WE LOVE GRANDPARENTS!

Grandparents can be wonderful for hugs, support, wisdom, and let’s be frank…indulging their grandchildren. Here at Penn View we are grateful and honored to be beneficiaries of time given by some of these special people. It just doesn’t get any better than grandparents who cheerfully volunteer their presence at school! 

We have amazing parent and aunt volunteers too. Though there are many helpers for whom our school community is sincerely thankful, we’d like to shine the spotlight on two established standouts in this month’s blog. Their faithfulness as volunteers is a true gift to us.

Linda Dariano (better known in these parts as “Mrs. D”) is the embodiment of sunshine on two feet. She can regularly be seen in the hallway reading books with kindergarten students. Even perching on a miniature student chair in the occasionally chilly hallway for these readings does not dissuade her passion for helping our newest readers. 

The kindergarten teachers and students find her to be amazing.  As teacher Melissa Quirk reports, “Seldom do grandparents come in to read in the hallway with our kindergartners, but Linda does. She is so sweet and willing to help out. She always has a smile.”  

This is the second year Mrs. D has read stories with our students.  When she heard there was a need, she jumped at the opportunity.  Six of Linda’s grandchildren currently attend Penn View and love to see their grandmother’s face in the hallway at school. They also enjoy harassing her for gum from her purse but that is a story for another day! :) 

"Mrs. D" and her wonderful collection of  Penn View grandchildren!

After a move to our area six years ago, Peggy Deily happened to drive her car past a sign advertising a Penn View Open House. Attending the event, she decided to offer us some precious volunteer hours. She shares, “I was willing to volunteer somewhere but I sure am blessed to be at Penn View.” It has been six years since Peggy found us and she appreciates the freedom to share her faith as well as her gifts in teaching. Stopping to pray with a struggling student is a privilege she does not fail to appreciate.  

Peggy came to us after retiring from the Reading School District with a wealth of experience in special education. It was time for her husband to retire and even though she wasn’t ready to leave teaching, she followed suit.  She and her husband enjoy five grandchildren. Though her own grandchildren are not students on our campus, she maintains wonderful connections with the children of Penn View. 

Peggy LOVES travel and unlike many of us- she adores snow!  She is such a regular presence in the lives of Penn View elementary students, it is hard to remember she is not actually on payroll. Peggy is a regular Energizer Bunny, jumping in with unbridled enthusiasm wherever she is needed. The teachers who work alongside her have noted her patience and her willingness to take on whatever job needs doing. No task is too small or too large. 

Our teachers appreciate Peggy’s enduring smile. When asked if there are any words they’d like to share about Peggy, one teacher reported, “I could go on forever!” 

Peggy’s quick response and efficient project completion make her an invaluable part of the Penn View team.  She leads book clubs for advanced readers in our elementary school. Peggy tutored some of our international students and spends time catching up students who missed work due to absence. She uses her gifts to reinforce math concepts when someone is having difficulty. In a pinch she has even helped in the nurse’s office with vision screening. 

First grade teacher Gem Miller sums it up this way. “Peggy Deily should be sainted for all of the work she does here!”  

Peggy is focused on her personal mission.  One morning recently, she shared the tattered piece of paper she carries with her at all times. Why I Volunteer:  “Whoever serves should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:11b

We are so thankful for the assistance and influence these amazing women provide as they interact with our school community.

In November 2013, a special photograph was taken of our entire school community.
Ever the adventurer, Peggy ascended inside Bergey's Electric cherry picker,
fulfilling a bucket-list dream.  

If you have hours to share and would like to join our remarkable volunteer team, contact Jennifer Crissman (215-723-1196, ext 1304 or jcrissman@pennview.org )