English Language Learners have increased their enrollment numbers at Hiawatha Elementary School in Cedar Rapids. The two full-time ELL teachers at Hiawatha are Amy Carder (at left) and Cindy Kim (at right). Cindy shared with me that the 85 member ELL student body at Hiawatha repesents 15 countries and speaking 13 different languages. Cindy said the highlight of their week is making home visits. Cindy and Amy visit each of the ELL student's homes approximately once every 3 weeks. How fortunate Cedar Rapids Hiawatha Elementary is to have such dedicated and skilled professionals as Amy Carder and Cindy Kim!
Another hardworking and dedicated staff member that spends part of her week at Hiawatha Elementary is association activist Rosemary Berckes (at right). Rosemary is a school nurse in the Cedar Rapids Community School District as well as a member of the CREA Executive Board. Thanks for all you do, Rosemary! It was extra special to get to see you in your school setting.
One of the last great educators that I had a chance to visit with at Hiawatha was PE teacher Cindy Hutcheson. Cindy shared the very valid concerns of narrowing the curriculum. She shared with the narrow focus on Reading and Math scores, classes as Physical Education, Music, and Art have been cut to a bare minimum. In addition, as the media continues to alarm the public of childhood obesity, we are reminded of the value a quality physical education program adds to our curriculum and all that it brings to our schools. As educators we understand the huge difference a varied and rich curriculum make in the lives of our students. Thanks for taking the time to share with me Cindy. I couldn't agree with you more!
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