Cynthia Helwink has taught Pre-Kindergarten at St. Maria Goretti School for sixteen years.  Her previous assignments included a number of years in First Grade and in Kindergarten.  She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern Illinois University in Early Childhood Education. Cynthia often attends workshops and takes courses to keep updated on contemporary teaching techniques and strategies.  

Mrs. Helwink’s goal is to provide the kind of environment and varied experiences that will allow each child to be successful.  To develop an interest and joy in learning are key components in her classroom.  Literature is used as a springboard for many activities. Creativity is highly encouraged.  She is inspired by the smiles on children’s faces when they realize that their hard work has paid off and that they have really learned something.

She and her husband, Dwight, enjoy going to the movies, to concerts, and dining out.  They like taking trips to the lake and going for long walks. Most of all, they take much pride and joy in their son, Jonathan, a history professor, accomplished pianist, and local television personality.
      
Summer is a time to organize and develop new units of study. Starting off the year, students will become accustomed to the school environment and the daily routine of classroom study.  The first unit is entitled, “All About My World”.  Daily discussions of proper behaviors will help with manners.  Early on, dinosaurs will be explored, as well as, favorite nursery rhymes.  The “artist of the month” will sure be interesting and help to develop creativity.   During Catholic Schools Week, students will do some “Polar Exploration”, as the entire school takes part in this theme. In the spring, the farm will be examined.  Perhaps these young students will also learn some sign language and begin to consider different opinions in the “question of the day."        
    
Mrs. Helwink looks forward to beginning the new school year, getting re-acquainted with her former students, and welcoming new members to the St. Maria Goretti family.