IT'S STAFF CELEBRATION FRIDAY!

Today we shine the spotlight on Rockford Christian kindergarten teacher, Maria Hoekstra.
Thank you for all that you do, Miss. Hoekstra!

NAME: Maria Hoekstra
CAMPUS: Rockford Christian School 
ROLE: Kindergarten Teacher

How long have you been working at GRCS?
4 years

Give a brief overview of your family life, educational and/or career history.
I am a PK (pastor's kid) who grew up in Iowa and Michigan.  I graduated from Unity Christian in Hudsonville and Calvin College.  I have taught everything from infants through middle schoolers in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and West Michigan, but nothing compares to GRCS.

What is your favorite part of your job?
As a Kindergarten teacher, I get to see my kids come in knowing almost nothing about school and then leave as confident, capable students.  The amount of growth that they make each year is so fun to watch!.

Of all your time at GRCS, what special projects are you most proud of?
I love the time that we get to spend at Camp Roger each month.

Are there any extracurricular activities you lead or assist with?
I coach 8th-grade volleyball at RCS and we are clearly the best!

Which Portrait of a Graduate characteristic do you relate to most within your role, and why? Or, which characteristic do you try and exemplify most and why? 
I love the idea that we are teaching our students to be Thoughtful Neighbors.  Being compassionate and empathetic is not always natural for an egocentric Kindergartener.  My hope is that I exhibit these qualities in such a way that my students then begin to treat each other with more kindness and respect.  If I can instill these values in my students at such an early age, maybe the whole world will be a kinder, more empathetic place.