CA Pride - Martha Diorio

When you walk into the second grade classroom, you will immediately sense that this is an inviting, warm learning environment. And you will also quickly recognize that it is extremely well ORGANIZED! I will use all kinds of adjectives to describe Martha Diorio, but organized is always high on the list. How I envy that ability she has ...and her very neat desk!

So what does this tell you about her as a teacher ? It tells you that she is well prepared for her students with lessons planned well in advance including the best way to incorporate special projects and events into the learning. It means that the students develop a consistent daily routine with clear expectations. While she is quick to give a consoling hug or a compassionate listening ear, she also lets the children know that she has high standards for good conduct and best effort.

You may not know that Mrs. Diorio first joined our staff as a Teaching Assistant for second grade. Although she was a qualified teacher, she was interested in working with us for a few hours each week at that time. As it turned out, we had an opening for a second grade teacher the very next year. What a great way for Mrs. Diorio to prepare for her new job. She immediately began to put her own special touch on our second grade curriculum by  planning meaningful (and fun) projects and events to enrich the curriculum and program. A great example is the recent robot project the students did following a story they read in class. They had a great time bringing in all kinds of items that are typically trash and covering their classroom with paper towel rolls, boxes, cans, and bottles. Students loved designing and creating their own robots.

Mrs.Diorio also teaches keyboarding to our fourth grade students and works with fifth grade students on projects using technology. It is interesting for her to be able to continue her connection with her former second grade students.

Mrs. Diorio finds ways to connect with her students’ parents and involve them in the learning process. This results in their participation in special events during the year. Students learn about their ancestors through a special food tasting that turns into a feast. Parents are invited in to share information about their jobs on career day. And there are a couple of special days for Moms and Dads. Students and parents enjoy learning together through these activities. Now that is what I call fostering a love of learning.