BCSD introduced a monthly highlight on its teachers and staff last school year. This is a monthly feature that highlights staff from each school building and new this year a non-instructional district staff member. Get to know a little more about this past December’s featured staff members Ms. Nichols, Mr. Gallup, Mr. Weaver, Ms. Bell, Ms. Alderman and Ms. Mahar.
BCSD will quote the featured staffs’ responses to a light-hearted questionnaire. This is an opportunity for the staff at BCSD to share more about themselves as well as offer some advice from their perspective.
Ms. Lauren Nichols
Berlin Elementary School
Second Grade
1. What is your favorite memory from school?
My fifth grade teacher was so special and kind, she taught me to have confidence in myself when facing challenges. Writing was hard, but she showed me that I have ability and skill in writing that I did not see for myself. This positive impact is my forever favorite memory from school.
2. What would the students be surprised to find out about you? What is one of your hidden talents?
I have three hidden talents that I learned in…Clown School! I am able to juggle, ride unicycles and make balloon sculptures. Though this is not a career for me, it was so much fun to learn to do these things.
3. What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
Students are the best part of school and as they enter in the morning with excitement and anticipation, they inspire me to do my very best to provide them with what they need. A “good day” at school is everyday that students step through our classroom door.
4. What kinds of questions do you suggest that I ask my child(ren) on a daily basis after a day at school?
As a parent and a teacher, I could not wait to find out about my childrens’ day at school. When I asked how their day was or what they did at school I would get a minimal response, “not much”, “okay”, “nothing”. What I have learned is to wait to ask your questions about their day. Let them settle in at home after a full day of learning and activities. Once they have had a bit of time transitioning from school, the stories of their day will begin to trickle out. Questions that I would ask are;
- What made you proud today?
- What was hard and how did you handle it?
- Who did you spend time with and did you enjoy it?
- What are you getting better at?
5. What are the best resources that we should consider using to support our child in the classroom?
Technology is such an amazing resource for everyone. Though I may be from the days of typewriter usage and my students have had to teach me how to use devices, I am continually astounded by what technology offers us. There are four things I want students to have access to each and every day, all day long; a computer, a pencil, a journal and books.
6. If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
The great outdoors, anywhere in the world, is where I would take students for field trips. I call it, going on an adventure, taking the time to notice and observe what is happening all around us. Slow down and recognize the unique differences and similarities in living things (people, animals and plants) and nonliving things (the land , the lifestyle, the needs) all around us and in different places. These are the type of field trips I believe will help us all have more understanding about people and our world.
7. What is your “trapped on a desert island” book?
Anything realistic fiction is what I would want to read if I were “trapped on a desert island”. I do not have one favorite book, but I love to read about characters facing real life situations such as social and personal challenges and how they persevere.
Mr. Jared Gallup
Berlin Elementary School
Teaching Assistant
1. What is your favorite memory from school?
Each year growing up the high-school jazz band would take a trip to a competition, but that year instead of our usual jazz-fest at SixFlags we went to a larger festival at Busch Gardens and absolutely crushed it there. Grooving the congas during our set was fantastic, and we all had a ton of fun at the park.
2. What would the students be surprised to find out about you? What is one of your hidden talents?
When I substituted a few years ago the high-school kids were surprised that I had never planned to work with children or teach at all (it’s something I reluctantly fell into at first, but have really enjoyed since).
Hidden talent?… Some people seem to like when I bake things. If that counts?
3. What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
If we all tried our best, then it was a ‘good day’. If we tried our best and smiled too, then it was a ‘great day’.
4. What kinds of questions do you suggest that I ask my child(ren) on a daily basis after a day at school?
“What’s something interesting from your day?” Even if it wasn’t something school-related it might give some insight into what they really notice, and might help them remember something fun specifically rather than just calling it a vaguely ‘good’ or ‘bad’ day.
