Teacher Appreciation

There are certain things in life that are better the second time around, for many its marriage and some movies require multiple viewings before they can be appreciated. For me fifth grade was a nightmare as being overweight with glasses, a speech impediment and the tendency to throw up in class on a regular basis didn’t exactly make me Mr. Popular (I at least don’t puke as often now).
As a reporter for a weekly newspaper in Tipp City, I frequently cover school happenings and the fifth grade has become my favorite place to be.

Of course, this time around I don’t have to take any tests or find someone to sit with at lunch, I just get to be part of the special activities like field trips, assemblies, school musicals etc. The fourth and fifth graders of L.T Ball Intermediate School definitely have the most fun. They also have an extremely hard working and devoted staff. Year after year I’m always highly impressed by the extra time the teachers pour in on behalf of the students. Since its Teacher Appreciation Week, I wanted to express my gratitude to some very special teachers.

In my years as a student, teachers were seen as enemies whose sole purpose was to make life miserable for all children. Though I still have to use my fingers to solve math problems, I’m considered an adult now, and actually know some teachers that I proudly consider friends. Never saw that happening! It may sound cliché, but it’s the absolute truth, the one and only reason I’m still working in Tipp City after more than seven years is…the people. A group who ranks among the highest in that category are the teachers and staff at L.T Ball. Beyond greeting me with smiles, they are always willing to find the right students for me to interview and stage photo-ops. In addition, they alert me of school happenings so I can get those desired exclusives.

All teachers work hard, but I don’t think there’s any other school where the teachers devote more time to learning opportunities that occur outside of the classroom than L.T Ball. I must confess, the only reason I enjoy being back in fifth grade isn’t just the teachers, but the students get to do a lot of fun things. Of course, those experiences are all made possible by the extra work from the teachers. A few examples of the activities are the Relay for Life, kickboxing lessons, dodge ball, eggs hatching, Veterans luncheon, and more. After the dismissal bell rings there are many nights that the teachers stay well after and sacrifice time spent at home with their families.

Over the years with the fifth graders I have hiked Charleston Falls (including playing in the creek), made memories at Camp Kern, and walked around the track to honor those who have battled cancer. Thankfully I haven’t thrown up once during any of it. The staff has made me feel like one of them and have been extremely generous with their kindness by sending cards during both high and low times in my personal life; my marriage and the death of a relative. The acts of generosity are very meaningful to me.

There are some teachers from L.T Ball that I must not fail to personally recognize. First are Molly Flatter, Kem Fischer and Christa Oen. They each are not only beautiful blondes, but wonderful teachers, friends and three of my favorite things about Tipp City. I also deeply admire Tammy Conley, Carmella Lammers and Jeanne Koch for their endless efforts in giving above and beyond themselves on behalf of the students. They each spend countless hours doing extra work to make education as pleasant of an experience as possible. Furthermore, they are always more than willing to answer any questions I have and help make my job easier.

While in school, especially fifth grade, many students don’t fully appreciate their teachers, but I’m at the age when I do. I very much appreciate the teachers and staff of L.T Ball who continue to make a positive difference in my life and fortunate students they encounter.