An Interview with Mrs. Christina Clarke & Mrs. Kelley Madsen

This interview was initially published on the January 10, 2013 edition of the School Newsletter.

How long have each of you worked at Holy Rosary and how long have you worked together?

Mrs. Clarke: I brought my oldest daughter to kindergarten here at Holy Rosary back in 1997 so in many ways I feel like I have been here forever. I started working here as a sub in 2003, working mainly in the upper grades and library. In 2004, I joined the faculty as the KA teacher. Mrs. Madsen and I are in our fifth year together.

Mrs. Madsen: As Mrs. Clarke mentioned, we are in our fifth year together and both of us are looking forward to many more.

What do you like best about working with kindergarteners?

Mrs. C: It is hard to pinpoint exactly what I like best about teaching kindergarteners, but it would probably be watching them develop into readers. I am always amazed by how much they achieve over the course of the year, when you consider that many of the children come in with a tenuous understanding of the alphabet and most leave reading!

Mrs. M: There are so many fantastic things I love about working with kindergarteners! Their innocence and eagerness to learn is magnificent. They are so excited to be at school each day and bring so much personality and joy to our classroom.

How do you manage all those little angels?

Mrs. C: Management at any grade is very much the same—setting your expectations and then following up with gentle reminders. I try very hard to create a positive learning environment using this technique and for the most part I would say it works!

Mrs. M: Mrs. Clarke does a great job with classroom management and I have witnessed what a talented skill this is. The children thrive from it and grow academically, spiritually and socially.

How has the kindergarten curriculum developed over the years?

Mrs. C: Kindergarten has changed only slightly in the last eight years as many 7th graders can attest. They did many of the very same activities we do now. The number of sight words has increased to 100!

What are some of the highlights each year?

Mrs. C: There are so many highlights, but one of my favorites has always been the kindergarten tea, because it is the first time I get to see the children together as a class. I am also a big fan of the “friendly beasts” and the leprechaun shenanigans every St. Patrick’s day.

Mrs. M: Many highlights including-learning their alphabet, learning to read, the Thanksgiving feast, and of course, the Mother’s Day Prayer Service.

Why do you think Holy Rosary is such a special school?

Mrs. C: I don’t think I can put into words how much Holy Rosary means to me. I feel as thought this community helped me raise my children whom I am so proud of. It is also where my husband and I met so many of our best friends. What a gift!

Mrs. M: Holy Rosary School shines with community spirit! It is such an amazing and bonding Catholic environment that I am proud and honored to be a part of.

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