A Big Valley teacher is being honoured by Clearview Public Schools for her volunteer work in the community.
During the March 16 Clearview board meeting, trustees selected Mandi Reitmann as one of two recipients for the Clearview Star Award in 2022.
Reitmann was nominated by parents of students in her class for her involvement with the Big Valley Library.
One initiative that Rietmann has brought to her classroom is helping arrange for each student in her class to get their own public library card.
When the kids have the cards, Rietmann then helps the kids order books from the library, picks up the books and takes them back when they are finished reading them.
“The parents said it was really good for them,” said Rietmann.
Rietmann first got involved with the library a couple of years ago while she was on maternity leave. While on the leave, she volunteered at the library and helped develop some programs.
“A couple years ago, I helped run a program for mom’s with kids,” said Rietmann.
Since Rietmann is back in the school as a busy Grade 3 teacher, she is still involved with the library albeit in a different way.
In August of 2021 Rietmann joined the Friends of the Big Valley Library to help with fundraising for the facility.
“I was surprised to get nominated,” said Rietmann.
“I’m passionate about (the library). I want (the kids) to develop a passion for reading.”
Clearview Board chair Guy Nietz appreciated Rietmann’s commitment to the library.
“Mandi Rietmann’s work in her community library is an extension of her role as an educator in Big Valley School,” said Neitz, in a Clearview media release.
“She has passionately engaged and engaged and energized her students and community in the joy of reading. Thank you Mandi for sharing the love of lifelong learning with your students.”
Rietmann will receive her award at the Clearview annual recognition evening to be held on June 9.