GET TO KNOW:
eters Township
PETERS TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
GET TO KNOW:
Mrs. Caitlin Ulf
One of the things that makes our schools so special is the incredible people who show up every day to support our students. In this issue, we’ re excited to help you Get to Know High School Spanish teacher, Mrs. Caitlin Ulf. A graduate of Peters Township High School, Mrs. Ulf joined our team as a staff member in 2004 and has been inspiring students with a love of the Spanish language and Latin culture ever since! Let’ s a take a moment to Get to Know, Mrs. Ulf!
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My mother, Nancy McKenna, was a 5th grade teacher at McMurray Elementary for 18 years. I remember her students’ parents always telling me how she was like a mother to their children. She was so loved and fulfilled by her job, and I watched that growing up. It wasn’ t a surprise that I felt the same calling in life. I wanted to have a job that would allow me to use my passion and gifts to make a difference in people’ s lives. I think teaching is the most noble profession in the world.
What has been one of your favorite projects / events / days at school?
Two favorite days for when were when I was selected by the graduating classes of 2015 and 2025 to be their faculty speaker at Commencement. It was a great privilege and honor.
If you weren’ t a teacher, what other job would you have?
A nurse. I think nurses are angels on Earth!
What is your favorite thing to do outside the classroom?
I love to cook, be at home with my family, and travel!
What is the best piece of advice that you ever received?
I was hired to teach Spanish, but the language itself is just the vehicle I use to teach deeper, more important lessons. It allows me to teach my students about empathy, tolerance, love, and respect for others. The best advice I ever received was from my Education professor in college. Originally, I had planned on teaching elementary school, but he encouraged me to consider teaching high school instead. I am so glad he nudged me in that direction, because it truly is what I was meant to do.
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STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
MathCounts Honors
Congratulations to our PTMS MathCounts team who took 2nd place in the Regional Competition. The team members were Clifton Parker, Kyle Watters, Hannah Broering, and Andrew Diamond. In the individual competition, Clifton Parker placed 2nd and Kyle Watters placed 3rd- both qualifying for the state competition. Hannah Broering finished 7th and was the highest-ranking female in the competition.
Bower Hill Best Buddies
The Bower Hill Best Buddies got together in February to play some games and make new friends! Joined by representatives from our PTHS Best Buddies, they divided into groups to meet some new people and enjoy some fun before classes began.
Education Foundation Grants Presented
This year, the Peters Township Education Foundation will provide more than $ 6200 in funds to support classroom projects. Since 2012, the PTEF has provided more than $ 126,000 in funds that support education at all levels in Peters Township. This month, foundation members surprised our winners with big check presentations in their classrooms.
PV Read-a-Thon Winners.
PV READ-A-THON SUCCESS
Students at Pleasant Valley had an amazing Read-a-Thon, reading for a grand total of 267,232 minutes. Every student who turned in a reading log was recognized with a medal in homeroom with special prizes for top readers and fundraisers being announced on PV-TV. Students and families raised more than $ 19,700 for the PTAsponsored activities and events for the students.
America 250 Murals at McMurray
During Red, White & Blue Day at McMurray, students in Mrs. Kashak’ s class made poster murals to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! As our nation celebrates this milestone, our PT staff and students will mark this important event with activities throughout our schools.
Room 100 Visits the Middle School
PTHS students in the Room 100 acapella singing group visited the Middle School to showcase the choir programs that are available to incoming freshman students. After sharing a few songs, the High School students talked about the programs at the high school and the activities and opportunities that go along with it.