Dear Ms. Lori,

Last summer I brought Drew to the Open Classroom Campus where he walked around trying to assess whether to stay in his traditional program which was forcing him into a box where he didn't belong, or to agree to make a change. Neither one of us likes change but we visited and later that day Drew said, "My heart tells me that the Open Classroom is the right place for me."

When I received my first email from you I knew things were already different. You exuded kindness and gentleness and yet I could feel the firm boundaries that you have in place. We were still scared.

It's been a full school year and I still marvel a the grace with which you guide so many independent and free thinking souls. You helped us identify several areas that were holding Drew back and helped us come up with plans for moving forward. I am most amazed at how Drew has come out of his shell, learned to resolve issues and stretch into challenges.

I cannot thank you enough for giving my son another chance to: thrive, feel successful, be himself, find his joy, and see what he is capable of.

Thank you for pushing him while loving him. Thank you for helping him navigate tricky waters without judging him. Thank you for giving him opportunities to shine.

Thank you for sharing your gifts and your bright light with our children. You are making a difference that will forever change how they see and interact with the world!

We love and adore you!