Roshelle and Robert Lee had one thing on their minds when they were shopping for a home: a quality education for their young daughters. “Our number one priority was their schooling. We kept hearing about the highly rated Donald Eismann Elementary. Once we found out it was in the center of this amazing community, we were hooked!”
Donald Eismann Elementary is the well-regarded public school at the heart of Tehaleh, Puget Sound’s top-selling new-home community. Known for its stellar outdoor amenities, Tehaleh offers residents the unique opportunity for their children to attend a renowned school, close to home, and in a strong community.
“We moved here from Spokane, not knowing anybody,” says Roshelle, “Now all of our friends and our kids’ friends are our neighbors! I help out in my first grader’s class two days a week and we really feel like we’re part of something special.”
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Families can test drive the school and the community this weekend at Donald Eismann’s Spring Carnival on Saturday, May 17, from 12 – 4 p.m. Children will love the pony rides, bounce house, face painting and balloon animals— all accessible with a $10 donation to the PTA.
Visitors can also tour the 14 models and 14 move-in-ready homes from Tehaleh’s five builders—Lennar, Pulte Homes, Quadrant Homes, Richmond American Homes and Trilogy at Tehaleh. Plus, visitors can discover Tehaleh’s six parks, 7.5 miles of trails, and The Post, an inviting information center that serves handcrafted Italian coffee from Caffé D’arte and delicious sandwiches, salads and pastries from CJ’s Deli.
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Donald Eismann principal Susie Black says, “Children come first in everything that we do.” The school at the heart of Tehaleh is known for strong academics and a willingness to embrace the latest in classroom technology. Each classroom is wired with state-of-the-art tech boards in place of chalkboards for an optimum learning experience. The school’s fifth graders have the highest scores in science in the Sumner School District, and are participating in an iPad pilot program, with iPads donated by Tehaleh. This willingness to embrace new technology is an example of how Donald Eismann Elementary is preparing students for the future.
Because the school is located in a forested environment, field trips often involve walking on the trails, among the trees, and conducting science experiments out in nature. A walk-a-thon last fall took participants on the paths and through the parks at Tehaleh.
Tehaleh homeowner Roshelle appreciates the combination of a strong school and access to the outdoors. “We feel like we found the total package,” Roshelle says. “We love how our home backs to the green belt, walking trails, and parks. We also love our home’s design – especially the media room, which is a real hub of activity. Plus, I can walk our first grader to school. It all adds up to a great lifestyle.”
Tehaleh contributes regularly to their elementary school. In addition to the iPads, Tehaleh contributes school supplies at the start of the school year, pony rides to the carnival, and will hold a fundraiser in May to support the growing school. “Because of the contributions from Tehaleh, the PTA is able to cover more costs and provide assistance to students that otherwise couldn’t afford to attend the carnival,” says Jessica Lewis with the Donald Eismann PTA.
The school grows by the week with more families finding their new home at Tehaleh. “The school has been a great way for families to connect,” says Black. “Our school used to be in an urban location where all of the students were bused in. We prioritized finding a new location where the school would be the center of a community. We are connected through the belief that, together, everyone will achieve excellence.”
Tehaleh is carefully planned by experts in creating strong communities. Tehaleh is owned in a joint venture between two strong companies; North America Sekisui House, LLC (NASH), the U.S. business unit and full subsidiary of Sekisui House Ltd., Japan’s largest homebuilder and leading diversified developer, and American Newland Communities, LLC, whose development business, Newland Communities, is the master developer of Tehaleh. Collectively, the NASH-Newland partnership owns or manages more than 30 communities across the country.
Tehaleh parents look forward to school events since they offer a chance to meet their children’s friends and connect with other parents outside of school hours. Homeowner Roshelle says, “We’re so excited for the Spring Carnival. We wouldn’t miss it!
View these homes: Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily at 19001 Cascadia Blvd. E., Bonney Lake
Prices: Base prices starting in the mid $200,000s
Information: Tehaleh.com or 253-205-8190
Tehaleh Builders: Lennar, Pulte Homes, Quadrant Homes, Richmond American Homes, Trilogy at Tehaleh
Model Home Count: 14
Model Home Hours: Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily