Thanksgiving weekend brought turkey, football and family all together in a fabulous synergy. The weekend also provided time to give thanks. As a superintendent I often get caught up in concentrating on failed legislation, mandated testing and the challenges of public education. Last week was an opportunity to focus on the many things I have to be grateful for as superintendent of Brookville Schools. Some are very visible and come to mind quickly; some are behind the scenes but equally as important.  

First, we have great kids who give me a reason to come to work everyday. I know we can help them reach their dreams. We have an excellent teaching staff, dedicated administrators and a Board of Education that provides hours of thankless community service. Likewise, there are coaches and advisors who spend hours upon hours with children after the academic day.  Often they are scrutinized, but they grind on because they know the lessons they offer are the underpinnings of success in adult life.

Then there is our community. You support us in so many different ways. Whether it is financially, via volunteering or simply a pat on the back; I believe OUR community lifts up our work each day as being important.

Thanksgiving was also a time to give special thanks for some people who may not be so visible. These individuals work tirelessly and provide support behind the scenes.

First, are the many support staff that work diligently each day. They are our bus drivers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, food service, custodians and maintenance staff. All those frontline individuals that you may look past when visiting our school. Trust me when I say, we could not function without them. I am thankful for the support staff at Brookville.

Additionally, I treasure our engaged parents.The parents who serve as band boosters, athletic boosters, classroom volunteers and taxicab drivers. The parents who attend parent-teacher conferences, belong to the PTA, work in the concession stand and take the fundraising order form to work. The parents who review spelling words one more time before bed and sign the agenda every day acknowledging that this child is mine and I am in it for the long haul. Schools cannot do it alone. It takes parents who are ENGAGED and I am thankful we have so many in Brookville.  

Finally, I am grateful for the families of our employees. Our spouses and children didn't know what they signed up for, but they support us through the frustration of failed legislation, mandated test scores and irregular work schedules. They are also there to celebrate with us when we help children reach their dreams.

This Thanksgiving I had much to be thankful for as a superintendent. It was a time to put all the challenges on the shelf and just count the blessings we have.  

We would like to introduce you to Mrs. Ann Stammen, one of our high school math teachers. The Staff Spotlight is a regular feature in the Blue Connector and is designed to assist you in getting to know our teachers and staff. Please take a moment to learn a little bit about Mrs. Stammen and what she does at BHS.

Where is your hometown?

Eaton, Ohio

 

Where do you live now? 

I live in Brookville, Ohio.

How many years of teaching experience do you have?

This is my 17th year teaching.

 

How many years have you taught at Brookville?

This is my 15th year at Brookville. My first 2 years of teaching were at Centerville.

 

What is your position in the school district?

I teach high school math - currently advanced geometry, algebra II, transitiion to college math and pre-calculus..

Tell us about your family and hobbies outside of teaching?

I have a wonderful husband, Dennis, who is the Director of Operations at Stolle Machinery in Sidney, Ohio. We have three beautiful children, Drew, 7, Addison, 5 and William, 1. In my free time I enjoy running and spending time working outside with my kids. We spend most evenings and weekends following the kids around to their many activities and finding time to be with friends and family as much as possible.

 

What is your favorite thing about teaching in Brookville?

My favorite thing about teaching in Brookville is the high quality kids I get to spend time with every day. I am passionate about my subject matter, but what makes me love my job is watching our students grow and become wonderful young men and women. Growing up as an Eaton Eagle, I never imagined I would feel at home here in Brookville, but I am so glad that my own kids get to call Brookville schools their home.

 

How do you spend June and July?

I spend June and July catching up with my own kids. We take at least one day a week to find a new adventure to dive into (zoo, hiking a new trail, museums, etc.) and spend the other days swimming, playing at the park or working in our garden.