2nd Grade Teacher Honored by District

The following is a press release from the Springfield School Distrct.

The Springfield School District November Employee of the Month is Donna Storti, a second grade teacher at Scenic Hills Elementary School. Donna is a long time resident of Springfield and both Donna and her son are proud graduates of SHS. Donna graduated from Harcum College as a veterinary assistant and spent several years working with animals before returning to West Chester University to become a teacher. Donna has also earned a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from St. Joe’s University. Donna has been with the Springfield School District for her entire career teaching either in first or second grade for seven different Scenic Hills’ principals.

“Scenic Hills is my second family, my home away from home” Donna said. She continued, “The children are wonderful, their enthusiasm, innocence and eagerness to learn make every day fun, challenging and different – Springfield is a great place to live and work.” Donna starts each day with her students in a Morning Meeting that builds classroom culture. Then she spends ninety minutes in Language Arts instruction, ninety minutes in Math instruction and 30 minutes of instruction for Science and Social Studies. The students also enjoy lunch, recess and sixty minutes a day of instruction in the Special Areas, like Music, Art and Gym. When Donna is not in Scenic Hills teaching children to read or tending Scenic’s Ecology Center, she likes to spend time with her son and to be outside. She loves to be in the Poconos, riding horses, swimming in summer or ice skating in winter. Donna has horse a aptly named Freckles, for the white spots on a brown coat.

The staff at Scenic Hills were quick to recognize Donna for her commitment to teaching. Mary Jeffrey, school secretary said, “I have known Donna for many years as a friend and co-worker who is caring, generous and a truly dedicated teacher. She shares her humor and kindness with the students and staff on a daily basis. She is the first one to step up to help those in need for whatever the reason. Donna is the kind of person who listens to what you don’t say you need and then tries to help in any way that she can. We are lucky to have her at Scenic.” Karen McGlynn, first grade teacher at the SLC added, “Whether you just met Donna or have known her for years, there is one overwhelming impression she leaves you with – Her dedication cannot be matched. She pushes herself and her students to constantly challenge themselves to be better. She truly leads by example, as evidenced by the Ecology Center she founded and still maintains. Donna takes on every project large or small with the same level of commitment. I consider myself very fortunate to call her my friend and colleague.” Loretta Deierlein, the librarian at Scenic Hills added, “I have known Donna Storti for a long time and she has always been dedicated, innovative, and a hardworking teacher whose devotion to her students’ academic, emotional, and social growth is her primary concern.” Principal David Soslau concluded by saying, "With over 30 years of commitment to the purpose and integrity of Scenic Hills and the school district, Donna has set the bar for performance at an extremely high level. Above and beyond the basics of academic advancement, she provides leadership and engagement in the aspects of social development and strength. In addition to her extensive effort in managing our Ecology Center, she volunteers her time for numerous activities from helping students sing to supporting the parents and community members' partnership with Scenic Hills. We are very grateful to have Donna in our school family." For all these reasons and many more, we are proud to celebrate Donna Storti as the Springfield School District November Employee of the Month.