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Beech-Bethel-Mabel-ASU Partnership

Watauga County Schools

Bethel Home
 
 

The kindergarten teacher is, Mrs. Mary Hagaman. She attended King College in Bristol, TN and received her Bachelors in Education. Ms. Hagaman feels that all students learn differently and it is up to teachers to provide an array of different teaching styles/methods and push students to their highest potential. She enjoys taking care of her 10 month old son, Max, working with flowers and singing. This year the kinders will be studying living things such as plants and animals. They will also be learning about weather/seasons.

            Ms. Hagaman
 

First graders are busy at work. So far this year they have completed a unit on Australia and bats. They have enjoyed cooking cranberry muffins, cornbread, pumpkin pie and butter with their wonderful interns. During center time, students enjoy exploring various computer games, math and measurement activities, art projects, building blocks and much more. In their math lessons, students are becoming proficient with sorting objects and learning new math games. Reading is always fun!  Students read many different kinds of  books. The students begin each day by reading from their book baskets. They are currently listening to the crazy tales from Wayside School.

The first grade teacher, Mrs. Carla Greene, is a graduate on Appalachian State University.  She earned a BS in Elementary Education in December 1994.  She continued her education, earning a Masters of Arts in Reading Education in May 1997.  She began as the Language Arts teacher at Bethel School and now is completing her second year as a first grade teacher here.  She is assisted by Mrs. Linda Wilson who assists with the first steps reading program. Together, they have  a wonderful year at Bethel School.

             Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Greene
 

The second graders have enjoyed learning many new things this year. In science they have been studying Habitats and took a trip with the Kinders and First graders to the Asheboro Zoo. They have also enjoyed their author study on Eric Carle, where the students have made click beetles and spiders. The second graders have also enjoyed having a student teacher, Ms. Ann Wilson.

Mrs. Fay Williams has been teaching at Bethel School for twenty-six years.  While at Bethel, Mrs. Williams has primarily taught second and third grades.  She received both her undergraduate and Masters degrees from Appalachian State University.  Mrs. Williams has served on a variety of committees and advisories, including county calendar committee, teacher advisory, K-2 assessment, and she is also a member of NCAE.  Ms. Williams feels that all children can learn and that teachers need to encourage children to do the best they can.

   Ms. Ward, Ms. Wilson, and Ms. Williams
 

Mrs. Jones recieved a BA in Elementary Education.  When it comes to teaching, she believes that every child can learn, you just need to find out the best way for them to learn.  Each child is unique! She states that "A child does not care what you know until they know that you care."  Mrs. Jones mentors beginning teachers and says that she enjoys the schools parternship with ASU.  She thinks that working with the students and professors keep her job "fresh and new".Some important events that Mrs. Jones has planned for this year are working on in-depth units on famous people such as Harriet Tubman, Abe Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr. When not in school, Mrs. Jones enjoys quilting, reading, and sleeping!Mrs. Warren says that when she is not busy at work in school, she enjoys camping, hiking, and horseback riding. 
 

The fourth graders are studying explorers through historical fiction. The students have enjoyed writing letters to North Carolina Chamber of Commerces inquiring about various cities in the state. In math students are busy working with decimals as the continue their study of Number Sense, Numeration, and Numerical Operations.

Ms.Tracey Stem obtained her undergraduate degree from Santa Clara University and her masters in education from the University of Northern Colorado. Ms. Stem guides students learning through class projects and cooperative group work. Her personal interests include outdoor and environmental education.
 
 

             Ms. Tilley

  The fifth graders are currently reading historical fiction novels through Literature Circles. They are studying the 50 states in social studies and making a travel log along interstate I40. In math students are busy learning and working with decimals. The fith graders just recently went to the Biltmore House with the fourth grade. 
 

Amy Tilley attended East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.  Ms. Tilley has always been connected with Bethel.  She did her student teaching here under Mrs. Williams in the second grade.  After she graduated from Appalachian State University in December 1996, she was hired at Bethel as a teaching assistant in the Exceptional Children’s Room in September 1997.  Ms. Tilley then taught sixth grade and is now presently teaching fifth grade. Ms. Tilley promotes making learning fun! She is a fond believer in having the students read and write! She enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, cooking, and dancing. Ms. Tilley also has four pets who she loves very much! (Nicholas, Cody, Kasse and Chen)
 
 

Middle School Science
 Mr. Lane Sentell received his undergraduate degree from West Georgia College and middle grade science/social studies certification from ASU. This semester the middle schoolers are studying ecosystems, matter and energy,and city planning and design. Mr.Sentell integrates hands on projects into the curriculum as much as possible.

