HOLMES BEACH – The School for Constructive Play (SCP) has been an Island landmark for decades, with hundreds of little feet walking through the school’s doors over the years.
The original preschool opened in 1989, and the institution as so many know it has been under the thoughtful care of Pam Bertrand.
Bertrand started at SCP as a substitute teacher and raised three of her children in the original little schoolhouse on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. In 1995, she started working full-time at the school, eventually running the programs.
A decade later, she had the opportunity to buy the school from Maria Richards, and, as Bertrand says, “The rest is history.”
Fast forward two decades later and a move to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, and Manatee County native Kelly Stewart is ready to step into the shoes of “Teacher Pam” as the new owner of the School for Constructive Play.
Stewart, a former student at the preschool and graduate of Manatee High School, started working as a full-time teacher in 2019. With a good amount of the early childhood education curriculum completed, Stewart said, “I decided to take a job at the preschool when Teacher Rainia moved,” after Bertrand asked for her assistance while the search for a new teacher began. The temporary job soon became permanent, and the next chapter of the preschool began.
“When Teacher Pam asks you for something, you say absolutely, what do you need?” Stewart said.
Stewart’s life at the School for Constructive Play began by entering Teacher Pam’s classroom when she was only a year old in 1997 and continued until she graduated from the school to attend Anna Maria Elementary School. The family history of working or attending the school included Stewart’s brother, Cory, who started at SCP when he was 3 years old.
Stewart would often find herself walking through the doors to help, volunteer or visit, and eventually, work. Currently working with the 1- and 2-year-olds, Stewart recalls having frequent conversations with Bertrand about the love of the school and the people who make it so special.
Even a short move recently to California could not keep her away from the SCP. Quickly moving back, the final decision was made that she would be the successor to the tradition of the preschool, with big shoes to fill.
Those who have raised their kids in the area have heard the legendary stories surrounding the fun the children have had over the years at the preschool. Not only the parents and students have fond memories of Teacher Pam, but the teachers who have worked with and for her consider her family.
Friends and co-workers Barb Burgess and Chrissy McCracken have had years of working side by side with Bertrand. Burgess said, “Pam is like a sister from another mother… truly an amazing friend, mom and teacher.”
“Teacher Pam is such a strong woman, is always smiling and has one of the kindest hearts you will ever come across,” McCracken said.
More recent additions to the teaching staff are equally as fond of Teacher Pam. Long-time SCP parent, friend and now teacher Dina Franklin recalls her son’s experience.
“Tyler was so lucky to have had the experience of learning and growing up in SCP with Pam and all the other wonderful teachers during that time.”
One of the newer teachers, Gracie Lewis, expressed her memories of Teacher Pam.
“(She) welcomed me with open arms and always treated me like family,” she said. Recalling the respect everyone has for Bertrand, Lewis said, “When Teacher Pam asks you to get into the dumpster, you get into the dumpster.”
Countless former parents, students and SCP teachers have the same sentiments toward Teacher Pam. Former students who eventually became teachers at the preschool, Rainia Lardas and Gussie Lardas, definitely echo the message of their counterparts.
“Pam is my forever boss. She is not only so knowledgeable but also so kind,” Rainia Lardas said. To this day, Bertrand is her first phone call if she has a question about childcare.
Gussie Lardas, now an elementary school teacher in Manatee County, recalls, “I have known Pam my whole life. She gave me my first job at SCP when I was 16. Working at the preschool with Pam has taught me a lot about the type of teacher I want to be for my students.”
For Bertrand, the small events that made the students excited about learning are highlights of a wonderful career. From visits by farm animals, firemen and Santa Claus to learning to write their names, each memory lives bright in her mind.
Stewart plans to continue the preschool’s traditions and environment of fun while learning. While she plans to stay in the classroom during the transition, she hopes to be able to focus on developing the program and strengthening the school. Staying as a familiar face in the classroom and being a support to all of the teachers is important to her.
Accepting children as young as a year old, SCP prepares Island area kids for elementary school with VPK classes for 4- and 5-year-old children. The preschool has more than 15 years of VPK instructional experience with limited seating each year.
Stewart hopes the school can eventually bring back the afterschool program for young elementary school students.
“My goal is to grow and eventually expand SCP while maintaining that sparkle that makes this place so special,” Stewart said.
“Turning the preschool over to Kelly Stewart is an honor,” Bertrand said.
Preparing to hand over the brightly lit torch for the School for Constructive Play, she sends a message to the Island community.
“I could never thank the parents enough for allowing me to be a part of their child’s life,” she said. “I have truly been blessed. All of the children have given me so much joy and happiness. Their love, humor and pure honesty is unmatched. I have had the best job. I shouldn’t even call it a job, it’s joy.”
