GET TO KNOW :
GET TO KNOW :
Amanda Willkomm
One of the most special aspects of our schools are the talented and dedicated individuals who work hard every day to make Peters Township one of the best Districts in the region . In this issue , we would like everyone to Get to Know Mrs . Amanda Willkomm , second grade teacher at Bower Hill Elementary . Mrs . Willkomm has been with the District since 2008 when she completed her student teaching with us and then joined our staff full-time . We took a few minutes to help you Get to Know Mrs . Willkomm ! eters Township
PETERS TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
What made you want to become a teacher ?
I always loved working with children . With teaching , each day is something new and different . I knew I wouldn ’ t ever be happy with a job that felt monotonous and boring . Being an educator brings new adventures and celebrations each day .
What other interesting jobs have you held ?
Before I was a teacher , I was a preschool dance teacher ; I worked at an ice cream shop in the summers ; and I spent 4 years working at Subway in college . When you work at Subway , you are referred to as a “ Sandwich Artist !”
What is your favorite thing to do outside the classroom ?
I ’ m a mom of 3 school-aged children , so basically my hobbies involve driving them to their activities . Most days , my husband and I are just busy running them to baseball , cheer , theater practice , etc . It is an awesome feeling to see your children grow and love what they do . We also have a collie named Boomer , who I love to take on long walks each night . When I do have free time , I like to do creative things like crafting , as well as working out , and reading .
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
READ-A-THON KICKOFF
As the Bower Hill PTA launched their annual Read-a-Thon , Buzzer Bee and Pete the Cat greeted students and stopped in classes around the school . Special guest readers also stopped by to read the theme book featuring Pete the Cat . Many thanks to our PTA who organized this major effort as the school ’ s only fundraiser for the year .
78 PETERS TOWNSHIP
What has been one of your favorite projects / events / days at school ?
Watching the students perform their Dinostars musical every year is by far my favorite day of the whole year . Seeing all of their hard work come together , and then watching them absolutely shine on stage is just magical . I tear up every year watching them in their little dino print shirts singing their hearts out for their families .
What do you wish every student would know after their time in your classroom ? About school , about themselves , about anything !
Gosh , this is a hard one ! I have had students come back years later and tell me that they remember little , very mundane things from me , like how you can fold items “ like a hamburger or like a hot dog ” and how they use that when they are folding towels . But I also hope that they remember bigger things . One of my favorite displays in my classroom talks about the Power of Yet . You may not be able to do something ... yet ! You may not understand something ... yet ! But through hard work , perseverance , and a belief in yourself , these things will all be possible someday . I want my students to always remember that , and not to be discouraged by things that they don ’ t understand right away .
MIDDLE SCHOOL MOCK INTERVIEWS
Volunteers were on hand in Dr . Conkle ’ s 8th grade GOAL classes as the students took the next step in their career journeys with mock interviews . Over the past few weeks , students have been learning how to prepare for future careers with recent lessons focusing on job interviews , resumes , and references . A special thanks to our parent and Junior Achievement Volunteers who helped out with the interviews .
FINANCIAL PLANNING LESSON AT PTHS
The High School Counselors presented a financial planning exercise with all sophomores during their American History classes . Students were able to create their own budget based on a sample monthly paycheck . They also had an opportunity to explore the various requirements and choices necessary to live on their own , as well as gain an understanding of what it ’ s like to balance a monthly budget .