Special Reader Visits Cleveland Elementary

Cleveland Elementary got a visit from a special friend when Grandma Joan popped by to read to the Crocs.

Joan Wessels, affectionately known to most as Grandma Joan, is a family friend of ACCESS teacher Michelle Ward. Grandma Joan began her teaching career in New Jersey, then finished her career of nearly 15 years total in DeKalb County, all in kindergarten.

Many things have changed since she was in the classroom, and the biggest one has been that of inclusion of students with special learning needs. 

“Our beloved 92 year old former kindergarten teacher and loving grandmother to my sister’s kids and ‘adopted’ grandmother to mine is always keeping in touch with education,” said Ward.

Grandma Joan read to Ward and Courtney Colwell’s ACCESS classes.

“This has always fascinated her, and she loves to see pictures and hear stories of how they learn and grow,” said Ward. “I was sharing with her about the beginning of our school year and watching her face just come to life. I asked her if she would like to come and read a story. Her face immediately began to glow.”

Grandma Joan read “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” and the class culminated the activity by baking chocolate chip cookies.