Middle School Language Arts/Social Studies
 
 

Middle School Math
 
 
 
 

Other Faculty and Administration

Mitchell Yates, the principal of Bethel School, received a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Appalachian State University.  He has taught at both Hardin Park and Parkway Schools and was the principal at Mabel Elementary for nine years.  In South Carolina, Mr. Yates was a vocational rehabilitation specialist for two years and taught Mechanical Drawing for four years. This year marks his 25th anniversary in public education. (K-12)
   Mr. Yates sees himself as a visionary who thrives on change, which is one of the things that brought him to the Bethel community.  Mr. Yates believes that, "some men see things as they are and say why, and I dream things that never were and ask, why not?"  and this is the ideal by which he lives. He also feels that if you reach a child's heart first then you will reach his mind. This year Mr. Yates would like to increase the "pace" of the instruction and "raise the bar" for the level of challenge for each student. Mr. Yates was the Watauge County Principal of the Year in 1999.
 
 
 
 

  Mr. Cone is the technology teacher at Bethel School.  He is originally from Vermont and graduated from the University of New Hampshire.  He taught both media and technology at Bethel for three years, and this is now teaching only technology.  Mr. Cone attended  graduate school at Appalachian where he received a Master's degree in Library Science. 
 

Mrs. Miller, Title One teacher at Bethel School, graduated from the University of South Florida in 1994.  She is currently working on her Reading Certification at the graduate level at ASU. She believes that the "teacher is a guide enabling students to be successful learners be giving them the tools and assistance they need to read their goal." This year Ms. Miller has enjoyed making kites, putting on plays, having picnics, and cooking with the primary grades. Ms. Miller likes to read, write, quilt, make crafts and take photographs.

        Mr. Fox

Mr. Mike Fox received his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and physical education certification from ASU. Mr. Fox uses fun fitness and fundamentals to get students involve lifetime fitness goals. This semester, Mr. Fox started a weight training class for the middle school. He enjoys coaching basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
 

                          Gail Millisaps

    Mrs. Millisaps has attended Sims training for eight years and has also went to accounting workshops.  She believes that  "when dealing with people, there is good in everyone. It might just take a little patience to find it." When outside of school, Mrs. Millisaps enjoys going to church where she is a Sunday School teacher.  She also enjoys spending time with her family.  Mrs. Millisaps says that she has had a child or grandchild in Bethel school for 27 years. 
 
 
 
 

Beth Winkler-Band Teacher
  Ms.Winkler received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts in Music Education from ASU. She expects the best from her students and usually gets it. This year there are many concerts planned for the school and for the parents.

Marcia Winkler-K-8 Special Education
  Ms.Winkler has her BS degree in Cross Categorical, MA degree in Learning Disabilities, and her MA in Emotional Disturbances. She believes that all children can learn if given the appropriate educational environment.

Judy Wells-Special Education K-8
  Ms. Wells uses positive reinforcement and behavior modifications to encourage and challenge her students. Her main goal in teaching is to motivate each child to do their personal best. Her personal interests include gardening, quilting, and batiking.

Karen Cable- Special Education Assistant
  Ms. Cable believes all children can be confident in their abilities. She works directly with BEH children. Some of her projects for this semester include learning about and caring for plants.
 

Patti Sjostrand-Guidance
  Ms. Sjostrand received her BA from Lenior Rhyne College, and her MA from ASU. In guidance classes she tries to involve the children as much as possible by allowing them to do role plays and openly discuss issues. This year she is focusing on conflict resolution and teaching children skills that help them solve their own problems.

Camellia Ferguson-Art
  Ms. Ferguson received her undergraduate degree in art education from Western Carolina. She believes every student can achieve successful projects during art class. She enjoys painting, drawing, reading, and crafts.

Librarian:  Maggie Christenbury 
    Mrs. Christenbury recieved a BA in English Education from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Masters in Library Science from ASU.  She has been a media specialist in five differnet school systems in North Carolina and has also taught every grade level, including high school.  Mrs. Christenbury has also worked at professional libraries and in a college. She believes that the teaching should be very interactive.  Mrs. Chrisenbury says that she tries to be a facilitator and resource person for both the students and teachers at Bethel.Some important events for this year is the book fair which is November 6-10 and Expanding Accelerated Reading.  Also, every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month are Family Night.When outside of school, Mrs. Christenbury enjoys reading, traveling, skiing, landscaping, and gardening.