I wasn’t sure if all the logistics would work out, but the planets aligned and we have an extraordinary high school senior interning with us this year. Meet Brady Dwyer.
Brady took classes in early childhood education at the Seacoast School of Technology (SST) in Stratham last year, and worked in the SST’s Wright Start Preschool until this past June. Brady’s schedule will put him with the Early Kindergarten kids, at least at the beginning of the year. If his schedule changes over the school year, we may find him working with the Prekindergarten kids, as well.
Brady’s placement at Hogarth was done through the guidance department at Epping High School, and he has two advisers on that end. He’s just started a year-long EMT course, and has taken child development classes. He understands how preschoolers operate, and with his year interning at the Wright Start Preschool in Stratham has many strengths to bring to the Hogarth classroom.
I am very particular about my interns, and have had only former students who I know well coming into the Hogarth classroom. One of my interns went on to get her masters and is now teaching in elementary school. Another is going to school for elementary education.
All interns and volunteers in licensed centers are mandated to work directly under a staff person. They are never alone with the children under any circumstances. Because we have only one open classroom with two teachers, supervision of our interns is very easy.
Brady will be doing what our interns have historically done – interacting with kids interested in interacting with him. He’ll be playing board games, building with blocks and Legos and other manipulatives, helping kids work difficult puzzles, reading stories to kids, playing basketball on the playground . . . those kinds of activities. Nobody, staff or students, roughhouses at Hogarth. Everybody is respectful of personal space, as well. You’ll see Brady in action over the year in the many pictures I’ll be taking for the Highlights.
I’ve known Brady since he was a baby. Brady, who captains the football team and also plays basketball for EHS, gives new meaning to the term great kid. He was a lovely preschooler who grew to be a lovely young man.
I had the pleasure of having Brady in class for two years. I also had his older sister Darby and his cousins Cooper, Brooke and Sophie, all outstanding humans. I plan to have Brady meet all of you at either drop-off or pick-up to give you a good feel for the good kid he is.
Brady made that sign he’s holding in the picture which still hangs in the classroom. I’m thrilled to have this talented young man bring his considerable strengths to the Hogarth classroom this year. Welcome back to Hogarth, Brady!
