Staff Survey - Getting to Know Sara Stobbe

Where did you go to high school and college?

I went to Napoleon High School and Bowling Green State University

What grade/s and classes do you teach?


I currently teach Kindergarten


What are some of the activities or projects you do in your classroom to make learning fun and engaging?


I incorporate lots of art, music and games.  I encourage my students' behavior and participation with positive reinforcement.


What professional and/or student related activities do you participate in addition to teaching?  


I use the Kindergarten aid, Robin Yagelski, for 45 minutes every day.  I use the Mentor Program and HOST Reading Program daily as well.


What is the best thing about Montpelier Schools?


The new school building is amazing!  The communication between the elementary principal is also great... I do not know what I would do without her weekly Bulletins! 


As a district we are working hard to save the district money.  What are some ways that you help save money at school?

I try to buy lots of my children's supplies.  I use the SMARTBoard as much as possible and copy on what I feel like is absolutely necessary.  

Staff Survey - Getting to Know Mrs. Jassmine Foust

Where did you go to high school and college?

I graduated high school from Antwerp in 2000. For my undergraduate degree, I attended Miami University and received a B.S. in Education in 2004. Currently, I am working on a Master’s in American History and Government from Ashland University.

What grade/s and classes do you teach?

I teach fourth grade social studies and language arts.

What are some of the activities or projects you do in your classroom to make learning fun and engaging?

We have a classroom economic system. Each student applies for a classroom career and then receives a job. Students earn a paycheck that helps to pay for classroom rent of their desk. Rent is $600. Students can earn extra money by receiving compliments, A’s on tests, reading extra minutes at home, etc. Every two months, we have a classroom auction. Students can buy items or save their money for a future purchase of their desk ($1,800). This system teaches real-life economic skills. Students write checks, budget money, and learn the benefits of saving for the future.

What professional and/or student related activities do you participate in addition to teaching?  (Supplementals and Volunteer)

I am hoping to start a middle school student council next year for grades 3-6. I was in charge of this activity at my last school and the students loved being able to participate in the democratic process. Students learn how to use Roberts Rules of Order and feel like they have a say in their education.

What is the best thing about Montpelier Schools?

I love how welcoming the Montpelier Community has been. The teachers, the parents, the administration… everyone has been so kind and friendly. I love teaching fourth grade and seeing how excited my students are to learn. I wouldn’t trade this job for any other. J

As a district we are working hard to save the district money.  What are some ways that you help save money at school?

I am currently using an online etextbook for social studies. All lessons, student readings, and activities are found online. Nothing has to be printed off and students love reading on the computer versus using our regular textbooks. Because of this, printing costs have been reduced in my classroom.

Staff Survey - Getting to Know Mr. Timothy Ford & Mrs. Meredith Ford

Mrs. Meredith Ford

Where did you go to high school and college?

I went to high school in Cincinnati at Roger Bacon High School and then traveled a coupled minutes south for college and attended Northern Kentucky University.

What grade/s and classes do you teach? 

I teach Title I Math to first and second graders & Title I Reading to third and fourth graders.

What grade/s and classes do you teach?

My main goal is to keep my students engaged through learning. I love creating Smart Board activities, appealing centers and/or games, or having the students make a manipulative to help them grasp a concept or standard.

What professional and/or student related activities do you participate in addition to teaching?  

I am the JV Volleyball Coach. I am also a coach’s wife, who is a three sport coach, and I do my best to attend all of the extra-curricular activities to support our athletes J

What is the best thing about Montpelier Schools? 

We have an awesome staff and great students. I love the people I work with.  I have felt so welcomed here in my first year of teaching. 

As a district we are working hard to save the district money.  What are some ways that you help save money at school? 

I work really hard to reduce paper use.  I spend my own money to buy the materials to create the manipulatives we use and I find free online materials, games, Smart Board activities, etc.

Mr. Timothy Ford


Where did you go to high school and college?
I attended Delta High School, and went on to Miami University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Zoology.  I completed my Education degree from the University of Toledo

What grade/s and classes do you teach?
I teach 10^th grade Biology, 11^th grade Earth and Space Sciences and 12^th grade Anatomy and Physiology.

What are some of the activities or projects you do in your classroom to make learning fun and engaging?
I feel it is important to make learning relative to the students. They need to see the practical applications of knowledge. Whenever I can I try to create projects or lessons that deepen that relevance in the students’ minds.

