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 PAULA DEARDORFF
R'mont teacher had same room for 30 years
By DAN ROBINSON
Times staff writer
MOUNT VICTORY — It may take Paula Deardorff some time to adjust to retirement.
When Ridgemont starts classes in August, Deardorff said, it will be the first time she hasn't prepared for her first day of school since she was five years old.
When school does start, the 30-year veteran teacher may be lost in a good book or hiking the Grand Canyon.
Deardorff graduated from Kenton High School in 1974 before attending the University of Findlay. After graduation in 1978, she was hired as a fourth grade teacher at Ridgemont. She has not only stayed at the fourth grade, but has taught in the same classroom for the past 30 years.
When she began, said Deardorff, she was in a self-contained classroom, teaching all subjects. But a few years ago she began team teaching and has continued with that approach to education.
"I like it better," she said of team teaching. "It makes the day go quicker and the students are better prepared for their testing."
The biggest change Deardorff has experienced in her professional life has been the standardized testing.
"In my first year of teaching," she said, "there was a course of study for social studies and the state suggested how to teach social studies. Now I can't imagine suggestions. We have gone from suggestions on how to teach to mandates."
(Refer to page 1 of the Kenton Times)
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Kentonite seeks answers to ‘quality of life' issues
By TIM THOMAS
Times editor
A Kenton resident continued his quest Thursday night to keep "quality of life" issues before members of the City Council.
Leon Barbee reiterated his concerns about the city's truck traffic and its associated problems. He first spoke about the issues at council's May 12 session.
Barbee told council he's not taking an adversarial role, but wants to work with city officials to make things better.
He said the trucks that travel past his home on North Detroit Street create air and noise pollution, plus he is concerned about the impact of vibration from the trucks on his home.
Barbee is still hoping to convince city leaders to do something to reduce truck traffic on North Detroit, including possibly shifting some of the traffic to other streets.
He said by "sharing the wealth" of trucks with other neighborhoods it would get more people upset and result in something getting done.
(Refer to page 1 of the Kenton Times) |
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| THURSDAY MAY 29, 2008 |
 Times photo/Dan Robinson
Office visitors
Sandi McKinley has been called "Mother USV" and a rock in the elementary school. The school secretary is retiring at the end of this week and says
she will miss the staff and students of the school. Surrounding McKinley are (from left, clockwise) Cynthia Sheldon, Julieann Castle, Garrett Spradlin, Stephanie Harpster, Croft Bauer III and Kenneth Williams.
‘Miss Sandi' will miss hugs and waves from USV youngsters
By DAN ROBINSON
Times staff writer
McGUFFEY - The administration office at the Upper Scioto Valley Elementary School is known as Miss Sandi's office. As students of all ages march by on their way to lunch, they sneak a wave at the motherly, smiling figure sitting at the desk.
"I love that," said Sandi McKinley as she waves back. "The little kids blow me kisses and wave. I will forever miss that."
Miss Sandi's office will have a new name when classes begin next year and a new person will sit at the desk. McKinley is retiring at the end of this week. In the 27 years she has worked for the district, she has endeared herself to the district family so much, said USV Elementary Principal Melanie Nixon, her leaving will have an impact on everyone.
"I call her Mother USV," said Nixon. "Sandi is a wonderful representative of our school district. She is very child-centered and loving. She knows all the kids and their families. Sandi is a rock in our school."
But for all she has given to the school, the rewards her job have brought her have been a saving factor in her life, said McKinley.
(Refer to page 1 of the Kenton Times) |
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Graduation slated Sunday at Riverdale High School
MOUNT BLANCHARD - Two valedictorians will lead Riverdale High School graduation ceremonies at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 1 in the school gym.
Valerie Lewis and Michelle Miller posted 4.0 grade point averages to earn the recognition.
Lewis, the daughter of Edward Lewis of Forest, plans to attend Bowling Green State University to study pediatric nursing.
Miller, the daughter of Tom and Nancy Miller of Forest, will attend Ohio State University to major in pharmacy.
The salutatorian is Alexandria Boden of Wharton, the daughter of Douglas Boden and Kimberly Ferryman. She plans to attend the University of Findlay and major in technical communications.
(Refer to page 1 of the Kenton Times) |
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