“Every single day, she has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Every single day.” That’s why Calahan ES Principal Wells nominated Cathy Kostanian as a School Hero. “She’s embarrassed to be recognized, and that’s the sign of a true super-hero.”
Cathy has been active at Calahan ES for 27 years, starting out as a volunteer helping her daughter’s Kindergarten teacher. “Everywhere my kids went, I was helping those teachers, but also staying with the first teachers.” Today, she is the Parent Representative at the school.
Principal Wells goes on: “Every time, anytime we need anything, she just makes it happen. She’s everywhere, every time you turn around there’s a kid saying, “I’m looking for Ms. Cathy because I need to .. xyz.” She’s like a Grandma. Every day and in every way, she’s there for the kids, the staff and the parents. She puts a plan together and she makes it happen.”
That’s how it was with the Gingerbread houses. “It was the Kindergarten teacher who taught me how to make them”, says Cathy. “We started with just a couple of classrooms. To see the kids walk out with a smile on their face, that’s my favorite part!”
But soon, she won’t have to be looking for any available room to work with parents because in August, Calahan will have a ribbon cutting for a Parent Center! Cathy is looking forward to having more meetings, professional development opportunities, and workshops for parents, even available in different languages!
Without a doubt, Cathy’s presence at the Parent Center makes it a welcoming place. “If you greet kids with ‘Hello or Good morning’, it makes them smile. If they’re happy, they want to learn more,” says Cathy. Isn’t this the most important thing?