What professional and/or student related activities do you participate in addition to teaching?  
I am an Assistant Varsity Football, and Baseball coach, as well as a Jr. High Wrestling coach. Coaching three sports allows me to interact with my students in a different environment which allows me to be a positive influence in their lives.

What is the best thing about Montpelier Schools?
The best thing about Montpelier is the students. We have a district full of students who believe in their own success. There are exceptions to every rule, but a vast majority of our students work hard, and dedicate themselves to their academic and extracurricular activities. They deserve to succeed, and we have a responsibility to help them in any way possible.

As a district we are working hard to save the district money.  What are some ways that you help save money at school?
The internet is a great tool for finding lessons and units that are hands on, interesting, and cheaply executed. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a science lab if you can find a cheaper alternative that is just as interactive, and fulfills the same learning experience. I try to optimize my classroom environment without spending needlessly.

Staff Survey - Getting to Know Mrs. Miranda Moor

Where did you go to high school and college? 

I went to Hilltop.  I attended Miami University and the University of Toledo, before graduating from Defiance College in 2008.

What grade/s and classes do you teach? 

I teach Language Arts and Science for 1^st grade.

What are some of the activities or projects you do in your classroom to make learning fun and engaging? 

In Reading, we do a lot of SMART board lessons. We also practice phonics and hunks and chunks with the Phonics Dance.  In Science, students do experiments with floating, sinking, habitats, and properties of matter.  We have made Dr. Seuss’s Oobleck and just observed the reaction between baking soda and vinegar.

What professional and/or student related activities do you participate in addition to teaching?  (Supplementals and Volunteer) 

I am a secretary for the LPDC.  I am also pursuing my Master’s Degree at BGSU.

What is the best thing about Montpelier Schools? 

The students make our schools wonderful.  They are caring and driven to learn.  Watching them succeed and work toward goals is the reason we are here each day.  Parent and community support is another aspect that makes our school great.  Having volunteers willing to give their personal time and resources shows that other people truly care about the success of our students.

As a district we are working hard to save the district money.  What are some ways that you help save money at school?

I have cut down on paper in many ways.  We have learned smarter ways to teach that do not require copies.  I do not order reading workbooks for my students.  Instead, we use the SMART board, whiteboards, and recycled paper from a business in town. 

Staff Survey - Getting to Know Mrs. Christy Stoller

Where did you go to high school and college?

I attended Montpelier High School and decided to return to teach here after graduating from Huntington University in Huntington, Indiana with a degree in elementary education.  I received my master’s degree from Bowling Green State University in Classroom Technology.  I just completed my endorsement for Library Science from Kent State University. 

What grade/s and classes do you teach?

I have taught one year of third grade (self-contained), two years of fourth grade (self-contained), nine years of fifth grade (Language Arts and Social Studies) and I am completing my first year of teaching sixth grade (Language Arts and Social Studies).

What are some of the activities or projects you do in your classroom to make learning fun and engaging?

We do numerous projects throughout the year from writing projects, group projects, and projects using technology.  One of my most favorite projects while teaching fifth grade was turning our classroom into Colonial Williamsburg, while studying the first colonies.  Students “visited” slave quarters, a Dame School, a southern plantation, a shoemaker shop and The College of William and Mary.  Students did a variety of tasks while “visiting” each place.  The students had fun while learning and engaging in a hands on activity.

What professional and/or student related activities do you participate in addition to teaching?  

·         Chairperson of the Right to Read Week (grades PK-6)

·         Chairperson of Read Across America (grades PK-6)

·         Former Chairperson of the Language Arts Committee

·         Support various fundraisers throughout the year

What is the best thing about Montpelier Schools?

Undoubtedly, the students and staff!  I enjoy working with my students every day and watch them learn and grow into responsible young adults!  Also, having a wonderful staff to work with makes everyday extra special.

As a district we are working hard to save the district money.  What are some ways that you help save money at school?

I utilize my smart board in class to cut down on paper costs as much as I can.  Using free tools for the classroom I find online is another way I am able to cut costs for the school district.   I also purchase my own classroom supplies as needed throughout the year as well as supplies for my students. 

Staff Survey - Getting to Know Mrs. Tammy Lee

I proudly attended Montpelier Schools!  I attended The Defiance College and received my Masters from Marygrove College.

This is my third year teaching second grade. Prior to that, I taught first grade for 10 years.  I subbed K-12 for about 12 years. 

