Hi everyone and welcome to Rocky River Early Childhood Center here at Beach. My name is Brian Smith (or "Mr. Smith" if you're under four feet tall) and I'm looking forward to another excellent year of Preschool!
This is my 16th year here with Rocky River City Schools and my 21st year as a teacher. After growing up in Chicago, Bay Village, and Anchorage, I completed my Bachelors degree from Ohio University followed with a Masters in Education from Cleveland State.
Like yourself, I'm a Rocky River resident along with my wife Cristina who is a Special Education Teacher with Lakewood City Schools. We have our own mini-classroom here at home with our children Eddie (17) and Gabby (15), who are staying busy as a junior and freshman at Rocky River High School. Can't forget to mention our 6 year-old dog, Rio (Spanish for "River"). In my spare time I take on house projects, play drums in a cover band, kayak, paddle board, bike, travel, laugh with - and occasionally at - the family, and cheer/cringe/sweat/freeze during Eddie and Gab's various sports and activities.
I'm a strong advocate of Preschool not only preparing students for success in Kindergarten, but for preparing them to become confident in themselves, gain independence, and most importantly, enjoy coming to school everyday. As a child, I too received special education services, in my case for speech (stuttering, which you'll still hear pop up on o-o-o-occasion (ooh, there it is!) and can appreciate the importance of educators helping ALL students become the best version of themselves while learning how to overcome daily challenges.
I look forward to working closely with you in helping your child become the best version of themselves that they can be. Let’s make it a great year!
Myself, Cristina, Gabby, and Eddie
Rafting (before eventully swimming 🙄) the Lower Yough River this summer
Rio!
This coming school year will be my 34th year in a preschool program and my 9th year here in Rocky River. I believe that my enthusiasm, positive attitude, and hands-on experience working with students has only reaffirmed my passion over the years. I look forward to help shape young minds and make a difference in the lives of the kids in this fabulous community.
Over the past several years life has brought some exciting changes for our family. My husband, Donnie is enjoying his retirement from the Cleveland Police Department. We are proud for his years of service to the city and for his devotion to a job that at times was challenging for all of us. We are blessed with two beautiful daughters. Our oldest, Hannah, is happily married to our wonderful son-in-law Colin. Our youngest Olivia, attended Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. She is home with us now planning her future endeavor.
I look forward to being a part of your child's world this school year. My motto is for ALL kids to feel safe, seen, heard, & celebrated!
Cheers to a fabulous year ahead!
Our dog Archie
Miss Patti, husband Donnie, daughter Hannah, son-in-law Colin, and daughter Olivia
Archie with our cat Ruby
I am so excited to begin my forth year here at Beach! I’m a lifelong resident of Rocky River and I love that I get the privilege of working in the district that I’ve been a part of for so long. Prior to joining the Preschool team, I taught math and science to fifth graders in the Parma City Schools for 17 years. My husband, Dave, and I have 2 children, Anna (15) and Alex (12). My son is a graduate of Beach so I know firsthand what an amazing and special place this is. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with you all this school year!