5. What are the best resources that we should consider using to support our child in the classroom?
In my opinion the most important resources available to our students are the teaching staff. They help all that they can whether in school or out, they have spent an obscene amount of time learning to be the best educator they can be (between undergrad, master’s, certifications, continuing education/professional development), and the staff at BES are the most caring and people I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. Having a caring and listening teacher being available to work with a student the way they need to is by far the best thing we could provide for them.
6. If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
To Machu Picchu, in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Maybe it would give some inspiration as to the amazing things people are capable of when they try.
7. What is your “trapped on a desert island” book?
I Fish; Therefore I Am (and other observations) by Patrick McManus
Ms. Karen Alderman
Berlin Central School District
Buildings & Grounds BMHS
1. What is your favorite memory from school?
My friends.
2. What would the students be surprised to find out about you? What is one of your hidden talents?
I am an avid gardener.
3. What makes a ‘good day’ in the school building for you?
A ‘good day’ is when I can do my job without it being crazy busy due to other unexpected tasks.
4. Where is your favorite feature or place in the Middle/High school that BMHS students should utilize more?
The new Berlin High School Aquatics Laboratory (the fish room).
5. If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
The Gettysburg Battlefield.
6. What is your “trapped on a desert island” book?
My “trapped on a desert island book” would be Gone with the Wind.
Ms. Annette Bell
Berlin High School
BHS Special Education
1. What is your favorite memory from school?
As a student, my favorite memory is when I was in 6th grade and my balloon went the farthest and I won $5. As a teacher, my favorite memory is spending time with students during events afterschool.
2. What would the students be surprised to find out about you? What is one of your hidden talents?
I think most students would be surprised to find out that I have three grandchildren. Two beautiful granddaughters and the most handsome grandson. My hidden talent is that I’m able to crochet in a straight line. LOL!
3. What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
A good day is when students are engaged and participating in a good discussion.
4. What kinds of questions do you suggest that I ask my child(ren) on a daily basis after a day at school?
What are two good things you feel good about that happened today?
5. What are the best resources that we should consider using to support our child in the classroom?
Communication with teachers is key. They are your best resource and your student(s) can only benefit if you work together as a team.
6. If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
It’s amazing how many students have never set foot in the ocean or on it’s beaches.
7. What is your “trapped on a desert island” book?
Any romance novel.
.
Mr. Josh Weaver
Berlin Middle High School
Physical Education Teacher
1. What is your favorite memory from school?
Taking Forensics my senior year of high school. CSI was one of my favorite shows and being able to learn how to recover fingerprints, determine blood types and create our own “crime scene” was such a cool experience for me.
2. What would the students be surprised to find out about you? What is one of your hidden talents?
I love to read (as many people saw on the Facebook post about my visit to Mrs. Monty’s class) but I also dabble on the guitar. I have an acoustic and electric guitar but I love the sound the acoustic makes when I’m messing around on it.
3. What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
A good day is every day that I’m here. Regardless of everything that is going on in my life outside of school, I get to come in and do something I have dreamt about doing since I was a freshman in high school. I love teaching physical education and I love bringing my enthusiasm to the subject, even if sometimes the students think I’m a little out there.
4. What kinds of questions do you suggest that I ask my child(ren) on a daily basis after a day at school?
Ask them how their day was and get them to give you some details. Ask them one thing new they learned that day. The more opportunities you give them to open up about their day, the more willing they are to open up more frequently as the school year goes along.
5. What are the best resources that we should consider using to support our child in the classroom?
Ask questions as the previous question stated. Be involved in your child(ren)’s life at school. Also, create open communication with their teachers. Teachers love to talk with their students’ parents because we want to help mold their children into hardworking, caring and responsible individuals when they leave school. If we have an open line of communication between home and teachers, it will help bridge the gap between the school day and what goes on at home.
6. If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
Ireland and Scotland. I went over there with some students and staff members in the Summer of 2017 and it was an amazing experience. The differences in culture, cuisine and the countries as a whole was very eye-opening and it gave you a sense of excitement because it was so new and different from what life is like here. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I’m very happy I took the trip. If you have a chance to go overseas with our EF Tours group (See Mr. Gould), I would recommend it, you will not regret it.
