Jennifer Potgeter, Otter Creek Kindergarten director
My journey at Otter Creek began almost 44 years ago, when at the age of 5, I was a student here in the Kindergarten. I had no idea then, that God was preparing me for my path and my future at this sweet school. Years later, I came back to interview for a teaching spot and began teaching pre-k in January 1996. I then moved into a Kindergarten teaching position 9 years later and remained there until May 2017. This school community has been a blessing to myself and my family from the very beginning.
My hope for this school is for each child to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically and academically. To grow spiritually through knowing of God's love for them and to then love others. To grow socially through daily peer interaction and learning how to work with others. To grow emotionally and develop ways to understand their feelings. To grow physically through play and movement, both indoors and outdoors. To grow academically through a variety of learning experiences and methods in the classroom. This will look different for each child as they grow throughout their time here. I want to partner with parents to create the best school community and learning environment possible. I pray each child and and family feels loved...God's love and love from each staff member.
I have had the opportunity to be surrounded by some of the most amazing women working in this school. Women who put God first and who seek to serve the children and families in their classrooms. We strive to stay on pace with the ever changing world and academics surrounding us. We look to change and develop teaching strategies and methods to best suit our students and their needs. While we have access to computers and IPads and understand their benefits, we strongly believe that important growth happens during play. We look to develop a strong foundation of learning and develop a love for learning that will carry them on to their next milestone.
To quote my friend and mentor, Pat Ward, we are here to "prepare the child for the path....not the path for the child." I want to partner with families to continue to make this a reality...praying daily that God holds this sweet school in the palm of His hand and guides our hearts and minds in all that we do!
