(news)
The Reporter • October 2011
A quick peek at 5
3
Whitney Lanier, mathematics
Graduated: Newton High School, Newton. College: Emporia State. Favorite high school memory: “Studying for finals with my friends and we would have a big party instead.” Reason for teaching at PHS: “I likes the class size... a lot smaller then what I student taught at and in the interview they talked about how involved the community was [with the high school].” Pet peeve: “Drumming on the desk. They do it when I’m the only one talking so it is very quiet and very noticeable.” Why she teaches: “When students finally catch on to a concept, it is very rewarding because it is an ‘aw’ moment.” If she could only teach his students one thing: “I would teach them responsibly. When you are responsible then you can achieve almost anything.
Greg Morgan, science
Photo by Lane Harris
Sara Allison, French teacher, helps Nevin McCracken, junior, on homework during seminar. Allison, a PHS graduate, has switched roles and is teaching French.
7 new arrivals Teachers acclimate to high school lane harris reporter As Sara Allison drove to school on her first day as a bona-fide French teacher she could not help thinking, “Don’t mess up.” “Don’t mess up.” “Don’t. Mess. Up.” Both Sara Allison, and Kevin Bronson, trade and industry, say they are comfortable and adjusting well to the students and faculty. Allison says she feels comfortable, in part, because her family has gone to the high school for years. “There’s not really a point in time that’s not welcoming,” she said. Bronson is new to Paola and hopes to buy a home soon. “My family is still in Salina,” he said. Although Allison knows her way around the school, Bronson said he may need help finding teachers and “getting a feel for the building layout.” Bronson also said that he had trouble adjusting to block scheduling. “The logistics are a little hard to deal with,” he said. Allison said she likes the
‘small-school’ atmosphere. “You get to know the students really well. You also get to know the community,” she said. Allison also likes the kindness of the students. “Kids I don’t even know say ‘hi, how are you?’ It’s a very welcoming school,” she said. Stephen King, junior, had advice for students to let the new teachers know that they are welcome. “New teachers don’t know anyone, so just go along with it,” he said. “They’ll get nicer and less strict, hopefully,” he said. Bronson said the students are “friendly.” He said he likes when students have an open mind and “working with a group of students who are willing to learn.” King said to make the teachers feel comfortable, he would follow the rules and not use inappropriate language. Bronson said he enjoys the traditions at Paola. “There are a lot of good ag programs, sports programs and extra-curricular activities,” he said. Allison looks forward to cheering on her school in athletics. “I’m excited to support the Panthers whether it be soccer, baseball, volleyball,
just any of them.” To relax, Allison goes uptown. “I like to go up to the coffee shop on the Square and just hang out and relax after class,” she said. Bronson, however, gets most comfortable with those he is close with. “After 3 o’clock, it’s mainly family and friends,” he said. He expects his students to respect the values he obtained from serving our country in the armed services. “Leadership skills...teamwork, honor, value,” he said. “Those are the things that come together whether you’re in a school setting or sports.” Bronson wants his students to “simply take each day as a new day. All I ask of my students is respect and a positive attitude,” he said. Allison said that if you ever need help, ask. “I think it’s better to ask a question than to not know something,” she said. As Allison finished up her first day she felt more comfortable. “I felt accomplished; a sense of ‘I can do this,” she said.
Graduated: Diamond High School, Diamond, Mo. College: Masters at Kansas State University. Favorite high school memory: “Getting third in state my senior year in basketball.” Teaching style: “Progressive. I try to be hands-on and interactive.” Why he teaches: “Seeing that light bulb come on. In any situation it takes the right moment to get them to engage. For many kids the education they get is the only thing they can apply in their daily life.” If he could only teach his students one thing: “To not give up. To not give up on what they want to do: their dreams”
Brett Brownback, agriculture
Graduated: Jayhawk-Linn, Mound City. College: Kansas State University. Favorite high school memory: Winning livestock judging at Fort Scott Aggie Days or senior year football. Reason for teaching at PHS: [It is] close to home and the reputation of the agriculture department preceded itself.” Pet peeve: “Poor work ethic. I have no sympathy for a slacker.” Why he teaches: “I love to work with students. I love being an advocate of agriculture and feel like this is the best way to be one.” If he could only teach his students one thing: “To have faith in their own ability’s to succeed.”
John Menefee, agriculture
Graduated: Paola High School. College: Kansas State University. Favorite high school memory: “Mr. Smith's current events class or getting a speeding ticket on my way to prom my junior year.” Biggest challenge: “School didn't come easy to me. I had to work at it.” Teaching style: Laid back. “I love to make class fun. I put a lot of emphasis on winning at FFA contest.” Pet peeve: “Liars and stealers.” Why he teaches: “To make my students better. I want to see my students be successful.” If he could only teach his students one thing: “There is no substitute for hard work.”
Ryan Oshel, science
Graduated: Wellsville High School, Wellsville. College: Pittsburg State University. Favorite high school memory: “Playing football my senior year.” Reason for teaching at PHS: “I did my student teaching here in 2008-09. I coached football and basketball. I decided to come back because I enjoyed my time here so much.” Teaching style: “I'm fairly strict but I'm pretty fair. I like to joke around with kids after I get to know them.” Why he teaches: “I enjoyed my school experience so much. I like being in a classroom. I like the students. I like the high school experience.” If he could only teach his students one thing: “How to solve problems in the real world.” chrystal thompson reporter