Lexington

LEAP School Lexington is our original location. It is hard to imagine that we started in the basement of the Trinity Covenant Church. Oh, how far we have come from those “rough and tumble playgrounds” of the past. The ground has gotten softer and our play equipment is so much safer and more educationally interactive. Sure, the good old days were fun, but it is much more exciting to embrace our wonderful future!

In 1995, we moved into our beautiful new campus on Marrett Road. It was originally a Dairy Farm, which is why we are surrounded by beautiful meadows and trees, birds, and all sorts of wildlife. This location has two schools—a lower and upper—with bright, spacious rooms and lots of places to enjoy the outdoors; plus each room has space for our visiting yoga, music, drama, and science teachers. There are two fenced play yards with climbing structures, water features, sand boxes, and picnic areas for fresh air, fun, and exercise. The Upper school houses a library in addition to a shaded patio, which teachers use as an outdoor classroom and for picnics.

Groupings:	September 2019 Ages	Fall/Spring 2019-2020 Schedule Options:	Pick Up Time Options
Toddler Program	2-3 years	M-F, MWF, T/Th	12:30, 3:00, 4:30, 5:00
Lower Preschool (3’s)	3-4 years	M-F, M-Th, MWF	12:45, 3:15, 4:30, 5:00
Upper Preschool (4’s)	4-5 years	M-F, M-Th, TWTH	1:00, 3:30, 4:30, 5:00
Transitional Kindergarten	Director Placement	M-F	1:00, 3:30, 4:30, 5:00

^{*Please contact our Admissions office to find out which schedule options are available
Drop off Time is anywhere between 8-9am. We do offer an Early Drop Off time between 7:30-8:00am}

Dina Savitz

Lexington Upper Program Director/ Co-Executive Director
B.A. University of California - San Diego
M. Ed. Boston University

Where I was born: Uruguay

What I love to do!: Travel, hiking, cooking, and being with my kids

I am so grateful to find myself in a profession where I find inspiration every day. The children, parents, and teachers that I am surrounded by consistently teach me new things about love, learning and joy. I have been working at LEAP since 1992 and in that time I’ve had the opportunity to work with all the ages we serve. I also have a background in Elementary Education with an emphasis on literacy development. I’ve have raised my own children in this community, and am eager to be a support to other parents as they navigate the years ahead. I’m looking forward to building our community together.

Marjorie Scenna

Curriculum Director
B.S. Umass Boston
M. Ed. Cambridge College

Where I was born: Newton, Massachusetts

What I love to do!: I love exploring science activities with children and work part-time at the Museum of Science. I also enjoy making repurposed crafts and have an Etsy shop for my creations.

Teaching young children and working in early childhood education has been an important part of my life for many years. Throughout my childhood, many of my fondest and happiest memories stem from school experiences such as the excitement of the first day, the discovery of something new and the formation of new friendships. These experiences, including positive relationships with many great teachers, are what later influenced me to pursue an education and career in teaching. My earliest teaching opportunities were in the field of early childhood education and I soon realized that this was my passion. I continue to be inspired by the children and teachers I work with each day and look forward to the many new experiences and memories that are created each year.

Vicki Roux

Lexington Lower Program Director
B.S. University of Maine

Where I was born: Maine

What I love to do!: I love and spend lots of time being a Mom!!! I also enjoy travel and spending weekends and vacations in Maine with my extended family and close friends. We do lots of swimming, boating, biking, tennis, reading, cooking and taking longs walks by the lake and the ocean.

Inspired by my own 3rd grade teacher, who passed her love of teaching along to me as a child, I became an educator in 1980. A few years after earning my degree in Child Development and Family Relations, I was thrilled to find an opportunity open at LEAP as a Creative Arts Teacher, joining the team in 1987 and later becoming the Lower School Program Director in 1991. My tenure as a Program Director has been characterized by the opportunity to develop strong, connected relationships with many families, children and teachers, while supporting the needs and strengths of all members of the “Three Seeds of LEAP.”
My most beloved piece of children’s literature growing up was Charlotte’s Web. The themes of the story reflect my rural Maine roots as a farmer’s daughter, and Fern’s quiet, caring nature along with Wilbur’s humble beginnings have always resonated with how I was raised in my hometown, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. My greatest sources of inspiration as an adult remain the quiet, steady, patient wisdom of my parents, my children’s wide - eyed energy and optimism, and my Lower School teaching team’s commitment to quality childhood education. One of my most beloved books as an adult is The Art of Possibility, as I continue to learn, grow and look for the possibilities in each and every day.
My free time is spent with my 2 amazing daughters and husband, creating a home life that reflects my hopes and dreams for my future and theirs, as well as staying active by taking long walks at our second “home,” our island retreat on Great Diamond Island, Maine. The laid back Maine pace suits my style perfectly and allows the creativity to flow! I also enjoy time with my childhood friends, walking long distances on the dirt roads in Bowerbank, Maine. The opportunity to connect with them and re-energize beside Sebec Lake in the summer months is a true blessing.
I am proud to have been a part of LEAP school now for over 29 years and look forward to many more amazing years supporting the children and families with whom I work every day.

