As we gear up for Giving Month where we all rally to donate and contribute back to Cherry Crest, it’s only right we share a bit about why it’s important to GIVE to Cherry Crest Elementary (CCE). And who better to kick us off than our amazing Principal, Erin Stedman.
Over the next few weeks, you’ll be hearing from CCE Staff and former students, about why Giving makes a difference.
If you don’t know anything about Erin, once you meet her, you’ll understand why she cares so much about education and why the former drama student turned educator has a passion for making sure every student at Cherry Crest is seen and feels a sense of belonging.
When you meet Erin, the first thing you’ll notice is she exudes enthusiasm. She makes you feel comfortable almost immediately and she cracks jokes at herself. She is insistent that Cherry Crest be a place where families are welcome, dialogue is open, and learning happens.
It’s surprising then to learn that Erin struggled in school, growing up. She would often be the child faking tummy aches to go to the Nurse’s office. As a Canadian attending a French-immersion school, she was put into ESL (English as a Second Language) classes when her family immigrated to the US. She was pulled in and out of classes and never felt like she belonged.
Fast forward to now and her philosophy on education is simple, “Every child learns differently. And we need to help students thrive no matter how they learn.”
“Certainly that was the case for me. I struggled in my youth and only when I attended college did I start getting 4.0s. But I was lucky that my family could afford tutors who helped me learn how my brain works. That I need 20 minute breaks, to get food in my system, and then – I could excel.”
Erin wants families to know that she and the entire CCE staff are here for them. “If your child is struggling – academically, socially, or anything else – come talk to me. We want to help. I don’t want your student faking tummy aches to go to the Nurse’s office.”
When asked about the PTSA and why it matters, Erin is very frank. “We don’t get enough funding from the government to provide the type of education and academic opportunities families expect and our teachers want for our students.”
“The PTSA connects home and school, is a conduit for parents getting involved and having a voice, as well as contributing in a meaningful way. All the after school PTSA clubs; free field trips to the Salmon Hatchery or Botanical Gardens; Author Visits; fun family events like the School Dance, Family STEM Night, or Variety Show; additional, needed support staff in the building that keeps our students safe and seen – it all matters. And it happens because of the PTSA and the heroic efforts of parent volunteers and the generous donations of the families at CCE.”
“At CCE, our kids are constantly engaged by those PTSA dollars and our staff is supported with extra funds and supplies. I know how hard our PTSA works to not waste a single dollar and those dollars help make CCE unique and different.”
When asked about advice to parents who want to ensure their child is getting the most at CCE, Erin says, “As a working mom, I’m always self-conscious about if I’m doing enough. Sometimes, I don’t know and so my philosophy is just to ask. A quick email to your teacher if you’re unsure can help you know if there’s anything at home that you should be helping with or if everything’s just fine.
And I always try to model the behavior I want to see. I was a struggling reader myself so it takes a real effort to do it with my kids, but it’s become such a fun time, reading together aloud or just in the same room, silently enjoying each other’s company.”
While Erin has hung up her drama hat for an educator’s cape, I think teenage Erin would be proud of grown-up Erin. She’s not a star on the theater stage but when you see her walk around school or perform at the annual CCE Variety Show, it’s clear that she’s definitely a star walking the halls of CCE, making the school shine and helping students and staff be the very best version of themselves.
