Mid-Morning Takes Us to East Elementary in INDEPENDENCE

On Wednesday morning following our breakfast at the Middle School, my visit with the Government class at the High School, UniServ Director Kevin McDermott and I were off to East Elementary in INDEPENDENCE. East Elementary is a K-2 building.

We arrived a bit early for our first classroom visit so had a chance to sit a spell in the staff lounge where we were greeted by Buster (here at the right).

I first read to Julie Flickinger's 2nd grade. Julie and her class are pictured at left.

Next, we were off to the Kindergarten class of Kathy Meyer. When I finished reading aloud, they read two short pieces as a group to me. Here Kathy and her Kindergartners are pictured at right together. They were just delightful!

We then had 15 minutes to join staff in the lounge to enjoy some munchies and conversation before our last classroom visit. It was recess time for many of their children and they gave us the few free moments they had to join us!

The last classroom we visited at East Elementary was that of Music teacher Pat Thomas. Pat is pictured (at left) working with a group of Kindergarten students. I don't know how Pat keeps up her enthusiasm, but she does and the children's voices and activities were most enjoyable!

Thanks, Independence EA for all you do for Iowa's students!

Independence EA Hosts Visitors on Wednesday Morning

On Wednesday morning October 24th, NEIEU UniServ Director Kevin McDermott (at left) and I were guests at breakfast of the Independence EA at the Middle School. Nearly three dozen members joined us for juice, coffee, fruit and sweet rolls.

Joining us in the Middle School Media Center were Holly Mueller (on the right) a 4th grade teacher and Amanda Bock (on the left) a 7th grade Language Arts teacher.

Gary Water, high school Science teacher and member of the Independence EA Bargaining Team along with Judy Spinler, joined in on the conversation.

Serving as our host, Independence EA President Susan Henkes (at right) greeted everyone as they arrived. Susan is a 6th grade Language Arts teacher. By the looks of things, I'd say Susan is a great president!

Nancy White (at left) was also a part of the great leaders to take part in our breakfast conversation. We had a chance to visit about the distribution of Teacher Quality salary money as well as progress being made towards the professional development piece. We celebrated the high membership of the Independence EA as well as over 70% of the membership contributing to ISEA-PAC.

We were most grateful for the hospitality in INDEPENDENCE as well as the opportunity to have a conversation with Team ISEA leaders before their school day began.

We were next off to the high school as the beginning of the school day drew near. I had the chance to speak to Joel Dinger's (pictured at left)Government class 1st period. I spoke to the students about leadership opportunities within the school community and also responsibilities beyond the school house doors.



Here (at right) is Mr. Joel Dinger pictured with his 11th grade Government class. I felt the students and I had a good exchange of ideas. I do believe we are in good hands with these student leaders taking on more leadership roles.