EDUCATION & SCHOOLS
In fifth grade, my son created a marble arcade using recycled materials and explained the physics; became excited about examining the causes of the American Revolution to the extent that he insisted we look through his class materials together; and enthusiastically solved optional math problems. He looked forward to school every day, despite [being] in the midst of a pandemic that completely transformed the classroom environment. My child’s year of joyous learning was the result of many factors, including the outstanding leadership and teaching team at Triangle Day School. More than any factor, though, it was Dan Forringer who made my son’s year amazing. He inspired and engaged his students in every possible way. Even teaching hybrid, with some students on a screen and others masked and distanced in the classroom, Dan managed to make learning fun and appropriately challenging. We are beyond grateful for the impact he had on our child. – Kersten Jacobson Biehn, parent of Grant Biehn, 11
shoutout!
Parents praise their children’s educators who have gone above and beyond in these unprecedented times *Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
We celebrate Malcolm Goff, art teacher at Brogden Middle School. Mr. Goff has been a champion for our son for years as his art teacher in both elementary and middle school (pictured together here before the pandemic). He’s patient, kind and focuses on kids’ strengths while still setting high expectations. He’s encouraged my son and nurtured his love for art and learning new skills even during a season of life when school was challenging and he wanted to give up. We love Mr. Goff and how much he loves our kids! – Jessie Larkins, parent of Elijah Larkins, eighth grade 84
|
durhammag.com
|
Randy Lent was a shining light in an unprecedented and arduous year. He worked Zoom like he’d been doing it forever and managed to keep my stellar student engaged and excited throughout all of second grade! He was patient, understanding, creative and set appropriate expectations for his students all while maintaining control of his virtual classroom and enabling student accountability. We will always be grateful to Mr. Lent and everyone at Parkwood Elementary School for going above and beyond and fighting to give my child the best second grade experience under the most difficult conditions. – Colleen Bennett Ellis, parent of Avery Ellis, third grade
I would like to shout out Dionne Jimenez, the Spanish teacher at Sherwood Githens Middle School. She encouraged my son to continue taking Spanish with her this year, and I am so glad, because she uses creative teaching methods like coding to make learning the language and culture fun! She has such a strong and positive presence beyond the classroom, too, planning a multicultural night, career night and events for our Latinx families. I am grateful for all that she does for my son and her students! – Hallie Davis-Penders, parent of Toryn Penders, 13 october/november 2021