Archive for May, 2015

Four Passionate Educators Recognized During National Teacher Appreciation Week

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – May 4, 2015 – Goddard Systems, Inc., franchisor of The Goddard School^®, the premier preschool focusing on learning through play for children from six weeks to six years old, honors four extraordinary early childhood educators as their ninth annual “Teacher of the Year” award recipients during National Teacher Appreciation Week on May 4-8, 2015.

Each “Teacher of the Year” honoree from The Goddard School developed a long-term project that has benefitted their classroom, school or community. Projects from the selected teachers include a Good Manners Musical to inspire and reinforce polite behavior; Pen Pal Patriots for children to connect with members from the Armed Forces and learn about patriotism; STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Parent Workshops designed to educate parents on how they can support learning at home; and an Alex’s Lemonade Stand to help raise funds for childhood cancer research.

“At The Goddard School, our Educational Advisory Board and Goddard Systems University push for the highest standards in early childhood education,” says Dr. Craig Bach, Vice President of Education at Goddard Systems, Inc. “With more than 10,000 Goddard School teachers nationwide, we employ the very best teachers around and we are thrilled to be recognizing this year’s recipients for their passion and dedication in enlightening young minds for future success.”

The following teachers are honored:

Angie Petrillo – Wayne, NJ

Angie Petrillo, pre-kindergarten teacher at The Goddard School located in Wayne, NJ, created a playful and educational program named “Good Manners – A Medieval Quest for Polite Behavior.” Students dance and sing their way through lessons as they follow two eccentric knights on a quest to reinstate good manners in a cursed kingdom. With over 60 cast members from 6 weeks to 6 years old and a full set and costumes designed for the Middle Ages, the 30-minute musical play guides the children in discovering polite behavior in a creative and entertaining setting.

Gerianne Holl – Cranberry Township, PA

Gerianne Holl, pre-kindergarten teacher at The Goddard School located in Cranberry Township, PA, created Pen Pal Patriots, a program for children to learn about patriotism and build empathy. Motivated by her family’s military background, Gerianne provided opportunities for her students to send cards and monthly care packages to troops in the U.S. Navy stationed in Bahrain. Conducting “Skyping Days” several times a year, children work together to develop and write questions to learn about the service members as well as wear red, white and blue in support of those away from home.

Ryan Mayes – Goodyear, AZ

Ryan Mayes, preschool teacher at The Goddard School located in Goodyear, AZ, spearheaded STEAM Parent Workshops to educate parents and provide tools for them to reinforce STEAM concepts at home. Because children experience the deepest, most genuine learning when they are having fun, Ryan incorporates this philosophy into every aspect of teaching.

Valerie Schmitzer – Doylestown II, PA

Valerie Schmitzer, kindergarten teacher at The Goddard School located in Doylestown (Farm Lane), PA, developed a hands-on approach to creating a difference in the world. Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a charitable program designed to help fight childhood cancer, has inspired Valerie and her students in creating a Lemonade Stand of their own. With the hopes of raising awareness and helping to find a cure for children battling cancer, Valerie and the children have collaborated in creating the stand, making and selling lemonade. Donating all proceeds to Alex’s Lemonade Stand, the children learn that they can make a difference by providing hope, and work to set an example to encourage and empower others to do the same.

For more information on The Goddard School, please visit www.goddardschool.com.