This week's Ann Marie’s All Star comes from Ferry Elementary, a third grade teacher parents say teaches their children much more than just common core.
While the students in Ms. Samborski's class love studying math and science, it's the lessons in kindness and being happy that's shaping them and the way they see the future.
“Ms. Samborski is an All Star because she makes learning fun and she loves to help kids,” student Emerson Gant said.
For as long as she can remember, Kamille Samborski has wanted to be a teacher
“Just being here every day is like a dream come true,” she said of her classroom.
And it’s a dream for parents Jason and Jen Gant to know they’re leaving their daughter Emerson in loving hands.
“She was diagnosed with epilepsy and so we’ve had a lot of uncertainty,” they said.
But Ms. Samborski doesn’t focus on the uncertainty or the struggles. She builds her third graders up starting the moment they walk in the door.
“I do this thing in the morning where they either give me a high five, a hug or a handshake and that helps me connect with them right away in the first few seconds of school,” she said.
Because in her classroom, the lessons go well beyond required coursework.
“It’s just so much more than the school subjects, it’s just shaping them to be a great person all around,” she said.
They’re lesson focused on character education.
“Leadership qualities and the confidence of just knowing she, with her epilepsy, can move forward and learn well and socially be accepted and loved,” Jen said.
Which has quickly become Emerson’s favorite part of school.
“She taught our class the seven habits of happy children and my favorite habit is ‘sharpen the saw’ and it means to balance out your mind, heart, body and soul,” Emerson said.
An All Star teacher focused on happy students.
“It’s kind of like my personal mission, my personal goal,” Ms. Samborski said.
Congratulations Ms. Samborski! We want to know who is going above and beyond in your schools - to nominate someone for Ann Marie's All Stars email Annmarie.laflamme@wxyz.com.
