Amy McLoughlin joined the Lower School as a kindergarten teacher in 2018 after working in Baltimore County Public Schools and being a Bryn Mawr parent for years of daughters Jane ’24, Molly ’27 and Bea ’29. McLoughlin is known and loved by kindergarteners for the fun songs and dances she makes up to help teach them about school and life. Read on to hear some of her favorite things about Bryn Mawr and the holidays. 

 

The people. The little people that I spend my days with and the big people who help me get through the day smiling. I genuinely enjoy the company of 5-year-olds. They are so inquisitive, quick and ready for fun. I truly believe that Meghann McMahon and I can figure out a way to make anything fun, so it’s easy to make kindergarten fun! 

 

Playing charades with my family on Christmas Eve  

What do you love about Bryn Mawr?  

The overwhelming support I get as a teacher, a colleague and a parent.  When the goal is to provide each unique girl with high quality learning experiences in a nurturing environment, everyone benefits.  

 

 I like to think about what Kindergarten should sound like. Lots of playing, singing, talking, lots of feelings, some chewing, some snoozing, maybe some crying, but lots of laughing.

Miracle on 34th Street (the black and white version) because it proves that, "it's not silly to believe." Elf–I always cry at the end when they sing. It’s a good reminder that life should be fun. Christmas Eve on Sesame Street because I remember waiting for it to be on PBS when I was a kid. We found it on DVD when Jane was a baby and have watched it a million times since. I love the songs and how it makes me feel old and young at the same time.  

The K-2 Winter Concert. I'm a little sad that I won't have a daughter or niece in another K-2 concert, so I know to savor the moments when I watch my class perform. They are so genuinely joyful and it’s nice to just sit and listen and breathe during the concerts. Ms. Puckett has never failed to bring me to tears during her concerts.  

Favorite holiday song & treat?  

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year and my mom’s fruitcake. If we’re talking guilty pleasures then it’s Last Christmas (by Wham!) and peppermint pretzels.

Coffee, hot cocoa or both?  

Coffee, with a splash of egg nog. 

What's one thing you want every girl who leaves your class to know? 

Life is full of choices. If one choice isn’t working out for you, you can always choose another path.