For nearly 32 years, Vicki DiMaggio-Woodall has been preparing Pre-K students in St. Charles Parish for the challenges presented by their first foray into elementary school. And she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“I have totally enjoyed my years working with the children and families in our Head Start program, and will continue to teach right here until my retirement,” she said.
DiMaggio-Woodall dreamed of being a teacher when she was a child.
“I often played school with my dolls and stuffed animals, even by flashlight at night time when I was supposed to be sleeping,” she said. “Throughout my youth and teenage years, I was always surrounded by children. I babysat often, tutored some young children, and worked in a childcare center while in college. I loved being around children and watching them get excited and grow in their knowledge.
“Those little ones love unconditionally.”
While DiMaggio-Woodall began her career at the East Bank Head Start Center in Destrehan, she currently teaches 4-year-olds at George Washington Carver Early Learning Center in Hahnville. She said the changes that take place in just one school year are profound.
“They learn to have love and respect for their peers, and humility by helping other students who may struggle with simple tasks,” she said. “They learn letters, numbers, colors, shapes, animals. They learn to have a love for reading books and listening to stories. They learn to dance, sing, attend field trips and help perform science experiments.”
DiMaggio-Woodall said teachers in the Head Start program must teach all subjects, beginning with the young students’ social and emotional well being.
“We must first reach a child’s heart before all the other subjects can be taught effectively,” she said. “We also teach math, literacy, writing, art, science, social studies, music, physical education.”
And she loves it all.
“I love reading to my students and being animated and dramatic to keep their attention,” she said. “I love listening to their answers to questions about a story read aloud. I love how excited they get when they start to recognize letters and words in a story and how they choose to look at a book during free-choice time.”
Over the years, DiMaggio-Woodall has made many special memories and added that she has learned so much from her colleagues, who are amazing and dedicated. She enjoys seeing former students who are now in their 30s and is filled with joy when they still remember their year in her classroom.
She receives many hugs, mainly at Walmart, from students who are thrilled to tell her about their successes in the military, college and in life.
“It is a joy to hear how well my former students are still doing. Head Start not only helps the child, it goes far deeper,” she said. “When families change, a community changes. The community of St. Charles Parish is a far better place because of Head Start.”
As she gears up for another school year, DiMaggio-Woodall is looking forward to meeting her new students and their families.
“The children are mine during the school day and I look forward to watching them learn and grow,” she said. “We become a class family and that sets the tone for a loving classroom.”
She added that St. Charles Parish Public Schools has always been committed to their students, which makes it easy to go to work and give her best for each child.
“That is a huge reason my husband and I moved out here 18 years ago. We wanted our son to attend such a remarkable public school system,” she said. “Our son attended school from Pre-K (at Head Start) all the way through high school. He is about to start his third year at Nicholls State University and is just flourishing.
“We are so thankful for St. Charles Parish Public Schools for our family and for the many families out here.”