A premier independent preschool to eighth grade school in Buffalo, NY.
Elmwood Franklin School
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Teacher Spotlight: Steve Rao

1/25/2019

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When you think of the great scientific advancements of the modern age, you are probably not picturing a group of fifth graders trying to determine the pulpiest orange juice or most absorbent paper towel. Or seventh graders learning fire building techniques.

But when you think of science from an educational perspective, you see how these are great advancements—advancements in the scientific thinking of these students—and how, in this sense, Elmwood Franklin is a hotbed of scientific discovery. From the earliest of grades, kids are taught that science is more than a collection of facts to learn and memorize—science involves asking questions, observing, organizing, testing, analyzing, solving problems, even changing the world.

By the time they reach Upper School, students are ready for the more advanced scientific topics that await them. Steve Rao, who teaches science to grades five and seven, tackles complex subjects such as cell structure and theory, virus particles, and environmental sustainability. The issues get more sophisticated, and the kids’ interest rises to the challenge. After all, Steve hopes that "the lessons learned in science class here at EFS will inspire these students to find a cure for a disease or a solution to live more sustainably on our planet. I love when kids get excited about the scientific process and when they ask questions about our world!"

​More About Steve

Years at EFS: 17

Place of birth: Saginaw, Michigan

Education: BS in biology from Kalamazoo College, Master’s in environmental education from the Audubon Expedition Institute of Lesley University

Favorite book: The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Favorite movie: the Star Wars trilogy

Scientific discovery he’d like to make: “I’d like to discover a renewable, clean-burning fuel that’s cheap and abundant.”

Heroes: “My personal hero was my uncle B.K., the coolest guy, who taught me to always think with an open mind.” Steve also cites “all writers, artists, musicians, politicians, scientists, teachers, and students around the world who speak out against injustice and inequality and work toward a more peaceful and sustainable future.”

A few things you may not know about Steve: He holds honors in two very different enterprises: In fourth grade, Steve co-won his school’s breakdancing competition, and then in college, his tennis team won the national championship. In pursuit of his Master’s degree, he participated in an experiential, traveling learning program that focused on one bio-region of the country each semester. He lived on a converted school bus and camped outside every night, even in December in Colorado.
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Teacher Tuesday: Judy Jurnack

2/6/2018

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While Elmwood Franklin School first graders are enjoying the perks of childhood—singing songs, playing outside, drawing with crayons—they’re also learning some impressive things—story structure, prepositional phrases, vowel diphthongs, place value, fact families, fractions, geography, economic systems, and much, much, more. One of the teachers leading their learning is Judy Jurnack, who began teaching at Elmwood Franklin School in 1979 and has since welcomed more than 1,000 students into her classroom.

All About Judy Jurnack

Place of birth: Buffalo 

Education: BS in elementary education, Daemen College

Years at EFS: 39

What she loves about first grade: “The kids! They are so curious and eager to learn. It's fun to see the progress they make by the end of each year. Also, I love the hugs.”

What she values most about her job: Judy says it’s the great kids, supportive parents, and amazing colleagues.

What challenges her: “Having to let go of a class in June. You really do get attached to them! Having said that, it's exciting to start fresh each September. Not many occupations can boast that!”

On her own memories of first grade: “Ironically, I have very negative memories of first grade! In fact, my mother had to have several conferences with my teacher, Mrs. Mroz, to talk about my tearfulness. Maybe that's why I've wanted to be a first grade teacher as long as I can remember—to help kids learn and be happy!”

If Judy weren’t a teacher, she’d probably be a: sports writer or commentator 
Hobbies: reading, sports (especially the Sabres and Bills!) home decorating, day trips

Favorite book: Judy particularly loves mysteries by Patricia Cornwell, Jeffrey Deaver, Vince Flynn, and others.

A few things you may not know about Judy:  Her first job was working in the Dutch Shoppe at Fantasy Island, wearing wooden shoes and all. She’s an animal lover despite having been thrown by a horse and knocked over by a 400 lb. pig while visiting a friend's farm. And she started college intending to become an English teacher after being told there would be more job opportunities, but switched nearly at the last minute to pursue her dream of being an elementary school teacher! “It took an extra year of college to complete my program,” she notes, “but thank goodness I listened to my heart!”
​
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​Elmwood Franklin School is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools.