So, Why Do Teacher’s Love Summer?
By Jennifer Paul
As a youngster, I would often times hear teachers say that they looked forward to summer vacations “as much, if not more, than the students.” I suppose in my youthful mind I never really thought of teachers as having a life outside of school. Now, in my more “mature” phase of life, I decided to find out what it really is that faculty and staff look forward to so much. I randomly “interviewed” some of our UBCS folks and I think you will find the responses very enlightening.
Pastor Baun (UBCS Administrator), believe it or not, is actually looking forward to going to school! He is taking some courses at BJU, working on his doctorate, and is looking forward to the interaction with other school administrators. He also hopes to include a visit to Antietam National Battlefield in nearby Sharpsburg MD, much to his kids delight!
Mr. Ruud Stolvoort (Elementary Principal)- when asked what he was looking forward to, responded immediately with a single word, “Camp!” As director of Hidden Meadows Camp, he is so excited about the staff he has on board this summer and is anticipating the Lord really working in the hearts of the children this summer.
Miss Pamela Duckworth (Financial Secretary) is planning on going to Virginia Beach for a break. However, she is really looking forward to closing out one school year, organizing and getting ready to start fresh for the next school year. During the summer, she enjoys the peace and quiet in the office, which allows her to get so much accomplished, plus, Friday parties when the boss is away! Hope she still has a job after the boss reads this!
Mrs. Ruth Harris (4th grade Teacher) is excited to spend time in her new home and have time to really feel like she has “unpacked, organized things and moved in”. It was a whirlwind for her when they moved back in November and now she is going to enjoy really settling in.
Mrs. Dawn Robert (Girls P.E.) was invited to teach golf lessons to children at Saucon Valley Country Club during the U.S. Women’s Open which will be held there this summer. Usually a male pro-golfer teaches these classes, but because of the Woman’s Open being held there, the golf club felt it would be appropriate to have a woman teach this summer. How exciting is that? She is also looking forward to time with her family and vacationing in Canada.
Mr. Eric Connors (Music) is just looking forward to some good family time with his wife and four children. He is planning a family vacation to Fripp Island, which is off the coast of South Carolina, with his wife’s side of the family.
Miss Dana Clark (2nd grade teacher) loves to travel and is off to Florida, South Carolina, and Alaska.
Mrs. Linda Jaeger (3rd grade teacher) is looking forward to traveling with her husband to visit family in Colorado and Switerland.
Mr. Al Zwart (Music) loves the thought of being able to sleep in and stay up late. That is the way his body clock functions best! He is especially looking forward to quality time with his kids and grandkids, which will take him, and his wife Nancy, to the Outer Banks, Illinois and Canada.
Miss Patti McKeown (English Teacher) loves gardening and cannot wait to have time to “play in the dirt”. She is also looking forward to lots of reading time and the chance to visit with family.
Miss Elizabeth Marlowe (Junior High English, Speech Teacher) having just completed her first year of teaching, is looking forward to a break from the never ending task of grading papers. Sleeping-in sounds delightful and a visit with an old friend from college is a definite anticipated highlight for her.
Mrs. Maria Deose (Daycare Secretary) really enjoys the more relaxed atmosphere in the daycare during the summer months. She has little more time on her hands and wants to be able to spend more time with her Mom and Dad. She would love to be able to spend more time with her kids but, alas, they all work during the summer!
Miss Laura Horrocks (Daycare Director) also enjoys the quieter pace during the summer and finds it gives the teachers a chance to get to know the new children better. She is also excited about going to Arizona with the Bethel Baptist Church youth group.
Mr. Brian VanOsten (Junior High Math, Science, and History) is glad his first year of teaching is behind him but more importantly, is looking forward to being able to have time to do what he really enjoys…outdoor activities!!! Whether it is cycling, playing soccer, or some other activity, Brian loves the great outdoors.
Miss Rebekah Leiby (Math Teacher) is planning on learning, instead of teaching, while working on her Master’s degree at Pensacola Christian College. The sunshine of Florida certainly has an appeal too!
Mr. John Zwart (Athletic Director)- loves the idea of not having to get up before the sun rises to drive a bus every day. Like father, like son! Of course he looks forward to family vacations and time with his family too. Mrs. Kris Brittingham (Administrative Secretary) is happy to have made it through her first year. Although her job continues through the summer months, the pace is more relaxed. Professionally, she is excited to implement new ideas to expedite the many tasks she has to keep on top off as the school secretary. What a great job she has done this year. On the personal side, she is looking forward to having more “down time” with her family and getting things done around her home.
Hopefully, you found the above information to be enlightening, entertaining, and engaging. We look forward to seeing many of you in September and we wish you all a pleasant and refreshing summer.