As one of two kindergarten teachers, April Kutak is dedicated to helping her young students navigate their emotions, learn valuable life skills, and feel safe and supported during their earliest years of education. For April, teaching is not just a profession; it’s a calling rooted in love, patience, and the belief that every child has the potential to thrive.

Born in Chicago and raised in East Cape, Illinois, April knew from a young age that she wanted to teach. “It was always a teacher or a princess,” she jokes. “I’m still holding out hope for the princess part, but for now, I’m sticking with teaching.”

April’s journey began at Southeast Missouri State University, where she earned her degree in education. After starting her career at Egyptian School District, she eventually joined Meridian, thanks to a recommendation from a former colleague. Initially teaching third grade, she transitioned to kindergarten when the opportunity arose last year.

“I wanted to work with younger students to help them regulate their emotions,” April explains. “By starting early, I can give them coping skills and teach them that their emotions are okay—it’s how we handle them that matters.”

April’s approach to teaching goes beyond academics. She focuses on emotional regulation, using tools like a color-coded self-regulation chart to help students identify and manage their feelings. Green represents readiness to learn, while yellow, blue, and red signify distraction, sadness, and anger, respectively.

“We talk about emotions in terms of colors and where we feel them in our bodies,” she says. “If a child is angry, I might ask if they need to stomp outside or scream to let it out. The goal is to help them regulate so they can refocus and learn.”

April also leads by example, modeling deep breathing and other calming techniques when she feels overwhelmed. “I’ll tell my students, ‘Ms. Kutak needs a moment to breathe,’ and then show them how I calm myself down. They need to see that adults use these tools too.”

April’s dream for her kindergarteners is simple yet profound: to instill positivity, encouragement, and the belief that they are capable of making better choices. “I tell them, ‘Your morning might not have started great, but you can still turn it around,’” she says.

She emphasizes the importance of accountability, encouraging her students to move beyond simply saying “sorry” to actively making amends. “It’s not about being perfect,” she explains. “It’s about doing better.”

April’s nurturing approach creates a safe and supportive environment where her students can grow emotionally and academically. Her impact often extends far beyond the classroom, laying the foundation for future success.

April’s passion for her work is matched by her vision for the broader school community. She dreams of a Meridian that continues to grow and improve, focusing on providing a safe and supportive environment for all students.

“We’re working hard to ensure that our students know we’re in their corner,” she says. “It’s about listening to what they and the teachers need, then finding ways to improve.”

April also recognizes the importance of bridging the gap between home and school. “Parents play a huge role in supporting their child’s education,” she notes. “If families talk positively about school and teachers, it reinforces what we’re trying to build here.”

When asked what resources would make the biggest difference, April emphasizes the need for more support in the classroom. “Teaching is a hard job, and it would help so much to have more teacher’s aides or other supportive roles,” she says.

April sees unity as a defining characteristic of Meridian, from the collaborative spirit among teachers to the welcoming environment for students. “We work together, share lesson plans, and create opportunities for students to feel connected,” she says.

This unity is evident in the way staff members rally around one another. April recalls how her colleagues helped her transition to kindergarten, offering advice and sharing resources. “It’s a team effort,” she says. “We all want what’s best for the kids.”

For April, teaching is as much about personal growth as it is about shaping young minds. “My goal is to become the best version of myself so I can share that with others,” she reflects. “Every day, I try to show up as the best I can be and inspire my students to do the same.”