Debbie Fortner has owned The Grizzly Club Preschool since 1995. She has a love for children and watching them grow. Mrs. Fortner is married to her husband Dale, and they have 5 daughters, one son-in-law and one grandson named Lincoln. Her favorite part of her day is getting all the boys and girls out of the cars drop-off line in the morning. She loves starting her day off with each child!
Before opening the preschool, Mrs. Fortner worked as a teacher in Akron Public Schools. She then stayed home with her children and opened the Preschool. Mrs. Fortner believes people always come first and she shows that as she cares for her family, the team, and all of the families that join the Grizzly Club Preschool. Mrs. Fortner loves Winnie the Pooh, which is a nickname she has been given by her family. She will answer to “Winnie" or "Pooh Bear!”. She likes all colors, but her favorite is black, and loves her McDonald’s Cokes!
Meet the Owner
The Grizzly Club Preschool is where all little Grizzlies get their start! We offer a comprehensive program that provides experiences to enrich each child's cognitive, language, social, physical and creative development. We are designed to meet the developmental needs of young children ages 3 to 5 by the State of Ohio.
We have structured our preschool so each child has the opportunity to create, explore and learn how to have personal interaction and problem solving skills within a caring and nurturing environment. Our teaching staff has many years of experience, with a focus on enabling each student to receive maximize their learning potential. We preach self-esteem, sharing, and having fun while learning the balance of self-directed and teacher-directed activities.
We also recognize that physical exercise and large motor activity play are vital in the development of a young child. Therefore, on a daily basis, we offer a variety of movement activities in our "Big Room," located in the large fellowship hall within our facility. This ensures year-round physical play for the students.
Parents will find that our staff is united by serving as positive role models for each student. We are fully committed to supporting and responding to each child's individual needs as much as possible. At the Grizzly Club, we are committed to teaching and training the “whole” child.
From an organizational perspective, classes are divided to ensure each age group receives the highest level of education during their developmental phase. Our 3’s classes are designed to teach the students how to interact with others during their first time school experience, while learning life-long independent success. We do all of this as we start to introduce educational Kindergarten content, even at the 3 year old level. All our 4’s & 5’s classrooms continue with and build on the Kindergarten readiness work that was started in 3’s. This encompassing program has been created to ensure a successful transition to kindergarten.
Finally, our goal is to have each student leave us with a love of learning and an enthusiasm for school. Come join us ---
“Where all little Grizzlies get their start!”
Grizzly Club Preschool is state licensed through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The GCP license is posted in the preschool office. GCP does not discriminate in the enrollment of children upon the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
Meet Our Teachers
Our team of experienced and playful early childhood specialists are here to make your cub's preschool experience unforgettable!
Melissa Punchak is our on-site Director here at the Grizzly Club Preschool. She has been with us since 2012, starting out as a teacher, moving into the Director role. Melissa describes herself as “fun & fabulous” and that is exactly what she is! Her teaching philosophy is to meet each student where they are and make learning fun! She does this by dressing up in different costumes or crazy hats, which is why her favorite holiday is Halloween!
Mrs. Punchak’s husband is named, Dan, and they have two boys that are all grown up. She loves the color green and eating Mexican food. She is allergic to chocolate and does not drink coffee! Melissa is the first face you will see when you come to the Grizzly Club!
Meet the Director
Our 3-year-old classrooms are brimming with energy and curiosity, and at the heart of it all are our exceptional teachers! These dedicated early childhood professionals possess a unique understanding of this vital developmental stage. With a blend of warmth, patience, and engaging activities, they foster a love of learning through play, exploration, and social interaction. Our 3-year-old teachers are experts at creating a safe and stimulating environment where each child feels nurtured, supported, and empowered to take their first steps on their educational journey.
3 Year Old Classrooms
Guiding curious minds on their preschool journey are our exceptional teachers specifically dedicated to our 4-year-old classrooms! Each teacher brings a wealth of experience and a passion for fostering independence, exploration, and social-emotional development in this pivotal learning stage. Through engaging activities, creative play, and a focus on building strong relationships, our 4-year-old teachers empower their students to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and kindhearted classmates.
4 Year Old Classrooms
Get ready for roaring good times in our Kindergarten Prep classrooms! Led by a team of experienced and passionate educators, our 5-year-old programs are designed to ignite curiosity and prepare your child for kindergarten success. These dedicated teachers foster a love of learning through engaging activities that promote social-emotional development, critical thinking skills, and a strong foundation in literacy and math. With a playful and nurturing approach, our Kindergarten Prep teachers create a safe and stimulating environment where your child can blossom into a confident and lifelong learner.
5 Year Old Classrooms
Born in the heart of a plush factory, Gus dreamed of a life beyond the toy store. His wish was granted when he landed a coveted position as the official mascot of Grizzly Club Preschool.
Though lacking formal education (after all, he's a bear!), Gus is a seasoned expert in early childhood development. His curriculum consists of endless cuddles, playtime adventures, and mastering the art of naptime. With a heart as big as the wilderness, Gus is always eager to lend a paw to new students, and he's already planning his next round of bear hugs for the upcoming school year.
Meet Gus the Grizzly
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About Us
Meet the passionate team behind Grizzly Club Preschool and discover how they can help your little grizzly "get their start!
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