Testimonials

My family immigrated when I was 12, so I never attended an elementary school here. My husband also is an immigrant. We didn’t know what to expect. Everything was new and scary. The first months were extremely stressful because we received a plethora of information about meetings and activities. But one thing that we went to that we still attend today is the Side by Side meetings. I am so glad we went. I come home exhausted after working 10-hour days and my kids are eager to go. It seems like home when you get there. You see smiling faces: parents, teachers, the community. It’s an organization that allows everyone to be included. The whole purpose is to help our children grow and learn, and to feel safe and empowered.

– Olga Koly, parent of Ismael at Bond Mill Elementary

I began going to Great Start in Chloe’s kindergarten year. I had concerns about her communication skills. The program has been helpful in teaching different techniques. I’ve been putting some of it to use and I see great improvement. Chloe couldn’t read last year, she’s reading now. The facilitators of the program always have good words of wisdom. It’s been fun. Chloe looks forward to it.

- Rachel Graham, parent of Chloe at Laurel Elementary

It’s a great chance to interact with other parents, teachers and the staff of Side by Side. You hear a lot of scenarios and opinions from different parents, different ways they go about raising and educating their kids. It gives you options that you wouldn’t have if you didn’t attend. The math game night and the reading game night for the kids are exceptional. And you’re able to take the stuff home with you. It helps you throughout the whole school year and, actually, in the summer too. It’s one of the best put-together programs I’ve attended.

- Tony Milton, parent of Tony Jr. at Bond Mill Elementary

I have the pleasure of working with some amazing people at Side by Side. They were the very first community partners I met. The summer before I became the principal they came and shared their vision with me concerning literacy, and I shared the same sentiment. Having a community partnership like Side by Side is instrumental in terms of the progress my students have made. They are always willing, and the tutors are amazing. The children really look forward to having an intimate opportunity to work with them. Our families look forward to Side by Side.

– McKenna Lewis, principal, James Harrison Elementary

My favorite part of Side by Side is getting to talk to adults because I talk to kids all day long. We talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly, because we know it’s there. When I start my sessions, I say this is a judgment-free zone. We are going to talk, we’re going to hash it out, we’re going to problem-solve together, whether it’s about reading, math, or behavior. We are going to get it out there and help each other. I have a blast with this program. I’m so blessed.”

– Jennifer Fowlkes, Great Start teacher at Laurel Elementary

This is my 3rd year doing Side by Side and I truly believe it has done nothing but wonderful things for our students. Just on a personal level, running the parent workshops and being able to interact with the families, I feel I have a better connection with them. I think about the kids I had last year that I put in tutoring. These were students I considered, “Ooh, ‘I’m a little worried about their reading data. I want them to make it; I want them to show the growth, and maybe what I’m doing in the classroom is not enough and they need that extra support.” When the tutors were finished, every one of my kindergarten students made their growth. There is nothing I can say but positive things.”

– Christina Harter, Great Start teacher at Deerfield Run Elementary