Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 21, 1966.
Nine Teachers Instruct 400 Kindergarten Pupils In Valparaiso Program
(EDITOR”S NOTE ー Final story in series on kindergarten program in Valparaiso.)
By ADA CADDELL
Valparaiso’s 400 kindergarten children are divided into 12 classes, two meeting in each of six school buildings. Nine teachers are employed in the kindergarten program.
More than 100 combined years of teaching experience, eight bachelor of science degrees and one lifetime teaching license are among the qualifications of Valparaiso’s kindergarten teachers.
All anticipate continuing to teach kindergarten in Valparaiso during the next school year.
Teaching the morning kindergarten session at Banta school is Mrs. Ordell (Marilyn) Gertsmeier. She holds a BS degree in elementary education from Valparaiso university and has taught for seven years. This is Mrs. Gertsmeier’s third year of kindergarten teaching.
Mrs. Gertsmeier and her husband, a civil engineer, reside at 702 Chicago street. They are the parents of three children.
Afternoon Class
Afternoon session at Banta is conducted by Mrs. Robert (Sue) Cain, who holds a BS degree received at Northwestern university. Her experience includes seven years of teaching, three of which were spent with second grade.
The mother of two children, she and her husband reside on RFD 6. Her husband is employed as a salesman of school equipment.
Mrs. Clyde (Laura) Baird teaches both sessions of kindergarten at Gardner school. With training at Indiana and Valparaiso universities, she also has 16 years of teaching experience, the last 12 in kindergarten after four years in the primary grades.
Also the mother of two children, Mrs. Baird resides on RFD 2 with her husband, who is a farmer and salesman.
At Memorial school the morning session is taught by Mrs. John (Mary Jane) Thomas and the afternoon class by Mrs. Harold (Betty M.) Bartholomew.
Return To Teaching
Mrs. Thomas has eight years of teaching experience in kindergarten and second grade. She returned to teaching this year after an absence of five years. She earned her BS degree at Indiana university.Her husband is an insurance adjuster. They reside at 1308 Parkway.
Mrs. Bartholomew also returned to teaching this year. It is the first year she has taught kindergarten children. Her experience includes teaching in nursery and Sunday schools.
Her husband, also in the insurance field, and she resides at 478 Park avenue. They are the parents of two children. Mrs. Martholomew’s BS degree was conferred by Indiana university.
Fifteen years of teaching in the Valparaiso kindergarten program are put to use daily by Mrs. Wallace (Auretta) Aylesworth in conducting both morning and afternoon classes at Northview.
Lifetime License
Mrs. Aylesworth also taught in the Porter County School system before taking a break to raise her two daughters, both of whom are now married. She attended Ball State Teachers college and holds a lifetime teaching license.Her husband is superintendent of Portage Township Schools. They reside on RFD 2.
Both sessions of kindergarten at Parkview are taught by Miss Mary Miller, a native of Valparaiso residing at 171 McIntyre court. With a BS degree from Ball state and 27 years of teaching experience, Miss Miller is in her first year of kindergarten teaching. She previously taught first grade for 20 years in Valparaiso and also taught second grade in Portage township.
Jefferson Teachers
Kindergarteners at Thomas Jefferson elementary school are taught by Mrs. Alfred (Dolores) Wilson, conducting the morning class, and Mrs. Gene (Ruth) BArtow, afternoon session.
Mrs. Wilson is in her third year of kindergarten teaching, having taught for two years in Pennsylvania. Her husband is assistant superintendent of the electrical division at Bethlehem Steel corporation. They have two children and reside at 2306 Vine street.Mrs. Wilson received her BS degree from Pennsylvania State university.
Mrs. Bartow is adding the seventh year to her teaching experience, working for the first time in kindergarten. She previously taught in the primary grades. She received her BS degree from Central Missouri State college, Warrensburg, Mo.She and her husband, basketball coach at Valparaiso university, are parents of two children and reside at 807 Linwood.
MEET AFTER SCHOOLーOther four Valparaiso kindergarten teachers gather around one of small tables holding books and play house in Northview school at one of periodic meetings held after school day ends. From left are Mrs. Gene Bartow, Thomas Jefferson Elementary school kindergarten teacher; Mrs. Wallace Aylesworth, Northview; Mrs. Clyde Baird, Gardner; and Mrs. Alfred Wilson, Jefferson.
