Ginger Vickstrom
Ginger’s interest in the children of the Branford community started when, as a young mother, she began taking her three daughters to various activities that the town had to offer. She quickly got to know many children and their families, and she soon found herself volunteering as a Brownie Leader and Vice President of the Branford Hills PTA. That is how it all began, one thing led to another and then another.
When Ginger began working for Branford School Age Child Care. (SACC) In the mid 1990’s, she became acutely aware of how important it was to be an advocate for children. With her guidance, SACC became a place of encouragement, learning, growth and exploration. Every year as the dynamics of the program changed, she constantly strived to design each program with the current students in mind. She strongly believed that, while at SACC, the children were to stay active both physically and mentally, and, more importantly, to feel safe and cared for. At this time Ginger also felt that Branford students could be better served if SACC contributed to some of the needs of the schools. SACC was able to donate lunch tables, gym mats, windows, play-ground equipment and towards the pre-kindergarten program at Tisko. She also worked in conjunction with Family Resource Center, the Branford Counseling Center and the Branford Park and Recreation Department.
Some of the committees and organizations she was a member of include Branford Early Childhood Center (BECC), Family Day for 16 years, Take A Step Day, 5 years) and the Shoreline Domestic Violence Council (1 year). She has served as secretary for the Building Committee for Murphy and Tisko schools and for the Connecticut After School Network, 14 years. In 2007 the Branford Counseling Center presented Ginger with an award for her “Commitment to Children and Collaboration with Community Agencies”. In 2014, BECC awarded her as the “Children’s Champion”. Ginger is currently on the board for Feed Branford Kids, volunteers for the Back-Pack Program, and is co-chair for the Branford School Readiness Council.
With zero plans to move south, Ginger resides in Branford with Ray, her husband of 54 years. She also has three daughters and six grandchildren who are trying hard to keep up with her whereabouts since she retired. Here we are, three years after her retirement, reflecting on all of her contributions to the educational welfare of the children of Branford, and she thought she was going to be a hairdresser!
When Ginger began working for Branford School Age Child Care. (SACC) In the mid 1990’s, she became acutely aware of how important it was to be an advocate for children. With her guidance, SACC became a place of encouragement, learning, growth and exploration. Every year as the dynamics of the program changed, she constantly strived to design each program with the current students in mind. She strongly believed that, while at SACC, the children were to stay active both physically and mentally, and, more importantly, to feel safe and cared for. At this time Ginger also felt that Branford students could be better served if SACC contributed to some of the needs of the schools. SACC was able to donate lunch tables, gym mats, windows, play-ground equipment and towards the pre-kindergarten program at Tisko. She also worked in conjunction with Family Resource Center, the Branford Counseling Center and the Branford Park and Recreation Department.
Some of the committees and organizations she was a member of include Branford Early Childhood Center (BECC), Family Day for 16 years, Take A Step Day, 5 years) and the Shoreline Domestic Violence Council (1 year). She has served as secretary for the Building Committee for Murphy and Tisko schools and for the Connecticut After School Network, 14 years. In 2007 the Branford Counseling Center presented Ginger with an award for her “Commitment to Children and Collaboration with Community Agencies”. In 2014, BECC awarded her as the “Children’s Champion”. Ginger is currently on the board for Feed Branford Kids, volunteers for the Back-Pack Program, and is co-chair for the Branford School Readiness Council.
With zero plans to move south, Ginger resides in Branford with Ray, her husband of 54 years. She also has three daughters and six grandchildren who are trying hard to keep up with her whereabouts since she retired. Here we are, three years after her retirement, reflecting on all of her contributions to the educational welfare of the children of Branford, and she thought she was going to be a hairdresser!
Letters of Nomination
We are nominating Ginger Vickstrom, Director of Branford School Age Child Care (SACC), for Branford's Education Hall of Fame.
Mrs. Vickstrom has been a part of the SACC program for almost 20 years. After leading Brownie Troops and being an active member of the former Branford Hills School PTA, it is no surprise that she found her passion with the SACC program.
Ginger has gone above and beyond offering a safe and fun environment for Branford's students; she has provided them a high quality before/after school and summer program. With her guidance, SACC has become a place of encouragement, learning, growth and exploration. All year round, her students are introduced to many varied activities such as yoga, tae kwon do, dance, Zumba and sports instruction (just to name a few). A favorite activity with our Sliney students is taking a walking history tour with Branford's own Al Russell.
In addition to the SACC program, Ginger has served, contributed, or worked in conjunction with various committees here in town (BECC, FRC, CT After School Network, Counseling Center, Park and Rec). She is a big part of Take a Step Day and Family Day.
One other thing Ginger does that is so important to our students, but goes unrecognized, is the yearly gift that SACC gives to one or another of Branford's schools. Examples of items donated are lunch tables, gym wall matts, windows, donations to help fund the pre k program at Tisko, and more!
We have only touched on a few reasons why Ginger Vickstrom should be honored for her work with the children in Branford. Maybe the strongest point we can make is that Ginger truly believes in each and every single child in this town, and that they are worth every bit of time she has.
Mrs. Vickstrom has been a part of the SACC program for almost 20 years. After leading Brownie Troops and being an active member of the former Branford Hills School PTA, it is no surprise that she found her passion with the SACC program.
Ginger has gone above and beyond offering a safe and fun environment for Branford's students; she has provided them a high quality before/after school and summer program. With her guidance, SACC has become a place of encouragement, learning, growth and exploration. All year round, her students are introduced to many varied activities such as yoga, tae kwon do, dance, Zumba and sports instruction (just to name a few). A favorite activity with our Sliney students is taking a walking history tour with Branford's own Al Russell.
In addition to the SACC program, Ginger has served, contributed, or worked in conjunction with various committees here in town (BECC, FRC, CT After School Network, Counseling Center, Park and Rec). She is a big part of Take a Step Day and Family Day.
One other thing Ginger does that is so important to our students, but goes unrecognized, is the yearly gift that SACC gives to one or another of Branford's schools. Examples of items donated are lunch tables, gym wall matts, windows, donations to help fund the pre k program at Tisko, and more!
We have only touched on a few reasons why Ginger Vickstrom should be honored for her work with the children in Branford. Maybe the strongest point we can make is that Ginger truly believes in each and every single child in this town, and that they are worth every bit of time she has.