Site Spotlight: Hawthorne!

We are thrilled to shine the spotlight on the amazing staff and incredible students at Launch Hawthorne!

Launch’s school-age program at Hawthorne Elementary is small but mighty! You can’t help but feel how special this site is from the moment you walk through the door.

On the menu this week: chocolate pudding dirt cups! The kids learned how to create their own delicious concoctions on a very rainy Seattle day – from crushing the Oreos, mixing the pudding with whipped cream, and finishing off their “dirt” with some delicious gummy worms – the kids tackled each step of the project with confidence and smiles. The crew at Hawthorne embraces the mess and empowers the kids to explore, create, laugh, and have fun while exercising their creativity and imagination.

Nate Cogman transitioned from the role of beloved Enrichment Teacher to Site Manager this summer. He’s also a talented photographer, and generously takes photos of our graduating Launch preschoolers every year!

“Being the site manager gives me the chance to build on my relationships that I developed as a teacher and create an atmosphere that will help the kids thrive,” he says. “Mentoring is my thing. This inspired me to work with kids. I want to work with them, help them out, be a part of their lives.”

Mr. Nate says that for him, Hawthorne feels like home.

“The families here are close-knit and make you feel welcome – they really welcome you into their world,” he says. “I’ve never felt left out – we check in on each other, we communicate. It’s just a really special community.”

Teachers Olivia, Matthew, and Sofia show up every day committed to building a safe, enriching space for the kids in their care. They are kind, funny, and attentive, and it’s easy to see how much trust exists between the kids and the staff at Hawthorne.

“I tell new teachers – let the kids know you are here and that they are seen – make your presence felt,” Mr. Nate says. “Have conversations with them, get to know them. Then they know who they can call on when they need to ask for help.”