We do many projects in my classroom: This year is the first time I have had an aquarium.  We also have an African dwarf frog, a hermit crab, and will soon be adding a reptile to our collection.

We have planted an herb garden for the spring.  We will also be incubating chicken eggs, which I have done for several years.

My class recently researched different planets, typed their reports and then gave a presentation on their planet.  

All three of my children have attended and graduated from Montpelier Schools, and over the years, I have volunteered for many organizations,  fund-raisers, etc.  I was junior class advisor, worked many high school dances, taught Healthy Me classes for several years, volunteered at concession stands, have made costumes for school plays, have baked for many, many bake sales, participated in Second Grade Reading Night out, was on the Right to Read Week committee, several book studies, have helped with family fun nights,…..I could go on and on…..

The one activity my husband and I truly enjoy is having classes out to our farm.  We love to teach about the animals, gardening, farming and ranching. This is all voluntary!  The children get to see a real working farm!

The best thing about Montpelier Schools is knowing that I am teaching in the same town where I grew up, and have had the chance to see my friends’ children and grandchildren as they progress through our school system.  I love that most of my parents really back the schools, work with their children at home, and really care about their education. They are striving for success just as we are!

To save money, I bring in many items, newspaper articles, live creatures, etc. to enhance learning.  Of course when we read our story, Cowboys, I bring in a longhorn skull, saddle, branding irons, pictures,…On the weekend, I search for various websites to introduce to the class, and find many neat activities to share as well!

Staff Survey - Getting to Know Mrs. Megan Freudenberger

1.     Where did you go to high school and college?

            Bryan High School, Bowling Green bachelors degree, Marygrove Masters degree

2.    What grades and classes do you teach?

I teach second grade math, writing, and science

 

3.    What are some of the activities or projects you do in your classroom to make learning fun and engaging?

I use interactive smart board lessons, hands on manipulatives, brain gym, and phonics dance.  I do whole group teaching, small group teaching, and individual teaching.

4.    What professional and/or student related activities do you participate in addition to teaching?  

I have taught summer school for several years.  I have been involved with educational book studies on assessment, and understanding poverty.  I have helped with family fun night and reading night out. Mentored a new teacher. I have also tutored struggling children.  I also have attended many educational conferences.

5.    What is the best thing about Montpelier Schools?

The staff at Montpelier is like no other.  They are kind and caring and very easy to work with.  I can’t imagine finding the same teamwork anywhere else.

6.    As a district we are working hard to save the district money.  What are some ways that you help save money at school?

I have worked hard this year to cut back on paper use, by using fewer copies.  I have also asked for more parent volunteers to donate items needed for the classroom.  I have also provided classroom supplies as needed.

Staff Survey - Getting to Know Mrs. Annie Kauffman

1.  High School--Montpelier High School

    College--Heidelberg College

    Master's Degree-- Bowling Green State University

2.  I teach second grade Reading and Socil Studies.

3.  In the classroom I use many interactive Smartboard Lessons.  Once a week we have a day of Language Arts centers.  The students practice many skills in student-led, small group activities.  I also use many different settings to teach including whole group, small group, and one-on-one activities.  Students are given one-on-one interventions as needed.

4.  For the past few years, I have been a mentor teacher to entry-year teachers.  I am also participating on the technology committee this year.  I have participated in many small group book studies such as understanding poverty and improving teaching strategies.  I helped coordinate Family Fun Night.  I always attend the 2nd grade reading night out that the academic boosters sponsers.  I was the coordinator for the Healthy Me after school program for many years.   This was an after school program promoting healthy choices.

5.  I feel that our school has a superior staff.  Our teachers go above and beyond to understand the academic needs, behavior needs, and emotional needs of all students.

6.  To descrease paper use, I have made an effort to implement paperless learning.  I have also provided many classroom supplies as needed.

Staff Survey - Getting to Know Mr. Steve Riley

Where did you go to high school and college?  I am a 1992 graduate of Hilltop High School, received my Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Toledo in 1997 and a Master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision from Bowling Green State University in 2003.  My wife, Jenny (Rau), is a 1994 graduate of Montpelier High School.

What grade/s and classes do you teach? I teach 10^th grade American History and 9^th grade Global History.

What are some of the activities or projects you do in your classroom to make learning fun and engaging? Currently, we are working on a Newspaper project in Global History where the students design the front page of a Newspaper covering a major event/development of World War II.  Also, I recently had a World War II veteran, Montpelier resident Dr. Don Adams, talk to my Global History students about his experiences during World War II.  In American History the students just created New Deal posters, demonstrating the accomplishments of a government program created by President Roosevelt as a part of the New Deal.