7. What is your “trapped on a desert island” book?
This is a tough question as I have many different authors/characters I like to read. Probably Stone Cold by David Baldacci. It’s the middle book in a series and it’s non-stop action from beginning to end.
Ms. Debra Mahar
Berlin Middle High School
BMHS Recovery Zone
1. What is your favorite memory from school?
I did not have an easy time of it in school but loved spending all of my free time in the dark room (a room where pictures used to be made before digital cameras came along) and painting in the art room. Once I got closer to junior and senior year; school became a lot more interesting and fun because I got to take a lot more classes that were geared towards the career I hoped to have some day as a photographer/artist. I also had a lot more friends at that age too because I think we all finally realized our time together was limited and winding down. We all became a lot closer and a bit more kind to each other.
2. What would the students be surprised to find out about you? What is one of your hidden talents?
I really like scary rides-My favorite is the Tower of Terror at Disney World and that I did a mural in Hoosick Falls in one of the parks there-my favorite theme to paint is the four seasons-I love that we get them all here in the Northeast!
3. What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
Everyday with the students at Berlin is a good day; but when one of the students drops by to tell me they made great choices and are seeing the benefits-that is the best ever kind of day! Those are the days I live for! I really love to see all our kids be kind to themselves, each other, and our staff here at Berlin – a staff of folks who are here to help each student be the best version of themselves. I see how much effort goes into each class they prepare for and how they try to make it fun. We are lucky to have each and every single one of them.
4. What kinds of questions do you suggest that I ask my child(ren) on a daily basis after a day at school?
Specific ones-never stop at how was your day? Ask “what was your best moment, your worst moment, and your favorite moment?” Ask what they did in a specific class, what lunch was, and what the latest news is in school. If your child comes home with gossip about others, explore where the information came from and explain that it’s best to “believe none of what you hear and half of what you see yourself” because gossip can be life altering and hurtful when spread and especially if it’s untrue-which in most cases it is.
BMHS Recovery Zone
5. What are the best resources that we should consider using to support our child in the classroom?
In all classes the best resources are communication and passion. Every teacher I have ever met has a passion and a calling to teach. I hope that each child and parent utilizes a teacher’s offer to have open communication and that they work together as it truly does take a whole community to raise great kids and no parents should ever have to do it alone. Lean on teachers, folks in the community, friends, and neighbors to help and just as importantly be there to help their kids as well. It is my greatest wish to help a student to process any issues they may be having. I want them to utilize the peaceful nature of the Recovery Zone to help them sort out the problems they may be experiencing within these four walls as well as outside them. I hope that they can walk away with the tools they need to cope with and rise above what problems may be bogging them down. I hope to be a part of the community families come to rely on to help raise their children to their full potential and that starts with building their confidence in themselves.
6. If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
Ms. Mahar holding up the leaning tower of Pisa with her feet.
I would take them somewhere that people are in need and where we could offer assistance to them. This truly is the best way to get each of us out of our own heads and where we can start to see our value in the world. When we can share our talents, our gifts, our resources, and our hearts-our own problems seem a lot easier to tackle. Oh and then we’d take a spin to Italy! Because well, it’s Italy and it is just beautiful! I actually have a picture of me holding up the leaning tower of Pisa with my feet.
7. What is your “trapped on a desert island” book?
Oh Gosh, there are so many! I love “The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells as it really makes me think about how sometimes we can be our own worst enemies and that we really need to be more selfless and thoughtful of others around us. I also love children’s books that make me laugh and hope to author one someday! Three of my favorites are: “The Three Little Fish and The Big Bad Shark” by Ken Geist, “The Napping House” by Audrey Wood and “Bark George” by Jules Feiffer….they are hilarious and great for some comic relief. I may bring them in because even big kids need an occasion to laugh and be young again!