Our School

I was saving this post for a later date so that I could have more opportunity to take more pictures and talk about more events down the year.  But it turns out that less than 3 weeks after school started, there's already plenty to talk about.

Niles Elementary is a true gem of the Fremont Unified School district.  But since I'm a first time school parent, I'm probably quite partial.  So far though, our experience is quite spectacular.  Part of the lure of living in my neighborhood is the quiet, homey feel of my close knit community.  Here, we still know our neighbors and are actually talking to them...often.  We update each other on things we need to know and be concerned about and share information about the events in and around our neighborhood. 

Our entry to school was one such information that my neighbor reminded me right on time.  For that reason, I'm quite grateful since we turned in our registration packet early and avoided the risk of being part of the overflow which was later moved to another nearby school.  

The school stands out because of the many special programs, mostly sponsored by parents and a very active PTA.  So far, I've been to 4 events (yes four) since the school year started...all to familiarize parents with teachers and vice versa and the calendar is still packed with more to come!

Mer's teacher is just as accomodating.  She's alert and sympathetic and more importantly, she wants to make sure Mer stay true to her beliefs and her values...something that I'm very grateful for.  

The school is also impressive on it's safety procedures.  Volunteers are plenty but they are kept track with a check-in, check out system with no exceptions...so if the class is in session and you're not there to work, you will get kicked out (I know coz' it happened to us already)!  Older students are often volunteering, visible and interacting with the younger kids - a Waldorf-like procedure that works well for learning on both parties.  The curriculum is probably "industry standard" but the teaching methods are great, again involving the parents and other student volunteers. 

I will have a chance to work with Mer's teacher on several aspects.  I'll be handling the book check for their class library every Friday and may likely be a volunteer for their workshop for that day as well.  I also signed up for FAME, an arts program to teach Mer's class and others the love of art (something very close to my heart).  And hopefully there's more things to come down the road as well.

Lastly, Niles is simply beautiful!  Yes, I do mean the school buildings itself.  Remember this is part of Niles Fremont and it's as vintage as the town itself.

We are definitely excited to be a part of this beautiful, top notch school!