Outside of campus I am continually asked how Chop Point is doing and I easily answer that we are fine! Our academics are sound, the 100+ year old campus is functioning well, our enrollment continues to grow, and our staff is dedicated and awesome. If I were looking for a school to place my child, I would like to know that this person is spending 5-7 hours a week with my child. In case you do not receive our newsletter, this was the last “cover page”, submitted by Bethany Wilkinson. Enjoy!
“I know I sound like a broken record, but I have to write at least one of these a year. Just let me get it out of my system and then I can write something pithy and sarcastic next time.
I love these kids.
When I tell people that I am a science teacher and that I love teenagers, they look at me like I have 10 heads. Love teenagers? Yes! I had to force myself to have babies so that they would one day grow up to be teenagers.
Dawn Jordan and I just took a group of 11th and 12th graders to a college fair, shopping at a pay-by-the-pound Goodwill and then out for pizza. The whole time there wasn’t one naughty word, no inappropriate subject matters, no embarrassing behavior. They were so well behaved, it was a real pleasure to spend time with them. There were so many ‘thank you’s as they were getting out of the van at the drop off spots, that it almost got ridiculous.
I took another group snorkeling for our science fair class. They were so excited to plunge into the icy water. They maintained that enthusiasm through chattering teeth and data collection. Someone even said, “I think this is the best thing I have done. Ever!”.
I have always loved teaching, but this crop of kids that we have now inspire me. They make me want to be a better teacher for them. Their attitudes and willingness to learn only encourage me more. It is a cycle that benefits everyone involved. Our little school is what education is supposed to be.
Thank you parents! Thanks for your sacrifice to send your kids here. You have done a great job. We often hear complaints about the youth and what the future will be like. All of you have done a great job producing some fine teenagers that are going to make some great adults. I’m proud of them and of you.”
Bethany Wilkinson
