Shining a Light On . . . Lindsey Holton

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Lindsey Holton has been teaching early childhood education for 14 years. A product of Catholic schools herself (even college!), she believes in the power of a supportive, nurturing community and values the relationships she builds at SAA-SDS. Take a minute to get to know PK2 teacher Mrs. Lindsey Holton a little bit better! 

Why did you want to be a teacher? 

Nothing is more fulfilling than watching young children learn and grow. Seeing their development and progress firsthand brings immense joy and satisfaction, making every moment in the classroom rewarding. I love it!

What do you enjoy about teaching PK2?  

For most of my students, this is their first time in a school setting, and I have the exciting opportunity to show them how cool school can be! It’s crucial to create an environment filled with love and kindness, where students feel safe and valued as part of our school family. Witnessing the remarkable growth that occurs between the ages of 2 and 3 is incredibly fulfilling. Watching toddlers transform into little kids, both academically and socially, is a truly amazing and rewarding experience.

Describe your role in supporting the parents of young children. 

Communication is one of the most important ways that I can support parents of young children.  To effectively support parents in my class, I use a combination of communication tools-emails for detailed updates and daily report logs to provide snapshots of students' daily activities. Weekly newsletters summarize key events and upcoming activities, while the Seesaw app allows for real-time sharing of student work, photos, and progress. This multifaceted approach ensures parents are well-informed and engaged in their child’s learning journey. Open communication with parents can really help in understanding their child's needs and fostering a supportive learning environment. 

What are some ways you bring lessons to life? 

I use a variety of activities and play centers to incorporate different types of learning experiences, including story time, song and dance, games, experiments, and, of course, plenty of play. For instance, in the spring, we explore the life cycle of a butterfly. We'll not only observe the metamorphosis in real time but also enrich our lesson with activities such as reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, creating butterfly art, pretending to be butterflies, and using math skills to count the days it takes for a caterpillar to transform into a butterfly. This interdisciplinary approach helps make learning engaging and comprehensive.

What do you hope to accomplish in your job? 

I hope to build strong relationships with my students and their families. This brings a sense of belonging and a connection to my classroom and to the school.

What do you enjoy most about your job/what are your favorite parts about your job? 

There are many aspects of my job that I love, but selfishly, my favorite is when my students—whether past or present—want to be near me. When I receive hugs and hear about the exciting things happening in their lives, it’s incredibly special. It’s a true honor to know that they seek me out to share their joy and accomplishments.

What makes the St. Agnes-St. Dominic Early Childhood Center experience special? 

In the ECC, we genuinely get to know the children who come through our classroom doors. We are deeply invested in both the students and their families. Our building is a space of encouragement, growth, and, most importantly, love. Here, our little friends achieve big things, supported every step of the way by our nurturing environment.

Which of the Dominican Pillars-Study, Prayer, Community, Service-is supported most by your role here, or which one means the most to you? 

The pillar of service means the most to me. It embodies my commitment to supporting and nurturing others, ensuring that I contribute positively to their growth and well-being. The pillar of community is most served in my role as a teacher. By fostering a strong, supportive classroom environment and engaging with students, families, and colleagues, I contribute to a sense of belonging and collective growth.

What are you most grateful for? 

I am most grateful for my family and friends, whose unwavering support and encouragement enrich my life. Their love and understanding provide a strong foundation, helping me navigate both personal and professional challenges. Their presence brings joy, perspective, and balance, making every success sweeter and every difficulty more manageable.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of the classroom? What is your greatest passion?

Outside of the classroom, I love traveling with my family and friends, exploring a new National Park each summer. Our most recent adventure took us to Olympic National Park in Washington. I also cherish weekends at the lake or ocean whenever I can. Antiquing is another favorite hobby of mine, especially hunting for unique finds like cuckoo clocks and salt-and-pepper shakers.

At this stage in my life, I’m very busy with my children’s activities. My son, Jack, a sophomore at CBHS, is involved in rugby, trap & skeet, honors band, and is on the path to earning his private pilot’s license. My daughter, Avery, a 7th grader at SAA, keeps us on our toes with volleyball, SGA, basketball, and the spring musical. I’m passionate about supporting and guiding them as they navigate their interests and pursuits—mostly through endless carpooling!

I also want to mention my husband, John, with whom I’ll celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in November. Here’s to many more years together. Lastly, our family dog, Willie, a mischievous yet lovable 11-year-old mini-goldendoodle, brings joy and laughter to our home, especially with his notorious shoe theft habit that all of Mrs. Lindsey’s PK2 friends know well. All in all, my greatest passion is my family.