My family and I moved from California, where I was a Special Education teacher, to North Carolina a number of years ago. Soon after arriving, I began looking for a school that not only would I like to work at, but a place where I would want my own children to become a part of. The prospect of a new Charter School, The Mountain Community School, quickly caught my attention. I was the first to be hired at TMCS, and my daughter began school as a kindergarten student that same year.
Although TMCS has gone through many changes over the years, we still hold on to our original mission of small class size, family involvement and experiential learning. These are the things that continue to create our sense of community within the school and individual classrooms as well.
My classroom is no exception. In fifth grade I integrate curriculum areas as much as possible, which works hand-in-hand with our Learning Through Expeditions. I love Science, and in my room you will find students working in co-operative groups, going on field trips and doing hands-on projects almost daily.
You may find us studying National Park biomes through geography and weather, calculating force and motion through the studies of the human body systems, or observe the excitement of my students as they watch ducklings hatch in the Spring. All the while, I integrate reading, writing, technology and math skills in depth. Social Skills are also addressed head-on in my class. Not only are we active in our school-wide CREW program, we also do check-ins and have Classroom Meetings weekly.
I have felt incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this Community for my family as well as a teacher from the first day it began, and continuing today. Since my hiring, all three of my children have graduated from TMCS and have moved on to be very successful High School students and college graduates. My daughter is now a 3rd grade teacher in Raleigh.
Simply stated, TMCS is a great place to be!
