Switching schools can be scary for some kids and even more terrifying for others who find themselves in a whole new country as well.
Morse Elementary is known for its diversity and celebrated for its motto “Whatever it Takes” – helping students of all families and backgrounds feel welcome in their school community.
“We know, coming from diverse backgrounds, it can be confusing no matter where you’re from so we have parent coffees and focus groups, workshops for parents,” Principal Stephanie Zendler said.
She says she treats every student as if they were her own.
“She’s nice because she cares about everybody,” one student said.
Many students come to Morse elementary unable to speak English- with special needs, or lack of formal education.
“It makes regular teaching with every single kid being the same look boring in comparison,” Zendler said.
She’s on the move all day long allowing us to tag along to see what makes this All Star shine.
“When you come here, you feel you’re welcome in the school,” school employee John Wisbiski said.
Zendler is known for doing silly things as ways of bringing the kids together through the universal language of laughter.
“The things she does for these kids is wonderful like she has assemblies where she kissed a pig last year,” Wisbiski said.
“I was a little bit scared but one day she got ice cream on her and everybody laughed,” a student said.
Zendler says the amount of growth you see from a student in that situation is astounding.
“Our motto here is ‘whatever it takes.’ We pledge to do whatever it takes to make sure every single student gets what they need!” she said.
She says she’s shaping their elementary education in hopes of giving them the tools they need for the future.
Congratulations Mrs. Zendler! We want to know who’s going above and beyond in your school – to nominate someone for Ann Marie’s All Stars email Annmarie.laflamme@wxyz.com.
