Preparing kids for success
The La Conner School District has renewed its Faith in early learning.
Faith McIntosh, the new teacher leading the district’s Brave Beginnings Pre-K, welcomed 12 students, primarily 4-year-olds, to the new full-day program late last month after funding was restored following a temporary federal freeze.
Having survived the temporary federal funding freeze this past summer, the program is designed to provide a positive start on the lifelong learning journey for local children ahead of their kindergarten year.
McIntosh grew up in Vancouver, Washington, the daughter of career educators and Washington State University alumni. Thus, teaching is deeply embedded in her DNA — especially early childhood education.
“I really like teaching the ‘littles.’ I’m very excited to introduce them to school and prepare them for the rest of their school years,” she said. “My goals for this year are to help the kids learn life skills and social-emotional skills.”
McIntosh’s experience as a kindergarten teacher was ideal training for the Brave Beginnings position, she said.
“When I taught kindergarten, I saw the skills that some of the kids struggled with, so that’s been very helpful to me as far as knowing the areas where I can prepare the Pre-K kids to be successful,” she said.
“My goals for this year are to help the kids learn life skills and social-emotional skills.”
-Faith McIntosh
La Conner Elementary Principal Marcus Knowles is excited to have McIntosh on board.
“I’m excited for the students that get to work with Faith,” Knowles said. “Faith has stepped in right away building relationships with staff and families. She brings positivity and enthusiasm that has already had an impact on the school.”
For example, Knowles said McIntosh is helping design the campus Pre-K playground.
Away from work, McIntosh enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling. She once spent six weeks touring Europe, enjoying Copenhagen in particular, and is certified to teach in Denmark. McIntosh feels fortunate, though, that La Conner is her current stop.
“I’ve loved it,” she said. “Everybody has been so helpful, and the community is super welcoming. I’m really impressed with the small-town feel, and the community atmosphere here is great.”
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
