Dear Parents:

My name is Pam Stratton and I’m Aspen Creek’s Kindergarten Enrichment Specialist. I’ve been working as an educator for six years, earning my Colorado teaching license in 2007. I’ve earned a master’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and bachelor degrees from the University of Denver.

Joining me this year are Katie Espy, an architect and artist, and Pam Nelson, a licensed teacher also, with many years of experience in elementary education locally. I feel fortunate to be able to draw on the strengths of such a fabulous team.

Our program is designed to complement your child's Kindergarten class. In our class, a typical day includes creative play, group, art, literacy and outdoor play. Research supports the concept of educating the whole child through play -- the expansion of social-emotional skills and creativity enhances the development of strong academic skills.

Here at Aspen Creek our program emphasizes:

• a love of learning
• development of a solid foundation for success in learning throughout life
• creating a community that values positive regard for self and others
• building social skills and healthy friendships
• experiencing the joy of shared accomplishments through learning to work cooperatively with others
• appreciating the diversity of opinions and ideas
• building skills and confidence in creative expression
• exploring a wide variety of materials in the creative arts, including visual arts, dramatics, movement, music and writing
• opportunities for imaginative play, storytelling and many literacy-based activities
• experiencing the pleasure and appreciation of children’s literature

For more information about Kindergarten Enrichment, please visit the program website at: www.bvsd.org/ke