Kelly Benham

Curriculum Director/Toddler Lead Teacher
A.S. Endicott College

Where I was Born: Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Reading, walking my dogs, shopping, and spending time with family/friends

As a Toddler Teacher here at LEAP School, what I love most are the connections that are made each year with families, children and co-workers. Throughout the year we put in a lot of work with our group of children to help them understand that together we are a community of friends working side by side. They learn this by gathering together to practice taking turns, sharing materials, using our words and building upon the interactions we have among us so that we all feel connected, supported and comfortable. Teamwork is a phrase often heard among our friends! Being a Literature Based Curriculum here at LEAP it is hard for me to choose just one favorite childhood story, but I will choose the classic The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. I love a good story about adventure, building independence /confidence and spending time outdoors in nature exploring! My greatest inspiration comes from the children. They can experience so many different feelings in a short 4 hours each day at school and no matter what they persevere. No challenge is too small or large and laughter is indeed the best medicine. They inspire me to live in the moment, accept change and always do my best.

Terri Connelly

Director of Admissions and Human Resources
B.F.A Syracuse Univeristy
M.A. Lesley University

Where I was born: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What I love to do!: Gardening, playing volleyball, cooking with a new recipe, spending time with family and friends & watching sporting events of my kids/nieces/nephews and all Boston & New England sports teams!

I am member of the Administrative Team at LEAP but also have a background in the arts and teaching young children. As a teacher I love the spontaneous and uninhibited questions that a child asks and their joy in discovering something new, no matter how simple. In my role as an Admissions and Human Resource Director I am eager to be a helpful resource to all parents as they are exploring preschool options for their child(ren) and to teachers that are seeking a career in Early Childhood Education. Harold and the Purple Crayon has always been my favorite children’s book as Harold is constantly on a new and exciting adventure. As I am entering my 34nd year at the LEAP School I continue to enjoy learning something new every day!

Jaclyn Olson

Director of Admissions and Adiministration
B.S. Endicott College

Where I am From: Gloucester, Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Cooking and trying new recipes, reading, being outside (whether just laying by the pool, at the beach or doing something active!), playing with my dog, Logan, and enjoying quality time with close friends and family!

In my role as Director of Admissions and Administration, I have the pleasure of introducing LEAP to inquiring families! I love having the opportunity to share with families all about the wonderful educational experience LEAP has to offer. I have a great love for organization, so I fully enjoy helping families through the enrollment process. When I first learned of the LEAP School, I was deeply impressed with the balance of support that is given to children, teachers, and families. My goal every day is to be a resourceful part of that support system.

Tricia Wilson

Sudbury Program Director/Co-Executive Director
B.S. Salem State University

Where I was born: Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Reading, cooking, hiking, biking, skiing and camping. I love the adventure of a road trip with my family! On a lazy day I enjoy playing Scrabble, watching movies, baking (and eating) cookies. My favorite place to be is anywhere on the coast of Maine.

While studying Early Childhood Education in college, I found the preschool/toddler practicums to provide the greatest sense of satisfaction, gratification and fun. I observed how a developmentally appropriate curriculum allows a young child to learn through their interests, and discover through their explorations. I observed how a developmentally appropriate curriculum allows teachers to treat each child as the individual they are; and to consider all domains of development and growth in their teaching including (but not limited to!) physical, cognitive and social/emotional development. Most importantly, I found young children to be incredibly interesting, caring, smart and engaging. I learned that preschool and toddler teachers have the opportunity to participate in a most fascinating time of a person’s life. Upon reflection, a career as a preschool teacher and director has exceeded my expectations! It has been more than thirty years since my first experience in a preschool classroom, and today I continue to find the same sense of satisfaction, gratification and fun as I did all those years ago.

Robin Shapiro

Founding Director
B.A. University of Vermont
M.A. Lesley University

From the time I was a young child, I was always drawn to children— their creativity, natural love, and innate wonder about the world around them. Coming from a loving family, I realized the impact that caring relationships had on children’s growth. I became the neighborhood babysitter throughout my middle school and high school years and loved every minute of my time with the kids. In my sophomore year, I very reluctantly went from my public high school to an all girls’ independent school, but it turned out be an incredibly enlightening experience for me. The independent school was very strong in the creative arts, small class sizes, offered amazingly inspirational teachers, and had hands-on learning. It was this experience that helped me to realize that someday I wanted to be an educator and have a school of my own. I knew then that education was the pathway to change and growth, and I have loved creating that experience for children and being part of LEAP since it began in 1985. No one is more proud of my directors and teachers than I am; their positive impact on children, parents, and each other is an inspiration for me! My favorite childhood book is Ms. Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney. It takes place on the coast of Maine, a special place for my family to go each year. The context of the book is to make the world a better place, which is what we do at the LEAP School every day!

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