Teacher News

Bonus Opportunity for New Teachers

Posted September 2, 2010

For all staff who complete and submit their paperwork to the main office within 2 weeks of hire will receive a $100 bonus.  This is effective Friday, September 3, for all staff hired from August 1 until September 3.  The deadline for previously hired staff will be September 17. 

All staff hired from September 7 forward will have 2 weeks from the date of going over their new hire packet to complete and submit paperwork in order to receive the bonus.

2010 Teacher Awards Dinner

Posted August 23, 2010

The 2010 Open Door Teacher Awards Dinner is being planned for October 28, the last Thursday in October, just like last year.  All teachers who have been employed by Open Door for one year, and all Directors, will be receiving invitations in the mail toward the middle of September.  Directors and teachers across all our locations exchange ideas, memories, and lots of fun.  Honoring the people who make up Open Door is part of our fabric, and nuturing one another ensures the culture of nuturing the children entrusted to our care.  We look forward to this celebratory gathering! Save the date!

Open Door Student has Childrens’ Story Published

Posted March 19, 2010

Natalie Mehl, an eight year old student at Odenton Elementary who attends Open Door has taken writing to a professional level.  She and her mother wrote and locally published a childrens’ story, The Magic Garden.  The book was inspired by her grandparent’s garden, Pennystone Gardens in Pennsylvania.

Tuition Reimbursement

Posted March 19, 2010

Congratulations to the following staff who recently received tuition reimbursement from Open Door for the 2009 Fall Semester.

Emily Walsh works at the Chapel Hill center and received $321.

Sheila Lechner works at the Westchester center and received $270.

Angelina Tebarts works at the Lutherville center and received $500.

Taelor Ostrander works at the Crofton Elem. center and received $264.

Allison Baker works at the Ridgeway center and the Woodbridge center and received $500.

Service Appreciation Awards

Posted November 2, 2009

Congratulations to the the following staff who were recognized at the 2009 Open Door Awards Dinner for their years of dedicated service to the families of Open Door:

20 Years

Janet Koontz – Administration

Margaret Saunders – Shady Spring

Sandy Birkmeyer – Administration

15 Years

Nancy Dalesio – Forest Hill

Kathleen Heavner – Gunpowder

10 Years

John Benson – Substitute

Dorrie Reid – Administration

Donna Clark – Westchester

Karen Schmidt – Riviera Beach

Rosa Birnbaum – Administration

Thank you for your contributions, which have greatly enriched the lives of children!

Pajama Day at Woodholme Center

Posted October 30, 2009

On October 16th  at our Open Door Care Woodholme Center children arrived for a full day of care (7 am – 6 pm)  in their pajamas and slippers, with sleeping bags in tow. There were movies to watch, crafts to make, freeze dancing and a staff of teachers ready to make the childrens’ all day adventure fun and safe! 
 
      

Open Door Clubs are a big hit this year!

Posted October 6, 2008

Odenton children, under the fabulous direction of their teaching team, has begun a new club “Creating Scrapbooks”.  Teachers photograph special activities and products that the children create, and build scrapbooks to share at Parent Open House, as well as, bring out over the course of the year!

A Woodholme parent stopped by the office to be sure we all know that her child loves the Jewelry Club.  Making jewelry to wear, and present as gifts, creating new color combinations as well as tried and true textures and colors, is a creative outlet with something to keep!  Positive communication is greatly appreciated, by us, by you, and by all parents and children in our care!  Thanks to that thoughtful parent who made the effort to share good news, and thanks to our Woodholme teachers for ensuring the children have a rich assortment of activities from which to choose.

Outdoor Play is Healthy for Children

Posted September 19, 2008

Outdoor Play is healthy for children after spending six and a half hours in a classroom. Structuring that play so children learn teamwork and conflict resolution skills is a key component of Open Door. Having a teacher directly involved with each group activity, prohibiting Dodge Ball and like games, encouraging team spirit, and being referee are important roles for staff when children are involved in active play!

See article – The Recess Regimen by Bill Turque