Gottko Continues Westfield Teaching Tradition

Westfield is a town of great traditions and great people. Today I have a story about a WHS alum who has stayed here in town to teach, plus a reminder about one of the best Westfield traditions around. A group raising money for our own symphony is hosting an event today and send me your Super Bowl stories.

Here is what is going on About Town.

GOTTKO STAYS TRUE TO HOMETOWN

One thing about Westfield is we don't want to leave and Jeanine Gottko, WHS Class of '93 is one of them. She's a product of the school system - Jefferson, Edison and WHS and her dad, Ed Gottko, served the town for two decades as town administrator. Her mom, Jean, worked here in town at Associates in Obstetrics andGynecology. Jeanine's now working here as a teacher at Franklin.

This is not her first "Westfield job." During high school she worked in the Y's after school program and developed her interest in teaching. She went on to the University of Delaware where she decided teaching was definitely what she wanted to do. Coming back to Westfield was never a question-her  family was here, she loved the school system, the teachers , and the neighborhood schools. It was completely opposite of what she experienced student teaching in Delaware- which even reinforced her desire to come back to Westfield.  She has been teaching 5th grade at Franklin Elementary School for 12 years!

She also tutors and works at the Memorial Pool in the summers.

"I love the community feel of being here, knowing everyone and the high standards our school system has," she said. "I feel appreciated as a teacher and also feel as if I have a lot of support. My WHS Memories are mostly of football games, stage crew for high school shows and my friends-who are still my best friends today."

WASHINGTON TRADITION CONTINUES TONIGHT

It's time for the Washington School Show starting tonight! This is an annual tradition here in town and it's got a great theme this year. Called "Get Sm'Art," the show kicks off at 8 p.m. tonight at Roosevelt and also is on tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The cast and crew have been working hard for weeks on the show, which will center around a group of Washington students traveling to the Met and solving the case of a missing Van Gogh. I'm promised that the show will contain many funny scenes and traditions, including the annual men's dance!

Check out this great and fun tradition if you have time this weekend.

SUPPORT THE SYMPHONY

The Friends of the Westfield Symphony Orchestra is hosting a great luncheon this afternoon. From 12:30  to 2:30 p.m. at 224 East Broad Street, the group is hosting a free lunch and encourages new members join up.

The Friends are a fundraising arm for the WSO and do a great job in organizing a variety of events including the annual house tour, which will be on June 4 this year. The Friends help support the WSO and continue the group's contributions to the arts scene in northern New Jersey.

It is great to have the state's second largest symphony orchestra based right here in Westfield and let's continue helping them grow! Stop by if have some time.

IT'S SUPER BOWL TIME!

Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday and whether you want the Packers or the Steelers, it's time to party! Remember to check out some of the fun things Patch has run for your party, including a and a . But also send me over your photos and Super Bowl party stories. Send them over to lori.kaplan@me.com