Endorsement from Sherry Horowitz, Director, Childrenspace preschool

To the Gazette,

I am writing in support of Andrea Furey's candidacy for Croton-Harmon School board member.

I first met Andrea when her son Jonathan joined our Childrenspace preschool program many years ago -- he's now a sixth grader. At that time, Andrea was a working mom who was grappling witht he revelation of her child's special learning needs and was just at the beginning of coming to grips with how best to help him move forward.

This can be a difficult time for parents. To her credit, not only did Andrea get her child the help he needed, she went several steps further. She started up a new Special Education PTA in the Croton school district to help other families deal with similar issues. It is so reassuring for parents new to Special Education to have a group of "veterans" that he or she can join! SEPTA also reaches out to the greater educational community by offering educational events for parents and professionals. Many of these presentations have been helpful to me. I have even referred some of my preschool parents to these programs, parents who do not yet have a connection with the Croton schools. It's been a wonderful way to introduce them to the "big" school!

Andrea did not stop there. She also became a volunteer Parent Member of the Croton-Harmon Committee for Special Education. We have sat together on various meetings, and Andrea has always been a supportive and positive presence for other parents.

I'm delighted that Andrea has been on the staff of Childrenspace since September. She is a natural teacher, and shows a genuine love and respect for all children. I think Andrea's strong connection with children, and her proven leadership in serving the educational community make her a perfect choice for School Board member. I hope you will support her in the upcoming election!

Sherry Horowitz,
Director, Childrenspace preschool