Happy 40th Birthday, Spring Hill School
Happy 40th Birthday, Spring Hill School! I have been lucky enough to be a part of this Spring Hill journey from almost the beginning- I joined Laurie Shelton in 1986. I was privileged to work and play and grow at SHS for 18 years. I retired as the teaching director of SHS in 2005, passing the Spring Hill School (SHS) magic wand to Kira Harris. At SHS’s 20th birthday celebration and Jump up party, I literally gave Kira a magic wand to help her keep the ‘SHS magic’ going, and she has done just that, alongside an amazing team of teachers: Laura Mongeon, Kate Butler, Bejay Wilkinson, Anna Church and Naomi Alfini. For the past 4 years I have connected with SHS as a SHS Board Member.
Looking back over 40 years there have been big changes to the building, the teacher’s benefits, and student tuition assistance. The building grew through construction and renovation projects, a water system was added and Foster Forest was gifted to SHS. The SHS Board has also worked hard to increase salaries and benefits for SHS teachers. Thanks to Kira’s leadership, she has stayed on top of the State’s emerging plan to support early childhood programs for families and teachers- many families are now eligible to receive significant tuition assistance.
Happily, the heart and soul of SHS has not changed, only strengthened. The core values are the same. The Spring Hill School philosophy continues to be inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach. The SHS motto “Where Children Grow” is as true as it ever was. SHS is a learning community where children, parents and teachers are valued and supported and learn from one another. The teaching team is exceptional (I always say my proudest achievement is hiring most of this SHS team decades ago!) Johnny Jump Ups continue to be given on Jump Up days and Myrtle may outlive us all! “Nothing without JOY!” continues to be embraced by the entire SHS community.
Here’s to another 40 years of magic, dear Spring Hill School. I am so proud of the team- families, teachers and SHS Board members- that continue to make SHS a very special little school.
Love, Laura Brines
Photos from Spring Hill School's 40th Birthday Party, June, 2024, by Kintz
