ReGen is a Family Affair for Us: Mrs. Elecia Byrd, CICS Basil
Some teachers choose to enroll their children in the school where they work, but for me, it was the opposite: I became a teacher at ReGeneration Schools’ CICS Basil campus because of my son’s experience at the school. I enrolled him at CICS Basil and I was so impressed by the school’s structured environment that I joined the teaching team in 2017. ReGen is truly a family experience, even my husband is a staff member!
One of the most unique aspects of CICS Basil is the focus on college from the minute our scholars start school. Our classrooms are named after different colleges and all of our scholars know that higher education is possible for them. When I was in elementary school, I was not thinking about college, but I’ve seen the powerful impact of this message on my son over the past four years. Now my five-year-old twins in kindergarten are getting on board with college, too.
The kindergarten program at our school has clear academic outcomes that go beyond the ABCs and 123s to include critical skills in thinking, listening, and more. With the switch to virtual learning, I work at home in the same room that my twins log into class from, and I can hear how their teacher challenges them to aim high while also remaining positive and encouraging them. She always offers the extra support they need to reach expectations.
While CICS Basil is rigorous, we never forget that learning also needs to be fun, and we use chants, songs, and movements to help scholars retain ideas and feel connected to the content. CISC Basil also helps parents experience the joy of learning through special programs in core subjects like reading and math. I love the chance to play, learn and laugh with my own kids. As I look ahead, I can see how CICS Basil will influence my children throughout not only school but the rest of their lives and I’m so grateful we are on this learning journey together.
