Teacher Turns Author

Casie Capriglione

When Casie Capriglione '98 graduated with a B.A. in education, she knew a teaching career was in her future. She didn't know being a published author would lay ahead.

During her student teaching experience, Capriglione thought it would be fun to write a book for young children that taught a lesson on community helpers. "Mr. Rotini's Pizza" came to life. In it, a pizza chef dreams about making crazy objects out of pizza ingredients. The book's purpose was to teach basic sight words, stimulate discussion on the importance of chefs in a community, and be part of an art project. "I never dreamed of having it published," said Capriglione.

The Duluth native graduated and began teaching kindergarten at Edison Kenwood Charter School in Duluth, then moved to a new teaching position in Henderson, NV.

At an educational training session she met Luz Roth, a Colombian who had attended college in the United States and had begun a publishing company, El Mundo de los Ninos (The World of the Children). When Roth heard about "Mr. Rotini's Pizza," she wanted to publish the book and also asked Capriglione to write another.

The result was "The Lucky Bag," a book about students Sam and Maria, who need to do a report on U.S. presidents. On their way to the library, they come upon a bag containing a penny, nickel, dime and quarter. The president on each coin comes to life and shares information, helping the children complete their report.

"Mr. Rotini's Pizza" is illustrated by Ricardo Miro; "The Lucky Bag" by John Cortes. Both books are written for primary grade levels K-2. They are published separately in English and Spanish editions. The books are issued as part of monthly units that are thematically based in small-book format.

"The books are for teaching students to listen, use prior knowledge and map out in detail what happens in a story," Capriglione said. "Each book comes with a word wall and glossary page, along with a story map."

Capriglione's books are products of a lifelong interest in writing enhanced by her St. Scholastica education. "Back in elementary school, I loved to create stories and draw pictures. Over the years at St. Scholastica I built confidence in being able to write and truly express myself. This passion has led to writing poetry, and now, children's books."

In addition to teaching and writing, Capriglione plans to begin graduate studies.

"St. Scholastica opened the doors to accepting the diverse world, and now I need to continue to learn and reach my fullest potential. Having these two books published is very exciting, and I look at this as just the beginning of another learning process."