Weekly News & Learning
March 28, 2025
Green Tree Academy Makes History as Kentucky’s First Licensed & Accredited Islamic Early Childhood Center!
Assalam Aleikum!
Dear NISL Families,
We are thrilled to share an incredible milestone: Green Tree Academy has officially received Early Learning Accreditation from Cognia! This achievement makes us the first Islamic childcare center in the state of Kentucky to be both licensed and accredited—a testament to our commitment to excellence in early childhood education.
Cognia’s review recognized our strong learning culture, dedicated staff, and high level of parent engagement, reaffirming that we provide a safe, nurturing, and academically enriching environment for our young learners.
Accreditation Highlights:
Historic Achievement: First Islamic childcare center in Kentucky to be both state-licensed and Cognia-accredited! Outstanding IEQ Score of 329! Our score is above the Cognia network average of 322, reflecting excellence in instruction, leadership, and student support.
Noteworthy Practice Identified by Cognia that reflect significant areas of strength:
Exceptional Staff Retention & Workplace Culture
“Leaders cultivate an organizational environment that promotes long-term retention of the teaching staff. A variety of institutional practices that recognize and support teachers have resulted in a high rate of longevity among educators at the school.”
Top-Rated Areas of Performance (4 point rating scale):
Engagement of Learning: 4.0 (Network Avg: 3.2) – An exceptional learning experience where children actively engage in exploration, discovery, and meaningful play.
Growth in Learning: 4.0 (Network Avg: 3.1) – A strong focus on ensuring each child progresses academically, socially, and emotionally.
Learning Environment: 3.8 (Network Avg: 3.3) – A high-quality, engaging, and supportive learning atmosphere for young children.
Stakeholder Engagement: 3.8 (Network Avg: 3.3) – A strong partnership between parents, educators, and leadership.
Culture of Learning: 3.5 (Network Avg: 3.2) – A strong, welcoming school culture rooted in community and inclusion.
Observed Strengths in Classrooms:
- Supportive Interactions: "Teachers foster a warm, responsive, and engaging environment where students feel valued and encouraged. Through active listening, meaningful conversations, and individualized support, educators build strong relationships with young learners, promoting confidence and emotional security."
- Intentional Learning: "Classroom activities are designed with purpose and align with child development best practices. Educators thoughtfully plan lessons that integrate structured instruction with hands-on exploration, ensuring children actively engage in meaningful learning experiences."
- Positive Guidance: "Teachers use age-appropriate strategies to guide behavior, encourage self-regulation, and foster problem-solving skills. A nurturing approach ensures that children feel supported, allowing them to develop social-emotional skills and build respectful relationships with peers and adults."
- Safe and Health Environment: "The school prioritizes a physically and emotionally safe learning environment, maintaining high standards for health, cleanliness, and well-being. Classroom setups are designed to minimize risks, promote positive interactions, and create a welcoming space where children feel secure."
We are incredibly proud of our teachers and administrators for this historic achievement and grateful for the support of our parents and families. May Allah SWT bless everyone involved in our school's efforts for continuous growth and improvement. Thank you for being part of our journey to excellence!
Sincerely,
Aisha Blagaia
Principal
A Small Gift of Appreciation for Our Hardworking Custodian, Mr. Daniel Diaz
As we approach the end of Ramadan, I'd like to invite our school community to come together to show appreciation for Mr. Daniel Diaz, our dedicated and hard working custodian who has been with us for 6 years.
He has been working tirelessly, often late into the night, ensuring that our school remains clean and secure—especially during this blessed month, constantly adjusting his schedule around after-school events, masjid activities, and Taraweeh prayers. He cleans the entire center, the school, daycare, and masjid and never takes a day off!
To express our gratitude, we are asking each student and staff member from school and daycare to bring just $1 each. If everyone contributes, we can collect $200-$300 to present him with a thoughtful gift of appreciation before Eid.
Please send $1 CASH ONLY (or more if you’d like!) with your child by next Friday April 11, and let’s make sure Mr. Daniel knows how much we value his hard work and dedication.
Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your kindness and generosity!
We still need your feedback! If you haven’t completed the Cognia Parent Survey and CISNA Islamic Identity Parent Survey, please take a few minutes to do so by March 28.
Your responses are anonymous and directly impact school improvement.
Surveys are available in English and Arabic (use Google browser translation feature for other languages).
Our goal is 100% family participation!
Your voice matters, and we truly appreciate your time and support in shaping the future of NISL.
CISNA Islamic Identity Parent Survey
Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your partnership in making our school even better!
