Short Summary

I am Mirandy Cook.  I was until recently a youth services assistant at the Port Townsend City Library.  Most of you know me as the person who did the weekly children's programs.  What many of you don't know is that I studied Early Childhood Development, Storytelling, and Theories of Childhood Play at Goddard College.  This lead me to actually research what components and environmental conditions best facilitated early learning particularly in the intimate setting of a story time program.  I worked academically and pragmatically developing my programs over two years of research.  What I discovered was that music, narrative, and other activities and structure that promoted a group cohesion naturally opened the preschooler's mind to new ideas and greater conceptual retention.  This is why my programs had a kind of shared culture of little rituals, songs and art objects.  This is why they were so interactive and open ended.  This is why the atmosphere was one of caring and sharing.  Love doesn't just make your child feel better.  It helps her learn.

My school will be the children’s school. It will have a natural open ended aesthetic led by the curiosity and creativity of the children themselves.  There will be imaginative play, process based real art, community building, and lots of music making and storytelling.  All the scarves and parachute and dancing ribbons, treasure hunts, simple yoga, Spanish, Sign Language, and stone soup will be there.  It will be their own magical space where minds open up to all the possibilities and the children themselves will own their new found discoveries.  I envision a jug band concert.  I see nature as a central teacher.  I believe compassion should be a core curriculum.  Mindfulness is a state of learning. 

What We Need & What You Get

Since my departure from the library, I have been overwhelmed by the love and  support of so many of my friends, co-workers, and most especially, the parents of my story time children.  Many have insisted on helping more.  Many have suggested that I open a preschool.  Secretly, it has been a dream in the back of my head, and at the front of my heart, for many years.  I have felt that one hour a week was just not enough to sufficiently impact those precious beautiful children.  So, here I am, answering my life's actual calling - to open Singing Tree Preschool.  I do, though need some help.  I need start up funds.  These will cover initial rent, deposits, insurance, licensing, marketing material, and signage.  I figure $5,000 for all that.  Next the school will need furniture, cabinetry, manipulative/play stations, activity tables, books, instruments, and a play structure.  Natural materials and open ended items are crucial.  I envision a farmers market station inside with actual flower/vegetable beds outside.  I would love to have a little playhouse where lots of imagination can flourish.   

So what do you get for all of this generosity.  Well, for starters you get my undying gratitude just for visiting this page.  For pledges, there is the customary thank you card, a free digital copy of The Singing Tree picture book shown on the intro video, original whimsical illustration art prints by Mirandy's sister Arrolynn (8x10), and art prints of my husband's photography (approximately 11x17 or 17x25 depending on donation amount).  Please check out our gallery specifically set up for this occasion by hitting the "gallery" link at the top of this page. (When you choose perks that include an illustration or photo print make sure you email us with your image selection.)  For a $500 donation all of these items will be included plus a commemorative plaque proudly displayed at the school.  An extremely generous $1,000 donation will include everything plus a plaque and an additional living "singing" tree in honor of the kindness.  This tree will hopefully be on the school grounds, but circumstances may require it to be relocated to another public space in town.  It will of course include its own plaque with a poetic statement of gratitude honoring the generous donor.

Other Ways You Can Help

Donations are of course not the only way to help.  Spread the word.  Let the cat out the bag.  Run through the streets like Paul Revere.  Word of mouth is a wonderful way to share.  There is one fairly big item I am currently in search of - a warm, inviting, central school location!  A little house with a great room and a nice fenced in yard would be perfect.  The owners would have to agree to allow a preschool on the premises.  If anyone could find a welcoming host, that would be amazing.