Thanks to teachers for fun with ‘Panther Professionals’


Kim Brooks
Babbling Brooks Column
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     The school year is winding down. I can imagine the anticipation the students (and teachers and staff) have as the countdown begins.

     I remember my attitude as the school year came to a close; I couldn’t wait for summer to start. I am sure the kids are quite antsy right now.

     Throughout the school year, the Express seems to stay pretty busy with so much activity going on in the classrooms and the schools in Monticello, at the public schools and Sacred Heart. It’s always fun to cover a guest speaker or classroom activity and hear from the students, “Are you taking my picture for the paper?” It’s good to know the kids feel special when their pictures appear in the local newspaper.

     But the students haven’t been the only ones our readers saw throughout the school year. Our weekly series “Panther Professionals” was fun to offer as well.

     This feature allowed the Express to showcase a different teacher, staff member, or administrator every week. And each spotlight offered a different, unique story in terms of that teacher’s job responsibilities, background, and personal life.

     The idea for the series was really to help those of us here at the Express. I wanted to get to know those working in our schools, with the students of Monticello.

     And through the connections I’ve been able to form, it’s been a win-win situation. Last week I contacted preschool teacher Katie Andrews regarding the details about the May 17 preschool graduation ceremony.

     The Express relies heavily on the school secretaries and teachers during the school year, particularly to help identify the numerous students who appear in photos that are published in the paper on a regular basis. (I shouldn’t have spilled the beans on one of our little secrets, but instead allow you all to think Pete Temple and I were just that good.)

     In tackling the Panther Professionals series, it’s been a privilege getting to know so many people who dedicate their time and effort and life toward the MCSD. You can tell they each have a passion for education, for kids, and for helping to impact their lives on a daily basis.

     As adults, when we look back on the many people who made impressions on our own lives, many of those names are likely teachers and people who worked at our schools. I am sure that same trend will continue for the students of the MCSD.

     A HUGE thanks is needed from me to you, the many teachers and staff who allowed me to get to know you and to share your story in the Express this school year. It was fun hearing how each of you decided to pursue a career in education. For some of you, this wasn’t your first career, but I see how you’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

     Thanks for allowing me to invade your classrooms to have engaging photos to go along with the feature stories.

     Thanks to those teachers who were willing to meet with me during holiday breaks when I didn’t plan well enough ahead to have a story ready in time. Many of you also gave up your lunch hours and free time after school to visit with me. (I know how precious that free time is, believe me!)

     I hope Panther Professionals was fun for our readers, as much as it was for me to do. I heard from several school staff that these stories also allowed some of you to gain insight into your co-workers that you perhaps didn’t know before.

     Also, consider this a head-up to the MCSD and Sacred Heart School… When the 2018-19 school year starts up in August, I’ll be annoying you once again to schedule interviews and photo opportunities.

     And remember to keep the Express in the loop for all that is going on in the classroom. Our schools are doing some amazing things and the Express wants to help promote it!

     Happy summer!

 

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