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17| O akville B eaver | T hursday,June 21,2018 insidehalton.com I didn't expect to feel so comfortable here. Amica at Oakville 160 Bronte Road 289-813-7448 amica.ca/oakville Join us for a complimentary lunch to learn more about Amica! At Amica you can spend quality time with family. Expect first-class amenities, with a range of personalized services and care to always meet your needs. year-old Halton Hills native has just been named the Halton District School Board's Elementary (Long- Term) Occasional Teacher of the Year isn't making that any easier. "I was completely shocked... it came right out of the blue," Jolly said of the award, which Maple Groveaward, which Maple Grovea staff nominated her for and her Grade 7 homeroom and Grade 8 arts class students whole-heartily supported. "I'm flattered beyond be- lief." Vice principal Rose-Vice principal Rose-V mary Caruso described Jol- ly as a true team player who has innovation at the fore- front of her instruction andfront of her instruction andf planning. "She's open to trying anything if she feels it will benefit her students." One example of that re- cently saw the seventh graders challenged with an 'escape/breakout room' game in order to test their history knowledge. Jolly said it's important to explore different teach- ing methods to try to "cre- ate and foster innovative minds." Having already worked at six different schools in her relatively short time as a teacher, Jolly said the constant movement defi- nitely keeps her on her toes. "You can't fall back on anything," said the LTO Teacher of the Year, whose time at Maple Grove marks her first full-year teaching stint. "You have to develop that rapport with the stu- dents all over again." Of course that hasn't seemed to be a problem for Jolly, whose positive influ- ence at Maple Grove has ex- tended well beyond her les- son plans. She facilitated an art club that provided the backdrop to the school mu- sical Beauty and the Beast, worked on the morning re- medial club twice a week, coached the school soccer and volleyball teams and volunteered on overnight student trips to Muskoka and Quebec. Said Caruso, "Emma al- so connects regularly with parents/guardians through weekly newslet- ters, emails and phone calls. She knows that a part- nership with families is es- sential to the success of her students." As the time to move on draws near, Jolly meets it with a heavy heart. "The administration, students and other teach- ers have been awesome. It's an amazing place," she said. "To witness the growth in the kids and realize you had a hand to play in that... it's so great." COMMUNITY lContinued from page 16 Teacher of the Year knows partnership with family is essential