills, and have a hands-on academic experience before transitioning to the more rigorous kindergarten class!!! In looking at my children's work, the TK work seems like what kindergarten was for me when I was a child, so TK prepares kids really well for the increasing demands on the kindergarten curriculum. The TK program prepared my kids not just academically for success in kinder, but also socially and emotionally, which has helped them to be more successful overall in school."
-Melissa Schulz
TK Parent
"My son is a third grader now, he was lucky to be the first batch of TK students at Oliveira. Ms. Rachel and Ms. Sam are wonderful with children, they pay special attention to each kids needs and ease them to the school routine, each day at TK turned out to be a fun learning experience for my son, this definitely had a great impact not only on just his education but his overall development, I am very thankful to Ms. Rachel and Ms. Sam for what they have done for my son and I am very glad he got to experience the most fun filled part of schooling “TK”
- Deepti Sabarinathan
TK Parent
"Bright is a 2014 TK kid, now he is in 5th grade. This TK year I feel is the best experience for his school. He learned how to write his name, he made long term friends and most important he got used to school routine. We still keep the school project from TK and we still enjoy reading his TK memory book. What a wonderful program."
- Zhiying Zuo
TK Parent
"I find that the students who have been in Transitional Kindergarten are more prepared for Kindergarten. They have an easier time following rules, communicating with peers, and behaving in a large group setting. Since TK allows students to learn social and emotional skills, they are often more confident and cooperative. I have also noticed that these students have a good knowledge of letters, sounds, word recognition, counting, and problem solving skills. I can usually tell which of my students have had TK experience. Great job to all the TK teachers!"
- Winnie Lee
Kindergarten Teacher
"We are so grateful for the opportunity to have two of our children participate in TK. TK has had the most impact in terms of stimulating learning and development in both areas mental & social. Having 11 children we have experience relating to a diverse range of personalities and varying levels of learning. Offering our younger children a chance to mature and learn over a longer period has been life-changing. We have discovered that providing them more time to develop fundamental skills needed for success has helped to prevent them from feeling left behind as they continue through school. We can attest to the difference it has made for our kids & only wish it was an option for all children. Overall, our children’s motivation to learn has grown & we are so appreciative that FUSD offers TK."
-Kim & Jermaine Edmonds
TK Parents
"The TK program is where my son truly learned to LOVE learning. Caleb is in 5th grade now but he still talks about TK and his TK teacher. His experience in TK set the foundation of his educational curiosity at such an important developmental age that it has stayed with him and allowed him to continue to build success in school and also in life. I can truly and honestly say that if Caleb would not have had his TK experience he would not be where he is today. Our TK teacher was able to help us address some struggles he was having early on. She did this in such a prefect way for Caleb and us that we carrying those tools with us still. Our TK experience impacted and improved our parental approach to his needs and has not only created more success at school but at home.
TK is such an important part of the foundation for kids. It is what they will continue to build their future on. I will forever be grateful for the benefits our family received from the TK program."
-Stacy Lee
TK Parent
?My son attended the TK program 2 years ago with Mrs. Phillips at Parkmont Elementary. He loved being in school and around other kids his age. He did attend preschool prior to TK and while that was great for learning, TK has helped him become more independent, self confident and less shy. He has made many friendships and has become best buddies with a few of his TK friends. TK has prepared him for the expectations of kindergarten and made it a smooth transition to elementary school."
- Karen Yu
TK Parent
"TK was a great experience for my son. It helped prepare him for his education in so many positive ways. I am extremely grateful that he was able to have the TK experience."
-Kendra Kahermanes
TK Parent
"We could see a major improvement in our kid's behavior in terms of learning new things, being disciplined, taking turns and participate in group tasks etc. It was a major leap and smooth transition for him from pre-school environment to school atmosphere. We highly encourage all parents to make use of this TK program and utilize that for the growth of your kids."
- Sterin Jose & Femy Francis
TK Parents
"We are so thankful to my son's TK teacher Ms. Cassebeer. She is an amazing teacher who makes sure every kid in the class is attentive and engaged with her. We wonder how well she manages all the kids and so nicely she give them all turns to speak and express. We have seen many improvements in our son's social skills and confidence. She is the best teacher we have met so far!"
- Neha Pathak
TK Parent
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