This is Mrs. Brenda Goodale’s first year working with at-risk children in the Knoxville Elementary Schools. I’ve known Mrs. Goodale for several years, and have always admired her dedication to her community and her advocacy for children. I also admire how thoughtful she is, her kindness, and her compassion.
I asked her if she worked with the counselors to help at-risk kids, and she shared her thoughts on working with them:
We have two wonderful Elementary guidance counselors. They do a great job of knowing our kids…I am just blown away by the staff here, specifically the counselors, and not only the way that they know the name of every student that walks past them, but they know those kids. They know their challenges. They can see in a five-second interaction if that child is having a challenging day. And so, then we might partner together and try to see what's going on. If there's something that we can help encourage that kid to turn the day around. But their skill set and their knowledge is just absolutely phenomenal and I am privileged to work with them.
Here is our full interview.
Mrs. Tracy Keffer is an associate at Northstar. She’s a Knoxville native. She’s a former dental assistant and at the height of COVID many dental offices closed, and she started working as an associate.
I asked her what she did in her position:
I do a lot of everything…I work with small groups and I help with reading, writing, and math. I also go inside the classrooms with a couple of kids, and so just help them with whatever they're doing that day. If we're short on subs, sometimes I'll get pulled and sub for the teacher that's here, if they're sick, or last minute need to leave for whatever reason…
And so what's your favorite part of it?
Everything. I mean, I just like coming and getting to know the kids and it's fun. You know when you see them outside of school and they're excited to see you when they want to give you a hug…
Here is our full interview:
The staff gives the lunchroom at the high school a quick and thorough cleaning between lunches.
Specialized equipment helps!
Last week was the first wrestling practice. I stopped by but must have missed most of the wrestlers. These two told me that everyone was looking forward to the season!
Everyone has fun at recess at Northstar. So many different things to do.
Superintendent Cassi Pearson hopes there will be a great turnout for the School Board Candidate Forum:
I encourage you to learn more about the six candidates and vote if you are eligible. There are three open seats on the ballot (out of five--Monica Sullivan and Larry Scott are in the middle of their term.) Three incumbents are running (Cheri Gerdes, Dave Smith, and Larissa Van Donselaar) along with three other candidates (Jyl DeJong, Brian Slykhuis, and Susan Swartzendruber.)
Also, on Tuesday, November 7, our community will vote on whether to renew the Instructional Support Levy (ISL) for the Knoxville Community School District.
This is an important revenue source that helps fund curriculum materials, instructional supplies, textbook replacement, and other critical items for our students. This money would not be used for staff salaries or benefits.
KCSD residents would see little to no property tax increase if the ISL is renewed for an additional 10 years. Learn more and find answers to frequently asked questions by clicking here.
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