Dorothy Traver Walker – June 1, 2012 What a delight is has been for our family to have Charlie at The Chastain School. As we transition into summer and head off to Kindergarten, it is time for me to inform you that Charlie’s last day at The Chastain School will be June 29, 2012. What a wonderful ride it has been! Charlie and his family have loved all of his teachers. Who wouldn’t love Ms. Linda, Ms. Candice, Ms. Angela, Ms. Sherena and Mr. Eddie? They should each be commended for their expertise. Each has helped mold Charlie into the child he is today: sincere, energetic and smart. A child who is ready to enter kindergarten and embrace the transition whole-heartedly! Although Ms. Brenda, Ms. Vera, Ms. Tracey, Mr. Wakefield and you (Ms. Ginger) have never taught Charlie directly, each of you has had an impact on Charlie and his family. The beauty of The Chastain School is there has never been a time that we have not been greeted warmly by a smile or a wave by any of your team. They all know Charlie, which is awesome and tells me each of the staff is dedicated to knowing and nurturing the children. We still look forward to a drop-in and parent’s night out on occasion, as there is really no way to just leave such a great place! Our son Luke has been a part of The Chastain School community for almost four years. I still remember the first day we came to visit and met Ms. Kathy. Loved her immediately and still do – along with the team of teachers that make this an incredible place to see our child learn and grow while he is surrounded by love. From the first week he was here, we knew we picked the right place (which is a huge decision for first time parents.) You made it easy for us to decide and you have made it the superior experience for our son and for us since that first week. Thank you for the love and investment you put into all it takes to run this school.
I just can’t express how much Chris and I appreciate The Chastain School, especially Caleb’s teachers, Ms. Ionie and Ms. Dia. They are just so wonderful. Caleb loves them and they are so good to him. Not only are they wonderful teachers to our little Coconuts, but they are so passionate and love what they do. And we really appreciate that. They are always available to answer questions and concerns. And most of the time, I get wonderful parenting tips from them. Caleb was on the CNN (Turner Bright Horizons) daycare waiting list. Two weeks ago, they called and said Caleb can enroll this fall. Chris and I had a serious talk that night about whether this transition would be a smart move. We definitely liked the lower tuition the new school offered, but because of Caleb’s wonderful teachers (Ms. Dia & Ms. Ionie) we decided to stay at Chastain. I just wanted to let you know that you have two fabulous teachers on your staff.
As I am sure you are aware, we have ABSOLUTELY loved Angela and Candice. These ladies have been phenomenal with our sweet children. I know every day that we drop Charlie off, he is in divine hands. He just adores them. He respects them and knows that he has a very important relationship with each of them. They have done wonderful things for Charlie and our family!!! They should certainly be recognized for all the greatness they bring to the Chastain table!!! All the Best!
Kali – October 13, 2010
I just wanted to let you know that I am so happy with Davis’ teachers. They are such a great pair together. They are different, but are so caring with the young toddlers. Davis has learned so much in the last couple of months, too. They seem to take the lesson plans very serious, even on hectic days where I’m sure it’s next to impossible to stick to a schedule!! Davis wasn’t feeling well yesterday, and Sharon was just holding him until I could get there to take him home. They are both so sweet and I feel SO BLESSED to have had Davis with them for 2 years of his life (and hopefully more!!)
Cole is doing phenomenal at Morris Brandon. Several teachers have asked where he was prior to coming to Brandon. He says the work is easy, and it takes him less than 10 minutes to complete his homework/class work. So, we had him assessed this weekend and enrolled him in a Kumon class so he is challenged. They said he is definitely above the average kindergarten student based on the results from the test. He has joined the Kindergarten Chess Club (he won his first game last week.) Every Friday, he asks about Parent’s Night Out so we don’t forget to take him back to Chastain. He misses everyone. Thanks for everything. Please let me know if you ever need me as a reference for other parents about our experience and the results.
I just wanted you to know what a great job Sherena has done with Caitlin. My husband requested a conference about her to assess how she did this summer and when we couldn’t find a convenient time with our work schedules, Sherena offered to come over to our house in the evening. She spent an hour or so going over the assessment with us. I thought that was really nice of her to do on her own time.
I’m a walking billboard for The Chastain School. If parents want references, please feel free to provide my email address. As a mom who had a child transition at 3yrs of age to Chastain (Gray came into Mimosa in December 2006 from PPCDC) and then was blessed to have a newborn start at 8 weeks, I am very comfortable with discussing the reasons why we chose Chastain for both children. Gray reads at a 4th grade level in 1st grade. I love Ms. Asya and Rozelina! Sophia smiles and joins me in hand motions to Christian songs and is happy in her class each day. Thank you Chastain School!!!
