AEA 267 River Hills School

My last stop for a school visit in Hawkeye UniServ Unit was one of my best. Pictured here is Mr. Russell Negley, a Work Study Teacher/ Transition Specialist. Russell took time to give me a tour of the building, then sit down and visit with me about the strengths of staff and student program opportunities. No surprise, a huge concern we discussed was the impact of the so-called No Child Left Behind Law on their students. With nearly 2oo students enrolled, it will mean that next year educators will be creating 200 alternative assessment plans. As we know, where is the sense in this?!

The first class that I had the opportunity to visit was of teacher Cindy Frederick's class (standing in the middle). Pictured with the students are teacher associates (on left with black sweatshirt) Sheri Lund and (third person from the right) Jenny Pippert. The class was delightful and truly excited about the story they had me read aloud...The Stinky Cheese Man. The class will see a live performance of this story within the next few weeks and wondered aloud as to how the story may be portrayed.

The second classroom I visited was of Jessica Uhlenhopp's room. Jessica (4th person standing from the left) is pictured here with her students: Amber, Cory, Sara, Taylor, Joey, Mirranda, and John. Also an integral part of this team are teacher associates Gabi Sullivan (standing at right) and Judy Thompson (2nd from left, standing).


The third classroom visit at AEA 267 River Hills School was to teacher Holly Stinehart's classroom. Holly (standing in the middle) has a great team of educators working with her to provide meaningful educational opportunities to their students. Stinehart's team members are teacher associates Peggy Aarhus (standing at left) and Diane Mawdsley (standing at right). Thanks for allowing me to share a favorite book with your students!

The final class I had the chance to visit was teacher Sharmin Koppes's class. Her students had just completed their weekly 45 minute swimming lesson and sat back to enjoy a snack as I read aloud. Pictured with Ms. Koppes are her students John, Jeff, Jon, and Andy.