Lakewood Elementary principal Karen Rogers recently finished leading a support group for new classroom teachers at Wilshire Baptist Church.
The group met for six weeks and had an average attendance of about 30 teachers, Rogers says. Participants were provided information to improve job performance and reduce stress related to being a new teacher, Rogers says.
Brian Burton, Wilshire’s minister of adult education, helped develop the group. Rogers says Burton was concerned about the burn-out of new teachers and wanted to do something to offer them support.
Topics discussed during the meetings include student discipline, parent relationships and developing lesson plans. Rogers, a former teacher, says she could have benefited from the program during her teaching days.
“My first year was a happy experience,” Rogers says. “It still would have helped.”
Many new teachers find the first year’s job demands overwhelming and have a hard time balancing their jobs with their personal lives, Rogers says. The group was designed to help the teachers find a balance.
If you are interested in becoming involved in the program or have suggestions to support new teachers, call Burton at 824-4531.
News & Notes
VOLUNTEER DADS: The Friends of Lakewood, a group of volunteer fathers at Lakewood Elementary, needs volunteers. The group raises money to supplement teachers’ needs and programs, sponsors the Spring Field Day and hosts an annual banquet honoring teachers. For information, call Kenny Rogers at 324-9332.
CRAFT BAZAAR: St. Thomas Aquinas PTA will hold a Christmas Craft Bazaar Dec. 3-4 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the school gym and auditorium, 3741 Abrams at Kenwood. Santa Claus will drop by for photos.
SINGING STUDENTS: Eight Lakewood Elementary students participated in the DISD Elementary All-City Honor Choir concert recently at Skyline High School. More than 200 DISD students participated. Lakewood’s choir members were Tyanka Lee, Stephanie Steinkoenig, Katy Daume, Maris Holmes, Taylor Thompson, Darby Flynn, Jentry Edleson and Greta Griffith.
JUMPING FOR MONEY: Mount Auburn Elementary students recently participated in the school’s Jump Rope for the Heart, benefiting the American Heart Association. Students raised money by getting people to sponsor their jumps. More than $2,000 was raised, and Woodrow Wilson cheerleaders and football players came to the event to cheer the students on.
VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONS: The J.L. Long Middle School volleyball team recently won the All City Championship and the District Championship.
ACTIVE STUDENT COUNCIL: The Lakewood Elementary student council is involved in several projects benefiting the community and school. Members of the council participate in a tutoring program for younger students and will help fill Christmas stockings for the American Red Cross. Student council officers are Stephen Milbank, president; Marc Huber, vice president; and Darby Flynn, secretary.
