Columbia Options Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Adams!

“If a student knows they are safe, they are free to learn and bloom,” said Melissa Adams as she was discussing her love for teaching at Columbia Options High School.  Melissa cares a lot for her students and continued by saying, “Each student deserves to know they are special.”  Her focus is to “build students up from the inside out.”  She commented that she tries “to build a relationship based on respect and trust.”  She mentioned that, “A student who is cared for can develop not only the skills required to be an excellent student, but learn those that will build a fulfilling life.”

Melissa began working in the Columbia School District as a substitute teacher.  After several years, she took an interim position working with our Adult Education students.  She was very excited when she learned that there was an opening in the social studies program at Columbia Options High School.  During her time at Options, she has worked diligently and now is also certified as an English teacher.  Mrs. Klink, Columbia Options High School principal said, “Melissa is such a hard worker and always goes above and beyond.”  Melissa was honored by her fellow teachers and staff members at COHS by being selected as the Teacher of the Year this year. 

Melissa talked about her love of teaching and said, “I love to educate the whole child. I love to see them trust themselves.”  As she continued, she said, “I look forward to seeing my students gain the confidence to explore learning. When they learn to unpack information they are given and build their own questions and discoveries, I have done my job.”  As a teacher in Columbia, Mrs. Adams feels that, “In today's world students need to have more than a basic education. I am proud to work in a district where caring staff helps develop today's youth into a strong generation of strong self-reliant adults.” If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District and our programs, email me at Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.

Mrs. Caryl Makes A Difference!

Third grade teacher Cindy Caryl loves teaching.  When talking about teaching her students, she said, “Working for Columbia Schools is a true blessing.”  Each day when Mrs. Caryl stands at her classroom door she exudes happiness and true joy.  When you see Mrs. Caryl with her students it is easy to see why her fellow teachers and staff members voted for her for the “You Make A Difference” award at Columbia Upper Elementary School. 

Mrs. Caryl mentioned that, “The amount of support I receive from my team of teachers and my administration makes my school the most amazing place to be.  Columbia is filled with people who embrace that Eagle Pride and it makes coming to school so enjoyable.  Every day I am reminded how fortunate I am to teach in such a terrific community with extraordinary students.”

This spring when faced by the closing of schools, Mrs. Caryl continued reaching out to her students to keep them involved in learning activities.  Her caring spirit extends to her students and she wants to make sure that they are continuing to learn and grow.  Mrs. Caryl said that, “When you feel so blessed, the rest of the job becomes easy. 

Mrs. Caryl is sad that school is closed for the balance of the year, because she feels that, “The best part of my school day is the hugs I receive in the morning as they walk through my classroom door.  Those little hearts are so full of energy and have so much love to give right back.  They give me my purpose for which I am so grateful.  I am lucky to be a part of their little lives.” 

Columbia School District loves having Mrs. Caryl teach third grade!  Her positive outlook and quick smile benefits not only her students, but all those who cross paths with her each day. If you are interested in learning more about Columbia Schools, email me at Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.

Mrs. Jenness: CES Teacher of the Year!

Kathy Jenness’ classroom is a designers dream.  Filled with brightly colored frogs, it looks like the perfect learning environment for first graders.  She says that she feels “blessed and fortunate to be teaching in the district that I and all three of my daughters graduated from.”  As she talked about teaching, she continued by saying, “I feel honored to be part of the amazing teaching team at Columbia School District and I am truly a Golden Eagle at heart.”

Kathy said that, “As a teacher I get to contribute to my community in a meaningful way by inspiring little minds to do great things!  Seeing a student’s face light up when they learn a new skill is so rewarding.”  When you talk to Kathy, she beams with love and caring for her students.  Even her email signature says, “A teacher takes a Hand, opens a Mind and touches a Heart.” 

Kathy is an expert at touching the hearts of her students and her fellow teachers.  This year Mrs. Jenness’ fellow staff members at Columbia Elementary School voted her Teacher of the Year.  It is easy to see why her fellow teachers and staff members respect her teaching ability.  When the Governor closed schools and told teachers and students to stay home earlier this spring, Kathy stepped up and immediately began hosting online daily reading activities for her students. 

Kathy’s love for teaching and learning is infectious!  Her students are always working to up to their potential.  She said that she loves her “first graders and the joy they bring each day into the classroom.  Their laughter, smiles, and hugs, are truly a blessing!  As a teacher, I am more than an educator, I am a hug giver, fist bumper, mentor, boo-boo fixer, cheerleader, confidant and friend. I love it all!”  Columbia School District is fortunate to have Mrs. Jenness teaching at Columbia Elementary.  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia Schools, email me at Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.    