What professional and/or student related activities do you participate in addition to teaching?  In the past, I have coached Freshmen Basketball, JV Baseball, and served on the Local Professional Development Committee at Montpelier Schools.  Currently, I umpire baseball in the Spring. 

What is the best thing about Montpelier Schools? The People.  The staff members all care about the success of our students and are working hard to provide the students of the district a top notch education. 

As a district we are working hard to save the district money.  What are some ways that you help save money at school? I have cut in half the amount of printing I do for my classes.  I am working to provide more assignments, projects, and tests in an electronic format using Moodle to further reduce printing expenditures.  I have provided my own VCR in the classroom to utilize video resources that are still on VHS tape and my own printer and paper for classroom use.

Staff Survey - Getting to Know Mrs. Hupe and Mrs. Manahan

1.        Chris Hupe:  High school: North Central                 College undergrad:  Bowling Green                         Masters:  Toledo

Nicole Manahan  High school:  Bryan                       College undergrad:  Defiance                                     Masters:  Toledo

     

2.        We co-teach math and language arts for 3^rd grade.  Mrs. Hupe also teaches Social Studies.  Mrs. Manahan also co-teaches with Mrs. MC (4^th grade language arts) and Mrs. Turner (4^thgrade math).

3.       We try to get the kids up and moving as much as possible.  We differentiate our instruction daily.  We incorporate activities that allow us to teach the skills such as using a flyswatter game to review vocabulary.  The  students take turns coming up to the whiteboard in pairs to show their understanding of the weekly words by swatting the word with a fly swatter.  We use a game called Move-It to formatively assess a variety of 3^rd grade skills, such as synonym/antonym, fact/opinion, common/ proper nouns and many more.  We also play a ball game in which the students toss a ball while answering skill questions.  We pair them up to have them share answers and read several times during the week.  We also will play music to allow them get up out of their seats. When the music stops, they know that they need to stop and answer questions.   We use technology such as the smartboard, document camera, and computers as well.   

4.       Mrs. Hupe volunteers at church related functions.  Mrs. Manahan helps with her youth group at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Edon.  She has taught summer school for the past 3 summers at Montpelier.

5.       The kids are number one.  We enjoy spending our day with them.  3^rd grade is the first year that the students experience the Ohio Achievement Test.  Even though the expectations are high and state achievement standards are difficult, they work hard every day.  It’s neat to watch them grow from the beginning to the end of a school year.  Another thing we really like about Montpelier Schools is our co-workers.  We really have a sense of family.  We support each other in and out of the classroom.  We also enjoy and appreciate our school.  We have many things to be very thankful for such as wonderful technology and comfortable classrooms.  It makes learning and teaching a little easier.

6.       Many items we use in our classroom  to differentiate instruction we purchase with our own money.  We also purchase items as incentives to encourage and reward our children with our own money.  We save paper by putting multiple copies on one sheet of paper.  We take weekly selection tests on the computer so that we do not have to print each child an individual test.  We also use the document camera and smartboard.  This allows us to do activities with the students without each student needing an individual copy of the paper. Any time we can, we reuse items from year to year so that additional supplies do not have to be purchased.

Staff Survey - Getting to Know Mrs. Jennifer Martin

Where did you go to high school and college?

I attended grades K-12 at Stryker Local Schools.  I attended Defiance College and obtained my teaching degree in Elementary Education grades 1-8.  I went on to get my master’s degree from Marygrove College in the Art of Teaching.

What grade/s and classes do you teach?

I began my career here at Montpelier Schools as an elementary art teacher for the first two years.  I then moved on to teaching third grade.

What are some of the activities or projects you do in your classroom to make learning fun and engaging?

In class, I thoroughly love using our smartboard.  Here, the kids and I can manipulate objects, sentences, and technologies like google earth.

I am teaching a newly created class in third grade which combines OAA prep and Technology throughout the week.  Technology engages the students, makes learning fun, and teaches our third grade technology standards.  At the end of this year, the students will culminate all they have learned in technology class to create a project on the history of Montpelier schools.  This will involve using digital cameras, printers, scanners, making a slideshow, using digital images, and publishing software.  I can’t wait!!  We also make some math projects to help visual learners, use kinesthetics (movement) to show turns, rays, angles, segments, and lines.  I incorporate music such as our math multiplication rap.

