About 28 years ago, our oldest daughter graduated from Bridgeport United Methodist Church’s preschool program. I specifically remember her looking up at me and saying that she didn’t think she would like school anymore because Mrs. Steele wouldn’t be her teacher.

 

You probably know who I’m talking about – Bridgeport’s own Pollyanna, Mrs. Polly Steele.

 

For decades, Mrs. Steele has been at the helm of BUMC Preschool, delving out early education with a heaping dose of love. Whether watching her in action – or merely hearing her talk about them, there’s no doubt how she feels about her kids, some of whom she has taught, others in classes under her direction. Her welcoming embrace and the admiration in her voice tell the same story: That she does what she does because she truly cares about each and every child who crosses her path.

 

My husband and I feel very fortunate that all four of our children – and one grandchild – have crossed that path. We are certainly not alone. There are literally thousands of our Bridgeport kids who have had the same positive preschool experience. I wouldn’t try to name all the teachers who have been part of the program throughout the years, but each one with whom I’ve come into contact has displayed those same loving, patient qualities.

The program’s mission is not only to teach important skills like ABCs and 123s, but also to develop strong self-image, spark creativity and encourage peer interaction. Kindness is a key element at BUMC Preschool and children are taught that they are loved and valued by God, who continually rains blessings upon them.

 

Many, many mornings, I dropped a child off in one of the bright preschool rooms, accented with little tables and chairs and inviting learning stations – from miniature mock kitchens to giant foam blocks – which couldn’t be built higher than the standing little ones’ noses. Art and music came alive with giant paint-splashed pages and lively tunes. I can hear see my kids’ voices singing “Brown squirrel, brown squirrel, swish your bushy tail,” – complete with motions, of course. And in our home, we still have every macaroni “M,” bean “B,” handprint turkey and blessing book which came home in my babies’ school folders. Likewise, we still have collages featuring their favorite things and family members.

 

When they left BUMC Preschool – which they did in ceremonial style dressed in their favorite fancy clothes – my kids were ready for kindergarten. Fast forward almost 30 years and we’ve had high school and college graduations and two of the four are now teaching school themselves. And in them, I see that same loving kindness instilled in them by Mrs. Steele and her super staff.

 

But, at least for me, this three-decade experience has meant even more than that. Looking back, Mrs. Steele not only helped my children along their life’s journey, but she also helped me be a better parent. That’s because she considers each child’s personality, style, anxieties and interests on an individual basis and took the time to address those issues with parents. One of my daughters wanted to wear the same lavender “Care Bear” skirt set to school every day. As a very young mom, I was a little embarrassed that she showed up in the same outfit so often. Mrs. Steele said to let her be her own unique self and to express herself in her own way. And boy, does she still. One of my little boys hated to be separated from his family. She and her teachers showed him such compassion and patience and went out of their way to make sure he garnered positive experiences and increased assuredness.

 

Bridgeport is so blessed to have our own Pollyanna and to Mrs. Polly Steele, I offer an “A” for appreciation - a heaping dose. 

 

Editor's Note: Steele (the former Polly Holbert) is pictured above with members of her family. Top photo features  (left to right) husband Larry Steele; daughter-in-law Jessica Steele; son Andy Steele. Photo just above shows daughter Sarah Steele, daughter-in-law Jessica Steele; sister-in-law Jody Holbert and mother Lois Holbert. 

 

Polly Holbert Steele is a Bridgeport native and graduate of Bridgeport High School. 

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter!

 

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