Hello City Council members and staff,
My name is Lauren and Im a parent of the Menlo-Atheron Co-Op Nursery
school, and resident of downtown Menlo Park for almost 8yrs. My son who is
3 (going on 4yrs old) has attended the school last year and will be going
again this fall. I know youve been getting a lot of information, pleas,
and outreach from my fellow school parents and teachers, but I felt it
important to also add in my voice.
The Co-Op has been such a comfort and meaningful place to me and my family.
My son was born almost 7 weeks early and therefore had developmental
delays throughout the first several years of his life. I cannot put into
words how much being able to attend a co-op preschool has enabled me and my
son to feel comfortable and confident has he ventured into his first school
experience. Being able to be in class with him as needed, to ensure he
adjusted and got comfortable given some of his delays was a godsend. To top
it off, this school is so conveniently located to Menlo Park residents that
I always felt I could be there in just a few minutes if my son needed me at
any time. The school community always made me feel so comfortable that my
son was taken care of, and also supported me in my parently journey as a
first time parent.
The family/community of the school is above and beyond what Ive heard of
about any other early educational facility/school based on the many friends
with kids that Ive talked to all around the Bay Area. It truly is a gem
and I strongly urge you to continue providing a long term lease to the
school to ensure current and future families as well as Menlo Park itself
have this wonderful school and community.
Thank you for taking the time and consideration,
Lauren