What professional and/or student related activities do you participate in addition to teaching?  (Supplementals and Volunteer)I am co-chair of our LPDC committee, member of our technology committee, girl scout volunteer, and am a certified mentor teacher in years that we have new staff.

What is the best thing about Montpelier Schools?

The best thing about Montpelier Schools is our students.  Our students come from many walks of life, and reaching out to them helps them along their walk in life and in return makes me a better person.

As a district we are working hard to save the district money.  What are some ways that you help save money at school?

Some things I have done personally to help save the district money are:  copying double sided and reducing print size, using my smartboard and document camera to reduce printing costs, using dry erase boards and scrap paper to work out problems and answer questions, making copies on my own personal printer with my own paper, turning lights down (shutting off a switch instead of using all lights), buying many of my own supplies…etc.

Staff Survey - Getting to Know Mrs. Bess Cooley

Where did you go to high school and college?

I graduated in 1997 from Montpelier High School, and I am currently completing my Bachelor’s degree through Bluffton University.

What job do you do in our school?

I am the EMIS Coordinator for the district. EMIS (Education Management Information System) is the statewide data collection system. Staff, student, district, building, and financial data are collected through this system. EMIS data is submitted to the Ohio Department of Education during several reporting periods. After each submission, various verification and error reports are generated. I use these reports to make adjustments to data on an ongoing basis. Aside from my EMIS duties, I do all enrolling and withdrawing for the district which includes open enrollments. I also update the school website, calendar, electronic sign out front of the school, facebook page, the channel 100 news, and the Locos on Track blog.

What professional and/or student related activities do you participate in addition to teaching?  

·         Volleyball coach for ten years

·         Coordinate and run the Little Locos volleyball program

·         Volunteer to supervise the weight room during the summer

·         Head of the membership committee for the Athletic Boosters

·         Volunteer for the athletic department by taking tickets, stating the track meets, or working the concession stand

·         Class advisor including coordinating prom

·         Served as elementary mentor for several years

·         Volunteer chaperone for school dances and field trips

What is the best thing about Montpelier Schools?

We have great students and staff. As someone who updates the website, facebook page, etc., I enjoy being able to post the accomplishments the students at Montpelier achieve through hard work academically and athletically. I also believe we have the most wonderful and caring staff that works hard every day. I witness staff members who use their own money to purchase supplies and items for their classrooms, who don’t claim overtime, and who put in countless hours above and beyond their daily schedules to help the students of our community. I am proud of our district and enjoy seeing all of the wonderful things happening here on a daily basis.

As a district we are working hard to save the district money.  What are some ways that you help save money at school?

I volunteered to go through the main office forms/paperwork and find ways to scale back. We were able to eliminate or consolidate a lot of office paperwork which saves on paper and printing costs. I also try to reduce the amount of paper I use by saving my EMIS reports to my computer compared to printing them.

Staff Survey - Getting to Know Mr. Ryan Bonitz

Where did you go to high school and college?

            I graduated from Wooster High School and attended The University of Akron

What grade/s and classes do you teach?

            5^th Grade Band, 6^th Grade Band, 7/8 Band, High School Concert Band, High School Jazz Band, and an introductory guitar class (Guitar I)

What are some of the activities or projects you do in your classroom to make learning fun and engaging?

            As the instrumental music teacher, the act of learning an instrument and playing in an ensemble is a lot of fun!  Class time is spent building the tools to become better musicians, and preparing for a variety of performances at all grade levels.

            As an example, our Jazz Band has been preparing a variety of songs to play at various “gigs” in and around the community. This gives the students the opportunity to experience what a professional musician does.

What professional and/or student related activities do you participate in addition to teaching?  (Supplementals and Volunteer)

            In addition to teaching in class, I also direct the Montpelier Marching Band as well as the Pep Band.  The Marching Band begins rehearsals in the summer, around the same time as the fall sports teams.  After school, I provide free instrumental music lessons to students from a variety of grade levels.

What is the best thing about Montpelier Schools?

            For me, having the opportunity to work with all of the music students here.  We have a lot of talented and hardworking students here, and I relish the chance to help them become better musicans.

As a district we are working hard to save the district money.  What are some ways that you help save money at school?

                Reducing paper use, utilize our existing musical library, and taking steps to maintain and repair existing school-owned instruments to provide a quality music education.  Fundraisers are also conducted to help provide additional funding for the music program.