Warren W. Cherry Preschool
1418 Lake Street
Evanston, IL 60201
847.492.1213
November 1, 2017
DearFriends,
Please join me in supporting Cherry Preschool where your gift ensures that children of all backgrounds and abilities have access to play-based early childhood education.
When I first became a Cherry parent six years ago, my focus was on finding the best school for my daughter. I didn’t realize then how unique Cherry Preschool is. I loved the art on the walls, the experienced teachers, that there was a play-lot for the younger children, and that the older ones got to go to the best park ever. I liked that it was play-based and appreciated that there was an inclusion program. It took me years and several children to understand what makes Cherry so special. Here is what is most important about Cherry to me and why I feel so comfortable asking you to donate financially to support this wonderful school and a huge part of the Evanston community.
Cherry’s inclusion program is incredibly unique and valuable. Families of children in the inclusion program talk about how, until they came to Cherry, their child had not been included in play dates or birthday parties; how Cherry helped give their child the experience and building blocks to thrive in an elementary school classroom. Families who could otherwise not afford the expense of a one-on-one aide need not worry about that at Cherry. Some families come to Cherry because of the inclusion program. Many are already at Cherry and realize that their child or their next child would benefit from the immeasurable help of an aide. As a parent of a one-year-old, I find it incredibly comforting to know that should my youngest need extra help; I would have the full support of Cherry as an organization and the wonderful community of Cherry parents and alumni parents. My children have benefited greatly from the inclusion program – they have learned not to shy away from children who may seem different from themselves and that all children can play together and be friends. We ask you to see this request for a financial donation as a way to support a truly impactful program. The effect ripples out and benefits not only the individual child and family but the fabric of our entire community. Your donation will help Cherry do even more good in our community.
Many people don’t realize that Cherry Preschool currently offers over $100k in financial scholarships each year! Preschool is a significant expense for young families. But we value the benefits for our children, and so we try to make it work financially. We have heard or read the studies on how important early childhood education is for children and for improving equity within communities. Cherry plays a big part in providing this key foundation to children who otherwise might miss out – 25% of Cherry Preschool students receive some scholarship assistance. These scholarships do immeasurable good and deserve your support. I ask you to think of Cherry Preschool as a way to make a difference in the world, right here in your community, through the life of a child!
We ask so much of our preschool and preschool teachers. I want them to help my child learn to play well with others, to be able to focus and engage in class activities and to feel confident speaking up and sharing their likes and dislikes with their peers. I want them to bring home art that I can frame and hang on the wall! If their teacher teaches them to cough into their sleeve and happens to throw a great holiday concert, all the better! I am slightly joking, but we do have such wide and immense hopes for our children's’ preschool years. What I love so much about Cherry Preschool is that I feel that the teachers’ number one goal is to help our children be good people; kind, inclusive, confident, and playful!
As I become less sleep deprived, I am increasingly aware of how much effort the teachers and staff put into really understanding who each child is as an individual. Everyone at Cherry is so incredibly invested in your children. And your children feel that and benefit from that. The Cherry teachers, staff, and community offer so much support during what are wonderful but also difficult and sometimes scary years for parents. The tuition that families pay, while significant, covers only the basics. Financial donations translate into scholarships and aides for children with special needs, as well as things like extra art supplies for the classrooms, updated toys when needed (the school is 25 years old!), and more and cooler enrichment activities. The more we can contribute, the more the school can offer current and future students.
Thank you for taking the time to read a few of the reasons why Cherry Preschool means so much to so many. Your support of Cherry Preschool will make an impact on the lives of children in your community – children who can go on to do so much. Please, make your gift today!
Sincerely,
Nora Kahn
Board President
P.S. Giving is easy. Go online or use the enclosed envelope. Your gift--large or small--makes a difference.