Bentheim Elementary is thrilled to have Carmen Dykstra as the school's new librarian and paraprofessional this school year. Formerly a teacher with Hawkeye Preschool at Sandyview Elementary, Dykstra has made a smooth transition into her new role, bringing with her a deep love for reading and a passion for helping students succeed.
“I’m really loving it here in my new home, everyone has been very welcoming,” said Dykstra.
Despite initial nerves about moving to Bentheim with her children after Sandyview was rebranded as Sandyview Learning Center, the change has proven to be a positive one for the whole family. “I was very nervous to come here, I was a Sandyview person through and through. Seeing the building rebranded was a challenge for me, but both my kids and I came here at the same time, and that was helpful. Everyone here has been so nice and so welcoming, it’s like a giant family here. When we say Hamilton Community Schools, it really is a community.”
Dykstra is passionate about reading and its importance for students’ academic success. “I love reading, it’s one of my favorite hobbies. I try to encourage my own kids for their love of reading. I think it’s very important that kids learn how to read and do it well—it’s going to help them academically throughout life across the board. Everything in life revolves around reading.”
The transition has also allowed both Dykstra and her children to grow. “This is a lot more than what I’m used to, but having a variety of students and so many more kids to learn with, play with, hang out with, and get to know has been great for my kids to come out of their shell. For me too, actually, because I can be kind of shy. It has been very helpful being here. I think I’ll like staying here for many years to come.”
