Someone you should know . . .

            Cynthia Helwink has taught Pre-Kindergarten at St. Maria Goretti School for fifteen 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 on-line 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, concerts in the park, and sampling varied cuisine.  They like taking trips to the lake, golfing, and riding mopeds.  Most of all, they take much pride and joy in their son, Jonathan, a history professor 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 will be “The Five Senses”.  It will coincide with a “manners” unit that will be reinforced with daily discussions of proper behaviors.  During Catholic Schools Week, students will explore an “Under the Sea” unit, as the entire school takes part in an “ocean” theme.  In the spring, the insect world 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 and welcoming new members to the St. Maria Goretti family.