Suzanne – April 27, 2010
Thank you for the wonderful care and great teaching for my son Terry at The Chastain School. The Chastain School has been a terrific place for Terry to learn and grow and play these last two years. Dana, you are doing a great job as Director of the school. I know it will continue to thrive under your leadership.
It’s with heavy heart that I type this letter. As you know, Sean has accepted a new position in Connecticut. While it’s a great opportunity for our family, I realize that we are leaving opportunities behind as well. TCS has been a phenomenal experience for Hannah and for me. She lights up every morning when I ask her if she wants to go to school. She runs towards the front door yelling “bye-bye” and I have to head her off – she’d go to school in her pajamas if I’d let her! I said goodbye to the guilt of being a working mother quite a while ago; Hannah loves TCS so much that I feel privileged to be able to give her that opportunity. Her teachers have been a tremendous influence on our child, and I cannot thank them enough for finally getting her on her feet! They are so patient and kind, despite the daily challenges of molding eight strong-willed individuals into little people. Additionally, the bonds at TCS extend well beyond the relationships that our children have with their teachers. Hannah runs out of class in the evenings not because she wants to go home, but because she’s headed to the front desk to give the staff hugs. Another thing I really like about TCS is the fact that everyone is committed to making sure that the classroom ratios are within guidelines at all times. It has given Hannah an opportunity to interact with other teachers and to play with children outside her class and age group. In my opinion, this has made her more social, adaptable, and independent. I especially want to thank Dana (Director) and Kathy (Program Coordinator) for the leadership and guidance you provide at TCS. Many companies recognize the benefits of management by walking around, but few can actually implement it successfully. The two of you are so active and engaged with the staff, the parents, and - most importantly – the children. I don’t think I’ve ever been at school without seeing at least one of you in the halls or in a classroom! We are so lucky to have been a part of the TCS family – you will all be missed! All the Best!
Dorothy – March 10, 2010
Just so you know we absolutely love Ms. Sherena! So glad she was awarded teacher of the month! I was just telling her yesterday (before I read this) how awesome she is!!!! Charlie loves Linda and Sherena.
Robert & Nina – February 12, 2010
Oscar and Leo had a great time during their year at The Chastain School, made great friends, and learned an amazing amount of new things…starting with a proper American accent. Above all, I would like to let you know that we think the Oak teachers are both excellent. Not only did they teach the boys so much, but they did it in such a lovely way that really made us feel good about sending the boys to school every day. What we especially like and appreciate about them is that they seem to really love their job and the kids they teach, they seem really natural and passionate about what they do (and I can only begin to imagine how exhausting their job is). As far as we have seen, this quite exceptional. So thank you and see you soon! We will send postcards from Africa and let you know the boys’ new experiences.
Mike & Dominique – January 29, 2010
Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of Hampton, Mike and I becoming a family. When we look at Hampton today it is almost impossible to believe only 12 months ago, I was carrying him in my arms out of Russian Baby Home #15. He was so small, so scared, and so very sad. Today he is a much different little boy. So lively, so happy, so bright and full of life. I have told you before but it bears repeating: We owe so much of his transformation to each of you! Thank you so very much for the love, attention and care you have invested in Hampton (and all the children.) I hope when you look at him running through the halls, you’ll pat yourself on the back for a job well done!! Love and appreciation!
I can’t resist dropping a note to say how fabulous I think the TCS team is. Today’s parade was yet another great example of the entire team’s talent, dedication, creativity and energy. The effort it must require to come up with these costumes, design and create them and then get all of the kids on the same page to wear (and in some cases perform!) is so impressive. I think this example of everyone going the extra mile reinforces the wonderful atmosphere of the teamwork and family at the school. Day after day, I’m in awe of the enthusiasm, information, love and discipline Ms. Candice and Ms. Angela (along with SO many other teachers & staff) share with Adelaide and the other children. Whether big things like today’s Halloween display or the kindness of small actions that take place minute, day after day, I think all make the school a truly special place. A big thank you from Mark and me….
Thank you so much for taking care of me. My parents were so impressed with how everyone handled it. We will be forever grateful.
We feel so highly about The Chastain School that we will continue to recommend it to all of our friends and colleagues. You can expect more referrals from us in the future. Thank you for all the enhancements you’ve made lately. It’s a great place for Patrick.
We absolutely loved TCS and are so thankful for such a positive learning experience for Addison’s first school TCS is a wonderful school with great teachers that helped us create memories that will last a life-time.
Caleb has learned a lot. He has really come a long way since he started at TCS and I am proud to say that we have no regrets just thankfulness for allowing us to become a part of your school as family. The time has come for us to say good-bye, but it is not the end of the road. We the Bell family would like to thank the owners, director and your entire staff for everything you have done for our son Caleb. May God continue to bless you all.



