Building Stronger Communities Together

Our teachers should be recognized more often for their hard work and commitment to making a difference in their students' lives. Highline invites you to nominate someone you feel deserves to be recognized as a Teacher of the Month. Winning teachers will receive a gift card.

December’s teacher of the month is, Paulette Pepin from Cameron Elementary School in Gladstone.

Paulette has been teaching for 30 years, 25 years at Gladstone Schools, with the last 7 teaching 2nd grade. She enjoys teaching reading because it’s the foundation to learn all subjects. She wants her students to not just learn to read, she wants them to enjoy it.  Her favorite part of the day is when the students come in ready to start their day.

Like most teachers we interview, Paulette loves to see the moment a student finally gets what they have been struggling to learn. “The light bulb moment” She might have to show them several different ways until the find the way that works for them.

With her husband’s help, they transformed a couple old Daily Press boxes to start her FREE Libraries where anyone can pick a book to read, donate some of their own as well as exchange books (take one leave one). Paulette checks on the libraries often and restocks from her personal library or books that may have been given to her for her FREE libraries. Paulette’s FREE libraries are located at the North Bluff and Soo Hill School.

Paulette said that her 5th grade teacher, Terry Duval, inspired her to choose teaching as her career. His enthusiasm and positive attitude made it obvious he loved what he did. She loved the Read-Aloud time where he would read a story using “character voices” that drew you into the story.

Her classroom is not just a place to learn it’s a place to grow and be comfortable. For the past 16 years her classroom along with many others take part in a PJ drive instead of a Christmas gift exchange that can put unnecessary pressure on children that might not be able to afford a gift to exchange. There isn’t a list of names of those that donated, just a box in the hall for those that wish to donate.

During our interview we noticed that she had an eagle’s nest up on her screen. Her students watch and journal about the Decora Iowa Eagles from October through the end of the year. Such a neat and engaging activity for the kids.

Outside of teaching, Paulette is an active member of Player’s De Noc, Great Lakes Sports Recreation board member, avid Packer’s fan, loves to read, enjoys camping, and manages her FREE libraries. She is a mother of Three and two bonus adult children, three dogs and a turtle.

Paulette feels that she and the children’s families are a team with the goal of helping them get what they need. Open communication helps us do our job better. Parents are the kids first teacher! Plus having a wonderful team of teachers to work with helps them succeed during their time together.

Mrs. Pepin, I think you have become the ‘Terry Duval’ of your classroom.

Please tell a teacher “Thank you”—and please tell Paulette Pepen THANK YOU, for all she continues to do to inspire her students.

We are pleased to announce Mr. Andre Johnson as our Teacher of the Month for November!    
For the past two years, Mr. Johnson has taught math at Upson Lee High School and has been the head coach of the girls’ basketball and track and field teams. He is from Lanett, Alabama and graduated from Jacksonville State University. This is his tenth year of teaching. 
Mr. Johnson says teaching is his calling, and he loves encouraging students to dream big and help one another. 
In his free time, Mr. Johnson enjoys cooking, playing golf, reading, and spending time with his three sons: Alonzo, Andre Jr., and Jalen. His goal is to teach his children and students to always put God first and to stand up for their beliefs. 
Thank you, Mr. Johnson, for being a champion for so many. In the spirit of the holiday season, we will forgive you for being an Alabama Football fan.
 

We want to announce Carsonville Fire Department as our first responder of the month. Every one of these firefighters deserves recognition. Such Brave and kind men AND women. Thank you for all that you do.  

Dr. Adam Ingrao of Bee Wise Farms explains exactly what high-speed internet means to his life, his home, and his work in this short but powerful video.