About Us
History of MTU Preschool
click for full sizeMTU Preschool began in 1958 when a group of students from the “Michigan College of Mining and Technology,” as it was then known, joined together to form the “Michigan Tech Co-operative Nursery Center.” The first class had an enrollment of 42 families, a board of officers, a faculty advisor and two teachers. The first few years involved organizing the preschool’s constitution and general manner of operation, which proved to be an enormous effort by the founding families and teaching staff. Many had never experienced such a venture before, and fortunately the university provided a prefab building (barracks), some outdoor play equipment, and utilities for the preschool’s operation. In the fall of 1966, the preschool was invited to use the facilities at the Daniell Heights Community Center, part of the university’s new “married student housing” apartment complex (now known as Graduate Student Housing). The preschool continues in this convenient location today. In 1969, the preschool was formerly incorporated as MTU Preschool, Inc, operating four classes for children ages 3 to 5 year olds, open to all area families.
MTU Preschool has a long and proud history of community involvement. In the early 1970’s the preschool organized a “Little People’s Carnival,” offering pony rides, games, and a petting zoo. A similar “Cabin Fever Carnival” is still in operation today for young members of the community to play an array games and activities. In the mid-1970s, the preschool entertained a name change to the “Copper Country Co-operative Preschool” in order to promote its availability to the entire community. In 2003, MTU Preschool, Inc hosted an alumni gathering for former families and teachers; five prior teachers and one parent from the very first preschool class of 1958 attended. As we proceed into the sixth decade of quality early education, the preschool continues to be interested in stories, memorabilia, and other history related to MTU Preschool. Please feel free to contact us at 487-2720.
Return to the top of the pageMeet our Teachers
Our teachers bring wonderful backgrounds in early childhood education to the MTU Preschool. They are enthusiastic about teaching our children and are committed to play-centered learning.
Sandy Graman has a master's degree in Montessori education. She has diverse professional background and brings her love of learning to the classroom.
Brita Odegard has a degree in Elementary Education from St. Olaf College. She taught preschool through fifth grade while living in Colorado and has lived in Houghton since 2004. Mrs. Odegard has regularly volunteered at the preschool since her oldest son attended.
Our Teacher's Aide, Patricia Fezzey, spent five years as a children's librarian before joining MTU Preschool in 1992. Mrs. Fezzey is a caring and patient instructor with a love for children and a desire to see them learn and grow.
Mrs. Odegard teaches the 3-year-olds on Tuesday and Thursday while Mrs. Graman teaches the 4-year-olds on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Both work alongside Mrs. Fezzey. Mrs. Odegard and Mrs. Graman also share duties as co-directors of the preschool. MTU Preschool is fortunate to have these excellent instructors guiding our children through their first school experience.
Meet Mrs. Graman
"My name is Sandy Graman and I am the M-W-F teacher/director of the 4 year olds. The MTU Preschool has a beautiful, very well equipped facility and loving, dedicated teachers and parents.
"I have been in the Copper Country since August of 2005 when my husband, Greg, began teaching Operations Management in the Michigan Tech School of Business. We love the powdery winter snow, enjoy snow shoeing, cross country skiing as well as the arts/theater at the Rozsa. Hiking, swimming (Lake Superior is invigorating!), reading, quilting, and Tae Kwon Do are a few of the activities I enjoy.
"I believe in the 'Possibility' of children. Each child has gifts to share with the world and it is a delightful opportunity to help children find their passions. Play is a way to let children explore their world through books, stories, and experiences. Listening to the ideas behind words, helping children find vocabulary to express feelings and desires, helping them be accepted into groups while preserving individuality and to manage conflicts are just a few of the joys (and challenges) of working with young children. Rejoicing in seeing the world through their clear loving eyes helps me to experience a new perspective of the world. Working to have everybody believe in themselves - to have your child experience happiness, pride and success-- is MY passion.
"My career began by teaching Home Economics in the Cincinnati, Ohio public schools and included raising three sons in Middletown, being teacher/director of the YMCA Preschool there. I also began a toddler program, substituted in special education programs and worked with teen parents and babies at a vocational school.
"I received my Masters of Education from Xavier University (Montessori 3-6 year olds) and then taught a full day Head Start Program at the University of Cincinnati (Arlett Child Development Center) where I also supervised student teachers. When we moved to Dayton, Ohio in 1997 after Greg received his PhD, I worked with infants through 5 year olds doing developmental screenings. I consulted at BHK, worked with the Toy Lending Library and at Little Huskies as an Infant Teacher before teaching at the MTU Preschool.
"I have 7 grandsons, from 10 years old to six months old that live in southwestern Ohio."
- Sandy Graman, MA Elementary Education
Meet Mrs. Odegard
"Teaching preschool children is an amazing experience. Children of this age are quick to laugh, full of ideas, eager to learn, willing to help, and able to see the good in everything. Being around them is such a joy because they live fully in every moment.
"Children soak up knowledge at this age, and the skills they learn at preschool will serve them for a lifetime. One of my biggest pleasures is watching preschool children interact because they learn so much from each other. They will spontaneously problem solve, use creative thinking, and are eager to use skills they have just mastered in new situations. Their emotional growth at this age is equally fascinating as they learn to look outward into the world, and into the feelings and situations of others. It is important to their development to allow them the freedom to become confident, free thinkers.
"I am excited to be a part of my students' lives, and am dedicated to teaching them during these important developmental years."
- Brita Odegard, BA Elementary Education
Meet Mrs. Fezzey "I am in my 17th year at the preschool. My first preschool students are now in college. I tell everyone I don't feel like I am working. Where else can you get paid to play with children? Someday I might have to grow up, but I'm in no hurry.
"My husband Bill and I live in Rabbit Bay, which is on Lake Superior (another of my loves along with children and books). Bill works as a 5th grade teacher and is a coach in the Houghton-Portage Township Schools. We have two grown sons and one granddaughter who is the best thing that has happened in our family.
"I look forward to working (playing) with all of the children. Every
day is a new adventure when you spend time with them."
- Pat Fezzey
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Parent Participation
Most parents find that their own experience with the preschool is
enhanced when they become involved by volunteering in the classroom,
or attending classroom events and parent meetings. As part of the
cooperative agreement parents are required to participate in one
fundraising event per term. Fundraising buy-out options are
available.
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Board of Directors/ Bylaws
MTU Preschool is operated by a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, entitled “MTU Preschool Inc.” MTU Preschool Inc. has a Board of Directors, all volunteer, serving in the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, and Public Relations Coordinator. The Preschool teacher/director is an ex-officio member of the Board.
The Board meets once a month, with special meetings held as necessary. The primary responsibilities of the Board include the short and long term sustainability of the school, fundraising, student recruitment, and financial management. Please refer to the PDF file on MTU Preschool Bylaws for complete information and description of Board member duties.
Elections for the Board are held during the spring semester parents' meeting, with nominations taken from the membership prior to and at the meeting.