Kelsi Sanfilippo-Crennan, Jennifer Tregillies, Jenna Yascur, and Spruce Street School Vice Principal Yvette Cucuro (left to right)
In an effort to support and recognize teachers and schools, the newly established Georgian Court University School of Education Club set up a school supply drive with the help of Cassandra Lo, Ed.D., assistant professor of education and director of the School of Education’s pre-education program. In February, three of the club’s officers—Jennifer Tregillies, president; Jenna Yascur, vice president; and Kelsi Sanfilippo-Crennan, secretary, presented the collected school supplies to Spruce Street School in Lakewood, New Jersey. The donated supplies included books, pencils, glue sticks, and sensory toys.
Jenna, a mathematics and education major, is aspiring to become a special education teacher at an elementary school, and says that the visit to Spruce Street School was a rewarding experience for both her and the club.
“This was something we really wanted to do, and we are so happy we did,” says Jenna. “It means a lot to be able to help out and support the schools in our own community.”
The GCU students presented the supplies to Spruce Street School’s Vice Principal Yvette Cucuro, met Principal Aleida Salguero, and interacted with some of the elementary students, many of whom spoke Spanish, Jenna notes.
“Ms. Salguero and Ms. Cucuro set a shining example of what it means to care for students,” says Christopher J. Campisano, Ed.D., dean of the GCU School of Education. “Our aspiring teachers at GCU no doubt learned from this wonderful experience.”
The main goals of the School of Education Club are to allow students to volunteer, offer professional development, and be a place where students can get together with others. During this first year, the club also hosted a teacher panel and had planned an autism awareness event to recognize four special education teachers and provide them with school supplies. The club members plan to visit other local schools in the future to make a difference in the lives of more students and teachers.
Story contributed by GCU English major Melissa Grinvalds ’20.