Mr. Luppo Makes Social Studies Fun!

“My son’s favorite teacher!” “He makes social studies interesting and fun.”  These statements are in praise of Dennis Luppo, a popular Columbia Central Junior High School social studies teacher.  This past year, he was nominated and voted “Teacher of the Year” by his fellow junior high school teachers.

Columbia School District has a great group of teachers and Mr. Luppo is just one of many positive hardworking academic instructions.  Mr. Luppo recently received the Superintendent’s Award of Excellence which recognized Dennis Luppo for his outstanding performance, hard work, and dedication to Columbia School District.  His dedication to our students, family and staff is greatly appreciated.

Mr. Luppo is consistently working to advance his students to higher levels of academic achievement through careful planning and focus on increasing his student’s educational excellence.  He works to motivate his students by encouraging them to exceed their expectations and their past social studies performance.  His caring and nurturing spirit supports students both academically and socially.

Mr. Luppo said that, “There are endless reasons why I love teaching and love Columbia. What I love most about teaching middle school students is that they challenge me daily to be a better educator. Their needs change on a daily basis, and I love the challenge of figuring out how to empower them to become successful learners. The people at Columbia are wonderful to work with and they really care about the school, staff, students, sports, and our image. I wouldn’t trade being here for anything in the world.” 

Columbia teachers recognize Mr. Luppo for his leadership in the classroom and as an important part of the school improvement efforts.  For several years he has coached the junior high school football and basketball teams.  His enthusiasm for learning in various settings is illustrated by his ability to demonstrate creativity and innovation in his lesson plans and using teaching methods that inspire students to learn.

Columbia School District appreciates the hard work and excellence in education provided to our students in Mr. Luppo’s classes.  The students benefit from his tenacity, educational enthusiasm, and positive ethical spirit.  Mr. Luppo is an extraordinary dedicated teacher, blessed by his various teaching gifts. He is an exemplary teacher who fosters a collaborative environment for his students through his deep passion for learning.  If you are interested in attending Columbia School District, please email me at pamela.campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.

Ms. Brinkman Makes A Difference!

Ms. Brinkman makes a difference in the lives of Columbia Central High School students!  She said that she, “loves being a teacher because of the students, and the positive relationships I get to make with each of them.”  Her enthusiasm for teaching and supporting her students benefits them as they grow and mature.  She mentioned, “I've always loved working with youth and have had the honor to do so around the world, in and out of classrooms, organizations, and public speaking events for 14 years now.” 

She continued by commenting that, “When my sister passed unexpectedly a few years ago, I finished off that school year and decided to take a break. I didn't know what I wanted in life anymore and I didn't know if I had anything left to give. So I took the first quarter off from teaching. I say only a quarter, because by second quarter I was so hungry to get back to school, I couldn't help it.”

Ms. Brinkman said, “The students inspire me and I learn as much from them as they learn from me. It's important to me to be real and authentic in my life and career. I want students to know life can be tough, but not impossible; that it's okay to be yourself, it's okay to fail, and it's okay to keep trying regardless the outcomes.”

She believes that being a teacher at Columbia Central High School is fantastic.  She said that, “I love what I do, there isn't a day that I feel like I am actually going to "work" and I am so grateful for my CCHS family!”  She continued by saying that, “Since I was in middle school, I dreamt of becoming a teacher. I had an amazing ELA teacher and basketball coach that year, who inspired me to follow in her steps. It's the people and teachers in our lives that can inspire us the most, and I wanted to do just that.”

When you see Ms. Brinkman, you know she enjoys working with students and teaching them English because of her positive enthusiastic personality.  She mentioned that she, “loves coming to school each day!  School is always a new adventure that I am grateful to be a part of.”  Her bright smile greets students.  She is very professional as she collaborates with teachers and students just like the Columbia School District Mission says: “Nurture Dreams.  Empower All. Create a Better World”.  Because Columbia has a positive academic environment, she said that it is especially important to communicate the Columbia Vision to our students, “Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow”.

This year Ms. Brinkman was recognized by her fellow teachers and staff members as a person at Columbia Central that has a fantastic impact on the lives of the students.  For her hard work and dedication to the children, she received the “You Make A Difference Award.”  Ms. Brinkman is deserving of recognition for all of her incredible focus and enthusiasm on providing a positive and caring classroom.