Fifth grade teacher Erika Gascho was named Blue Ribbon Teacher of the Month for February 2023 by local radio station Q101.

“Fifth grade can be challenging and Ms. Gascho gives each student one opportunity to share or plan something special with the whole class,” noted a parent in the nomination. “This… activity encourages inclusivity and celebrating each students’ unique interests.”

A fifth grade student shared an example of the kind of collaborative, hands-on creative learning that Ms. Gascho facilitates, which develops leadership skills.

“One time we had a tea party for Social Studies,” wrote the student. “We were in groups of three and our groups planned what to make. We made a list of really yummy treats and had to find one that everyone in our group agreed on. Our group made Cookie Dough Truffles. When it was time for the Tea Party, half of the class went to the kitchen to make our goodies while the other half of the class watched the Junior British Baking Show. And then we switched. We all brought our own mugs and got to taste all the treats that our class made and drink many different teas.”

The kind of experiential learning that parents and students highlighted in their nominations characterize learning in the EMS community. Read more here.

The recognition came with a Blue Ribbon Nursery & Landscaping gift certificate, a prize pack from King Photo, and a pizza party for the classroom from Domino’s Pizza.