Services offered: COVID-19 Disinfecting • Junk Removal House Clean-Outs • Shed Removal • Hot Tub Removal
No. 20 Vol. 5
My Life Publications • 1-800-691-7549
May 2024
800-939-JUNK
Grzywacz Named Warren County Teacher of the Year
N
By Evan Wechman ew Jersey has many wonderful educators that connect with their students daily. The state tries to acknowledge as many teachers as possible for their hard work and dedication. For Colleen Grzywacz, a Hackettstown Middle School vocal music teacher, she has been recognized multiple times. She has been awarded the teacher of the year for her individual school in both 2011 and 2023. In 2011, she reached this milestone while working in Bridgewater, and then was a repeat winner in 2023 for Hackettstown Middle School. This is quite a stunning achievement but pales in comparison to her latest accomplishment, being named the 2024 Warren County Teacher of the Year. This is no easy feat, and she remains thankful that her hard work has been recognized. But this latest award has had a significant impact on her. “When I was notified, I cried happy tears in disbelief. It just means so much because there are so many amazing educators across the state, in our county and in my building and to represent them proudly was just the utmost honor. I was just so humbled and grateful for this opportunity,” Grzywacz says. However, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when looking at both her education and her attitude. She grew up in nearby Sussex County in a home where both parents were
dedicated teachers. Her parents instilled in her the belief to concentrate on the positive things around her, even during something challenging. This philosophy has encouraged both Grzywacz and even her husband, a teacher in Mount Olive to make the best of every situation. “I’m going to be positive and take one great thing out of every day whether it was a good conversation I had with a student, unrelated to the lesson or maybe being there for a colleague. I like finding one positive thing out of every day,” she says. Perhaps this attitude comes not only from her wonderful parents, but in part from her education. She graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2005 with a B.A, in Music Education. But equally as important is her master’s degree in School Counseling from Kean University in 2009. Grzywacz is proud of both her degrees which she believes helps her be the best educator possible. She says she had wonderful professors as an undergraduate, but the counseling component is key to her success also. “I’ve always had a real passion for mental health and social emotional learning, (called SEL in the schools these days.) I just think if the whole child is taken care of emotionally and mentally, then you’re going to get a better connection with them. That rapport is so important, and then the results are so much better,” Grzywacz says. Besides her formal education, the Hackettstown
59
NEW PATIENT $ SPECIAL
00
Includes consultation, exam, initial treatment, and personalized treatment plan
YOUR JOURNEY TO WELLNESS STARTS HERE.
Visit our website to learn more and book Your Appointment TODAY!
1 Old Wolfe Road | Budd Lake 973-975-4700 | FunctionalChiropracticNJ.com
Dr. Michael Lalama, DC
Colleen Grzywacz
Middle School teacher also credits other professionals for helping her become a terrific educator. For example, she continued on page 4