March 13, 2008

Community Maker Tracy Cressio:

‘The Kid Whisperer’

By Shana McLean Moore
Staff Writer

Animal trainers can tame the wildest mustangs and the dogs that would sooner bare their teeth than become anyone’s best friend, but it takes an extra special someone to whisper into the ears of creatures who don’t just buck, bark or bite—but also talk back.

Tracy Cressio paints a vibrant picture for all to see. Photo by Charlene Chavez

Almaden’s Tracy Cressio has the skill in spades, which is why her husband aptly nicknamed her “The Kid Whisperer.”

For the past 20 years, Cressio has led the Noon League program at Williams Elementary School, which she created to foster cooperative play and personal accountability in the school’s children through organized activities during the lunch hour.

While adults who have never supervised a school lunch-hour recess might roll their eyes and claim that recess should be about kids “just being kids” running free while they still can, those who have been witnesses to the destructive work of idle hands and blacktop bullies know differently.

Through research, sweat, organization and enough warmth and enthusiasm for an entire pep squad, Cressio teaches invaluable interpersonal skills to the students of Williams, while also providing them with the ingredients of a good time.

The supervised activity corners that Cressio organizes change daily to keep students interested and exposed to new things. The activities range from a quiet place to read to a place to dance or lip sync in front of an audience. There are also board games, hula-hoops, jump ropes, organized sports, a daily Whale Walk and trash patrol.

The program requires the help of many dedicated parent volunteers who Cressio trains to be far more than supervisors. In fact, she refers to them as the Positive Playground Support Team. “Under Tracy’s leadership, these volunteers become mentors, teachers, friends and confidants to the student body population,” says parent Maya Jio, who also spends time on schoolyard duty.

Cressio has also established a relationship with students from Leland High School who come to get involved with the younger students during their school day. Additionally, Cressio works with 40 community sponsors who make donations toward the prizes she has for students who earn the coveted Whale Slips for getting involved and making good choices.

“Tracy gives 100 percent of herself 100 percent of the time. She shows enthusiasm for all tasks, small and large, and is always positive around children and adults. She exudes such high positive energy in all she does,” said Project Cornerstone lead parent Sue Davis.

Convinced that Tracy’s positive attitude and record of achievement are valuable assets to the community, Councilmember Nancy Pyle and the Mayor declared March 10 as Tracy Cressio Day through a formal Council Proclamation in March of 2006.

“Tracy Cressio is a compassionate supporter of every child who attends Williams Elementary School and she has created several programs to enhance the health, safety and fun of school. It has been my pleasure to know and work with her,” said Pyle.

Leslie Reynolds, San Jose Unified School Board Vice President, and a dear friend of Cressio agrees, "Singing Tracy's praises is the easiest thing in the world to do!  Not only have we worked together at Williams, but she is my neighbor, my confidant and is like a second mother to my children. Our shared vision about children has both brought and bonded us together. What you see in Tracy is all real. She walks the talk and holds herself to a very high standard in every aspect of her life. Tracy is all about giving of her time, money, resources and best of all, love. I am blessed to have her play such a significant role in my life."

Lynne Wach, a friend and fellow advocate for children, says Tracy is “an amazing asset to all the children who meet her and a friend I am honored to have. I don’t see her as often as I would like to, but when I do, she lights up my day.”

It doesn’t take a grown-up perspective to appreciate Cressio’s devotion to the children, either. “Mrs. Cressio is awesome!” says Justin Jio. “She keeps us safe every day and she organizes fun stuff and teaches us to do our best. I like the way she says ‘You rock!’” he added.

Former Williams’ student Sheena Meng agrees. "Mrs. Cressio is very nice and fair, always very caring about kids. She helps solve our problems with anything. I really like her because she is funny, and she is simply the best person in the whole world!" Meng added.

Cressio may perform her many good deeds with a whisper, but her friends, colleagues and school community want to express their gratitude with a shout.

Thank you, Tracy Cressio, for all that you do to enhance the lives of Almaden’s children! The sunshine, passion and grace that accompany your generous actions make you a true Community Maker.