CC PACKET 06122018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 21, 2018 To: St. Anthony Planning Commission and City Council From: Holly Wick Bower, Resident at 3038 Harding St. NE RE: Willow & Sprout Conditional Use Permit & Zoning Text Amendment As a Willow & Sprout neighbor and parent of former Willow & Sprout students, I support the request of Jen Johnson, owner of Willow & Sprout, to increase enrollment from 14 to 17 students. Willow & Sprout's location is an ideal setting for a quality early childhood experience and an asset to our community. Because of its location across the street from a cemetary, Willow & Sprout has few neighbors impacted by increased traffic or other disruptions throughout the day. It is a joy to hear the laughter and banter of the children when I am out working in my yard on days I am home. And, I believe having a preschool in a home -like environment provides a sense of belonging and safety that bigger preschools do not provide. As a parent of former Willow & Sprout students, I was and continue to be impressed with the curriculum, individualized learning plans, communication and other opportunities the children at Willow & Sprout experience. Students engage in higher order thinking around topics of interest. They engage in quality art experiences, physical activity and outdoor /environmental learning. The children are taught and use language that is respectful and are given responsibilities that foster independence and collaboration. My children are currently in 3rd and 5th grade at Wilshire Park Elementary. They are meeting and exceeding the standards both academically and socially. Because of their preschool experience at Willow & Sprout and the support of their teachers, Jen Johnson and Tami Hodgkins, our children have moved on to elementary school with confidence and the skills to be positive contributors in their community. Allowing three more students to receive a world -class preschool experience prepares them to be an asset to our community, thus I urge you to approve the request put forth by Jen Johnson, owner of Willow & Sprout. Thank you!