A Look in the Library

With Volunteers Susan Moore and Kate Seltzer

We are so grateful to have Kate Seltzer and Susan Moore back in the building as library volunteers again this school year. Both retired former faculty members have nearly five decades of experience combined working at SPS and have so much knowledge to offer to our current students!

Susan Moore began her career at SPS in 1995 and took on many roles throughout her tenure, primarily teaching as a Preschool or Prekindergarten teacher. Susan’s two children graduated from SPS in ’97 and ’00 and still look back on their time at the school fondly. Since retirement, Susan has been enjoying time with her grandchildren. Kate Seltzer retired in 2021 after twenty years in her primary position as the Director of Early Childhood. Since her retirement, Kate has been spending time at her new home in the Poconos hiking, enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery, and watercolor painting.

What is your favorite part about volunteering in the library?

In celebration of Diwali, two of our Kindergarten families joined the classroom to share some of their traditions surrounding this joyous holiday. Students enjoyed book readings, ate delicious Indian sweets called gulab jamuns, and received henna hand designs.

During Native American History Month, our Kindergarteners learned about Maria Tallchief, the first Native American Prima Ballerina, and completed an activity in which they thought of character traits to describe her (courageous, loving, strong, kind, to name a few) and wrote them alongside the silhouette of a ballet dancer.

Susan: Reading to the children and helping them explore other worlds through imaginative books that they might not otherwise encounter.

Kate: Getting to teach some of SPS’ youngest learners responsibility and helping them develop a love of reading at a very early age. “Being with little ones absolutely enriches my soul. Young children can be sold short because they’re little, but they can give you so much if you are willing to listen.”

What makes the SPS experience so special?

Susan: SPS allows for older students to become leaders within the school and develop a strong sense of self that is unwavering to peer pressures that might deter them from exploring themselves throughout their teen years and beyond.

Kate: SPS’ strong sense of community, which allows for faculty and students to form strong bonds that last a lifetime. SPS is a safe place for students to explore themselves and simply be children.