Someone you should know . . .

 Cynthia Helwink has taught Pre-Kindergarten at St. Maria Goretti School for thirteen years.  Her previous assignments included a number of years in the 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 seminars 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, especially romantic comedies, and sampling varied cuisine.  They like taking day trips to the lake to enjoy the sun and sand.

 Summer is a time to organize and develop units for the coming year.  Starting off the year, students will become accustomed to the school environment and the daily routine of classroom study.  During Catholic Schools Week, students will learn about life in Colonial America – and even might learn what school was like in that time period too!  A transportation unit will be explored in the spring.  Lastly, the Pre-Kindergarten will exercise their artistic side during our “Artist of the Month” program.