Strength in Team Staff Spotlight: Buffy Bolen, Burbank Early Childhood School

This year, we will be highlighting the people who contribute to the strength of our team by making our schools and our district such a special place for students. 

 

Buffy Bolen, teacher at Burbank Early Childhood School

How do you contribute to your school/department and the school district as a whole? Providing children with a positive first school experience sets the tone for their school career. At Burbank we all work hard to make sure each child is set up for success and can move on confidently through UACS. Presenting experiences for the whole school such as hatching chicks and growing a garden are a couple interactive activities that make learning fun and memorable.

What inspires you / motivates you in your role? Teaching preschool is the best job! I am inspired by the amazing people I work with, the supportive parents and super fun kids in my class. I am motivated by my spectacular co-teacher Lily who helps me find the sense in my nonsense.

What is a memorable moment, or your proudest moment at UA Schools in your time with Upper Arlington Schools? A favorite memory, which happens each year, is the first sledding day of winter! Our whole class dresses in our snow gear from top to bottom and we head out to the hill. It’s exciting, exhausting and has been called “the best day ever” many times. The children love it and I am always amazed that I can move the next day :)

What brings you joy outside of work? Outside of work I  enjoy finding new adventures such as hikes, discovering new restaurants and cooking. I spend time with my husband and 2 of my daughters who live locally.  I also enjoy traveling and meeting up with friends at the beach.

What Burbank Principal/Director Chris Thiel has to say about Buffy: Buffy brings a warm and positive energy to her classroom each day. She cultivates a learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore, investigate, and follow their own interests. By providing the freedom to engage with materials, take risks, and learn through meaningful experiences, she fosters a sense of curiosity and confidence in her students. Buffy and her teaching partner, Lily, create a classroom experience filled with joy and laughter, making learning both engaging and memorable.