Heidi Fyfe is a wonderful, retired reading specialist from Christa McAuliffe School. She
began her retirement three years ago. But her time away from CMS didn't last very
long. Heidi filled a long-term leave for us last year. And this year, she has returned as a
frequent volunteer within kindergarten.
Better known as Gigi, Heidi works with students in her granddaughter's classroom.
She is happy to put in long days because working with students and teaching reading
are her true passions. She has embraced the opportunity to work with reading groups
and create her own lesson plans for those groups. She engages in fun, authentic
conversations with the kindergartners about their reading. They laugh together at the
funny jokes, make predictions about what will happen next, and make connections to
their own lives. Gigi ignites their love for reading!
Heidi supports the classroom teacher with clerical tasks and takes on paperwork and
numerous projects to complete at home. She also lends a very helpful hand on field
trips. For anyone who has attended a kindergarten field trip, you know how essential it
is to have dependable adult support!
Heidi is able to share classroom responsibilities with the teacher when some students
require extra support whether it be for academic or social reasons. All students feel
comfortable with Gigi and look forward to their time with her.
Outside of CMS, Heidi continues her volunteer work within the community. She tutors
a couple students in reading, one of which she's worked with for over five years. Their
connection is precious! She also volunteers her time at the Friendly Kitchen for several
hours in the morning often two times per week. She cooks between 25-30 family friendly
meals which are sent out to numerous locations including Head Start,
Merrimack Valley Day Care, and Jennings Drive. And if you have been fortunate
enough to eat any of Heidi's cooking, you know it is amazing!
But most importantly, why do the kindergarten students love Gigi so much? Here's
what they had to say.
- She reads books to us
- She's Charlotte's Gigi!
- She teaches us how to read books
- She watches us read books
- Our group has lots of our friends in it
- Now I read every night at home
- I like the books she picks out for us - like the Porcupine is Hiding!
- We play matching word card games, and who has the most cards at the end
wins!
- We get to write on white boards. We write WORDS on them! And for a whole
two minutes!
- Wait. Are you typing this and printing it out? Can we decorate it for her?
- It should have books all over it
- It needs to say, "Good job, Gigi!"
- Your classmates like you and thank you!
- Can I put all the periods at the end when you're done, Ms. Gallo?
- Can I have a playdate with Gigi?
Thank you Heidi for sharing your retired life with us, for launching a lifelong reading
journey for our youngest learners, and for being our Champion for Children!