Mindy Meyer, Child Discovery Coordinator at Haguene Early Education Center, helps students get off to a successful start on their educational journey. (Carrie Jones/Journal Advocate)
For young children and their families starting school for the first time, it can be a little daunting. Fortunately for Hagen Early Education Center students, Interim Child Discovery Coordinator Mindy Meyer is on hand to help them get off to the right start.
Meyer always wanted to work with children. I especially love the preschool period. Because children are durable and easy to teach. Also, “children can work on it with peace of mind.''
She has been with Hagen for five years. Ms. Meyer worked in the RE-1 Valley School District in the '90s and then spent the next 25 years in Sidney, Nev. She had planned to semi-retire after leaving Sydney, but she missed her children and teachers so much that she decided to return. When she saw Hagen's position open, she said,
Her favorite part of the job is meeting different families. Through her work, she has come to understand that parents “really want the best for their children” and because she knows how difficult it is to be a parent in the world we live in now. , we want to make it as easy as possible. .
She definitely made an impact over the years back at school.
“I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award than Mrs. Mindy. Mindy is often the first person preschoolers and their families meet. She makes sure they feel welcome and valued. “I always give my best effort,” said Jamie Wright, one of the nominees for the Crystal Apple Award.
She went on to share that Meyer is continually looking for new ideas and ways to help students succeed and support school faculty and staff.
“She often works on her days off, just to make sure everything is done. If you need anything, you can always contact her outside of business hours. She's on vacation. will also call and check in,” Wright said.
Taylor Cowden, another award nominee, said he had the honor of working with her in Hagen for the past three years and witnessed her “unwavering dedication to the children of our district.” I've been doing it. I have seen her always go above and beyond her normal duties to help her students and their families,” she said.
Cowden noted that Meyer is often the first person students meet before beginning their experience with Hagan. Many of these children have never participated in a school or out-of-home program before, and the adjustment can be difficult, but Meyer said, “We strive to make sure all parents feel confident sending their children to their home.” Masu”.
“She is always ‘on the go’, going from school to school to help whenever needed. Mindy is always willing to do whatever it takes. She goes above and beyond for all her colleagues, parents, and students. Mindy is really the glue that holds us together,” Cowden said.
Although being the face of the school and the first person families meet during their educational journey can feel some pressure, Meyer said she loves meeting families. She is also well aware of the many stresses that families can face, and she wants to make sure that school is not stressful for them.
“I'm going to help in any way I can because I want to make the transition to school as easy as possible so (they) know that they have an ally and a friend at school,” Meyer said.
But it's not just the students and families she's there for, but her colleagues as well.
“Honestly, I don't know what I would have done without Mrs. Mindy. She is always in my corner and willing to help whenever I ask. We work well together. I work with her and I really enjoy working with her. She started out as a co-worker, but now she's a deer friend. “I'm so happy to have her on our team. She pours her heart and soul into our district, our students, and our families. She is a very deserving recipient of the Crystal Apple Award.” Ta.
Tara Gress, a third nominee for the award, currently works for Meyer and said: She always helps me when I have questions and listens to my suggestions. ”
She went on to say that she has seen Meyer help families who are unsure whether they want their child to receive services or attend kindergarten.
“Mindy not only eased our children's fears about everything, but also sent parents updates on how their children were doing. Mindy did everything asked of her, especially when it came to helping her children. I watched her go from school to school making sure students got what they needed and teachers got the support they needed.'' said. “Mindy has a heart of gold, and it shows in her interactions with her students and their families.”
