Chardon Middle School band director Tracy Paroubek was selected in 2019 to represent Ohio in the 22nd annual “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” report, an honorary feature published by “School Band and Orchestra” magazine each December.
Band Director Honored
Chardon Middle School band director Tracy Paroubek was selected in 2019 to represent Ohio in the 22nd annual “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” report, an honorary feature published by “School Band and Orchestra” magazine each December.
“Several months ago, one of my eighth-grade band students, Charlotte Jons, nominated me for this honor,” said Ms. Paroubek. “I didn’t know she was doing it, and though being chosen is a lovely thing, knowing that a student thought that much of our class and me to take the initiative on this is a real honor.”
Ms. Paroubek has been teaching for 18 years and is currently in her 14th year with Chardon Schools.
“I love watching students make progress towards our musical goals,” said Ms. Paroubek. “Watching them work hard and having successes on a daily basis makes teaching fulfilling.”
Chardon Schools invites the community to learn more about Ms. Paroubek and her honorary recognition in the report, which can be accessed via sbomagazine.com.
Stockings for Soldiers
As part of Munson Elementary School’s observance of Veterans Day in November, students and their families were among the many community members participating in the annual Stockings for Soldiers program organized by DeJohn Funeral Homes.
Holiday stockings were provided free of charge by DeJohn for decorating and filling with suggested stocking stuffers, including toiletries, snacks, calendars, batteries and more.
Munson Elementary School is thankful to have had the participation of 89 of its families. The school’s filled stockings were then returned to DeJohn for distribution to U.S. troops overseas and area veterans in nursing homes or hospitals. The school is grateful to DeJohn for spearheading the service opportunity in the community each year.
Topper Teacher of the Week
Tiny Toppers Preschool intervention specialist Katherine Kotora, fondly known by her students as Miss Katherine, was featured as Chardon Schools’ Topper Teacher of the Week in the Dec. 18 edition of the district’s “Topper Talk” newsletter. Miss Katherine is in her first year of teaching and currently teaches an all-day preschool class of 4 and 5-year-old students.
“A day in preschool is quite the adventure,” said Miss Katherine. “We start our day with circle time where we get to greet each other and do some activities. Then we head outside or to the gym for gross motor activities. Then students rotate between learning centers. These centers include the sensory table, blocks, play dough, art, story, teacher table and dramatic play. We also have a group lesson, snack, lunch, rest and more centers. A typical day includes lots of laughter and excitement.”
Miss Katherine added she particularly loves how excited the students are to be at school and she enjoys helping students learn foundational skills for academics and life, including the Tiny Topper Promises on how to be kind, be safe and try your best.
Community members interested in learning more about Miss Katherine and/or receiving future editions of “Topper Talk” bi-weekly electronic newsletter are invited to send their requests via email to communications@chardonschools.org.
