Clara has Grown in Ways We Never Imagined

Clara has Grown in Ways We Never Imagined

The following is one of many hundreds of letters we have received over our 57 years of existence, from appreciative parents who see a big difference in their child after attending our unique preschool founded by Nancy Brophy. Our Programs have been honed by years of experience and with round-table team discussions with our caring staff to improve our institution to serve the student, who is our real customer. Our focus has always been to instill a love of learning & confidence to explore, allow students to develop at their own pace, and use play as children’s work to develop physical, emotional, and mental skills. At Tom Thumb, we will never stop learning and improving our school to serve our students.

August 4, 2025

To the Wonderful Staff at Tom Thumb Preschool,

f-Family Thank You Note thumbnail

The original F- Family Thank You Note

As our daughter’s time at Tom Thumb comes to an end, we wanted to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to everyone who makes this program the special place it is.

From the very beginning, Tom Thumb has provided a nurturing, joyful, and safe space where our daughter, Clara, has grown in ways we never imagined. Socially, emotionally, and developmentally, she has blossomed under the care and guidance of your incredible team. She speaks of her teachers and friends with such joy and affection, and it’s clear that Tom Thumb has become a second home to her – a place where she feels seen, heard, and loved.

The Thumbelina Program – the school for 2s-was nothing short of amazing. Clara’s teacher, Mrs. Rainbeau, is exceptionally kind, passionate, caring, and such a bright light. She helped Clara transition into school so beautifully, and we will never forget the warmth and reassurance she provided.

The Juniors Program with Mrs. Licini was equally incredible. Clara, who just turned 4, can count to 100, knows all her letters, can identify many numbers, do basic math, and can read! She often plays school, organizes her own circle times with her one-year-old brother and our family dog, and finds joy in teaching and learning. Her growth has been astounding, and it is thanks to the wonderful foundation laid by your dedicated educators.

We are also so grateful for the teacher aids, who are consistently patient, kind, and attentive. They are truly good humans, and their care and compassion do not go unnoticed.

1992 tom thumb graduate

Tom Thumb Preschool, 1992 Graduate

Tom Thumb has also become a very special part of our family’s story. My husband, a United States Airforce Veteran and career Firefighter, is a graduate from the Class of 1992. He insisted that our daughter attend Tom Thumb. I’ll admit I didn’t fully understand the hype – until now. Now, I do. I see it in our daughter’s confidence, her kindness, her laughter, and her love of learning. Tom Thumb has made a lasting impact, not just on her, but on all of us.

We are so proud that both our daughter and soon, our son- are “Tom Thumb kids.” We truly believe this school is a forever stitch in the fabric of this local community. Every question I’ve ever had has been met with kindness and professionalism, and I’ve always felt complete trust in sending my child to you. That peace of mind means everything.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for all that you do. You are shaping young lives in the most meaningful ways, and we will always carry Tom Thumb with us – in our hearts. and in the stories we’ll tell for years to come.

With gratitude and love,

The F Family

Tom Thumb to Sacred Heart University

Tom Thumb to Sacred Heart University

Meet Amanda, a Tom Thumb Student

Here is a note from Amanda, in which she thanks Tom Thumb for the wonderful times of dance and learning, and she says Tom Thumb will always remain special to her that taught her about dance. This post includes a picture of Amanda as a Tom Thumb student and another as a high school graduate.

Amanda’s note illustrates Tom Thumb’s Philosophy from day one when we opened our doors as a private preschool, “It is the responsibility of this generation to pass on to the next those things which it has found to be of value. We are dedicated to improving the next generation of great Americans.”

Amanda’s Note

amanda's note thanking tom thumb preschool for wonder times of dance and learning

Dear Tom Thumb,
I would like to thank you very much for the support and generosity you’ve given me through Dance for Joy! This award helped encourage
me to continue on dancing at Sacred Heart University, I would also like to thank you for all of the wonderful times I’ve had at Tom Thumb, both dancing and learning. Tom Thumb will always be special to me as it was the place that taught me about dance!

With Love,
Amanda J

Thank You Letter from Scholarship Recipient

Thank You Letter from Scholarship Recipient

As you may remember, we received a letter from Walter Panas High School Principal, Joseph M. Spero, thanking Nancy Brophy for the Scholarship given to a senior during the Senior Awards Ceremony. Nancy Brophy instituted the Tom Thumb Memorial  Scholarship to honor her grandson Zachary Brophy’s memory. This Scholarship focuses on our philosophy: “It is the responsibility of this generation to pass on to the next those things which it has found to be of value.” 

We received a thank you letter from the Panas High School mother of a student awarded the Tom Thumb Memorial Scholarship. This is great because the student Anna D, who won the Scholarship, has long-standing aspirations to become a teacher. Anna’s pursuit of education perfectly aligns with our philosophy, as stated above. After Anna graduates from Penn State, she will contribute to Tom Thumb’s overarching mission of developing individuals to their full potential. Anna will fulfill Tom Thumb’s philosophy as a teacher to improve the next generation of great Americans.

Anna D is the Panas High School Senior who won the Scholarship.

The following is the Thank You Letter from Anna’s mother, Melanie:

Screenshot of Melanie D thank you letter for the tom thumb memorial scholarship

Click on the letter screenshot to view the PDF version

Melanie D
8-29-24

Nancy Brophy
Tom Thumb Preschool
1949 East Main Street
Mohegan Lake, NY 10567

Dear Ms. Brophy,
My daughter Anna D was the Walter Panas High School recipient of the
Tom Thumb Memorial Scholarship Award in honor of Zachary Brophy for 2024
year. | sincerely thank you, and feel honored that you selected my daughter for this
award.

During her four years at Walter Panas, she has worked at Club Fit summer
camp, Pizzazzies and did a six month student teaching internship at Lincoln Titus
Elementary School. Anna has wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember,
and she is now enrolled in Penn State University in the School of Education. She will
undoubtedly honor your mission, and Zachary, with the help of your scholarship, her
determination and her natural affinity toward education.

Thank you for offering this scholarship and directly helping students in our community.

Sincerely,

Melanie D

Panas High School Thank You Letter

Panas High School Thank You Letter

Our founder, Nancy Brophy, and the entire Tom Thumb staff humbly appreciate the accolade of Walter Panas High School’s Thank You Letter. Nancy Brophy instituted the Tom Thumb Scholarship in honor of Zachary Brophy’s memory. The scholarship aligns with our philosophy that “It is the responsibility of this generation to pass on to the next, those things which it has found to be of value. We are dedicated to improving the next generation of great Americans.”

Walter Panas High School Thank You Letter – June 27, 2024

panas high school thank you letter for the tom thumb scholarship

Click on the above image to view the PDF version of the letter.

WALTER PANAS HIGH SCHOOL
Joseph M. Spero, Principal
300 Croton Ave
Cortlandt, NY 10567
June 27. 2024

Tom Thumb Scholarship
Mrs. Nancy Brophy
tomthumnbcampus@gmail.com

Dear Mrs_ Brophy,

We want to thank you for sponsoring the Tom Thumb Scholarship, which gives a Walter Panas High School senior the opportunity to be honored at the Senior Awards Ceremony.

Please know that your generosity and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated. We are grateful for your support of our students and for acknowledging and rewarding their efforts and achievements.

Again, thank you!
Kind regards,

Joseph Spero
Principal

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