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Teacher Appreciation Week: Tracy Powell

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If you think science can't be fun, today, we're excited and honored to introduce you to the Junior High's Mrs. Tracy Powell, our fifth longest-serving teacher thanks to her start in the district in 1991, first as a substitute and then as a full-time Junior High Science teacher. As soon as you walk into her room, you're surrounded by cabinets filled with beakers and glassware that simply makes you want to experiment and learn, as well as fun little toys and trinkets scattered around her countertops, like Newton's Cradle or a bobblehead of Bill Nye, the Science Guy. In fact, when we asked her fellow Science teachers to tell us a little bit about her, the word "fun" came up repeatedly. "Tracy Powell is such a fun teacher and teammate," said her colleague Mrs. Brenda Kobie. "From exciting labs and experiments to silly catchphrases, she knows how to have a fun time in Science class. She loves making nerdy science jokes and greets you with a 'Hey honey!' any time you pop in for a chat or a question. It has been fun to learn from her as I have grown into being my own version of a silly and goofy science teacher." Mrs. Gretchen Hess also immediately mentioned her love of humor and making science fun. "Students love her corny Science jokes and sing-alongs," she said. "The highlight of the year is when she can get the principals to ride her hoverboard down the hall." Mrs. Michelle Obst said those efforts to make science enjoyable always pay off as she sees her students succeed in class. "She loves to see the spark in their eyes when they connect science to their lives," she said.

We hope that you enjoyed our spotlight series of our five longest-serving teachers during this year's Teacher Appreciation Week; please enjoy this last one with Mrs. Powell:

Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher?
A: I became a science teacher in hopes that I could inspire students to want to know more about the way the world works. Science is full of amazing things to discover.

Q: Did you ever do anything other than teaching?
A: If so, what? I have been teaching junior high science for 27+ years. Before that, I was a substitute teacher for 5 years.

Q: If you wouldn’t have been a teacher, what other career would you have pursued?
A: I once wanted to be wedding planner. I worked in a bridal salon during and after college.

Q: Can you please tell us where you’ve taught, what you’ve taught and for how long?
A: Many years ago I was a substitute in several local districts but Exeter JHS has been my home away from home for 27 years. At one point I taught both Life Science and Physical Science but for the past 10 years I have taught only 8th grade.

Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: I love seeing students figure out the solution to their questions. I feel like you can actually see the light bulb go off above their head.

Q: What was your favorite grade or subject when you were a student?
A: I loved science and learning about how things work or why things happen.

Q: What’s a moment you’ll never forget from teaching? 
A: I love a good pun. One day I was explaining to the class that their lab observations needed to have measurements and details. I told them to "Be specific." The student seated in front of me, with a straight face and perfect comedic timing, said "Oh, like the ocean!" And then we all laughed at his pun. It was one of my most favorite silly moments.

Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your students that you’ll never forget?
A: Eighth graders can be hilarious!

Q: What’s the best thing about teaching in Exeter?
A: Exeter is such a strong community. It fills me with pride when I think about how this community comes together when it faces challenges.

Q: Did you graduate from Exeter or have kids who went through Exeter?
A: I graduated from Exeter in 1986. My husband is also an Exeter grad (class of 1984). We were thrilled to be able to move back home to Exeter so that our two children, Taylor '15 and Connor '20, could also be Eagles! As an Exeter teacher, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to read my daughter's name (and her classmates) at her graduation and to hand my son his diploma when he graduated during Covid.

Q: What have you learned about the profession since becoming a teacher?
A: I learned that a teacher's work is never done. There's always something on my to do list!

Q: What teaching accomplishment fills you with pride?
A: I am proud to say that our Science Olympiad team has a long history of success. The team has consistently shown a depth of knowledge and commitment to excellence that rivals the best in the state. I learned early in my career from some of the best science educators.

Q: What’s one skill that you hope all students learn from you?
A: I hope that my students will never stop learning. There is always something we can do to improve or know more.

Teacher Appreciation Week: Mrs. Julianne Bertin

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"When I think of Juli, I think of connection," said Senior High Principal Mr. Tom Campbell about English teacher Mrs. Julianne Bertin. "She really has a gift of connecting with a broad range of students--from those who are at-risk to those who are high achievers. She finds opportunities to lift up our reluctant learners or those who may feel alienated or may be dealing with tougher social issues." Echoing his sentiments from the faculty perspective, Ms. Jordan Sharp, a colleague of Mrs. Bertin, says, "Juli was assigned to be my mentor when I started at Exeter four years ago. However, she has quickly become a close friend. We jokingly say that she is my 'school mom' because she gives me advice, teaches me life lessons and supports me. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful person in my life, and she deserves every ounce of appreciation for her selfless work at Exeter," she says.

But in addition to connecting to her students, Mr. Campbell says that Mrs. Bertin possesses a unique ability to embrace change throughout her 33-year career as an English teacher at Exeter, as well as finding ways to make her lessons relevant to students' lives now and in the future. "It's at the heart of who she is as an educator." Today, we're so excited and proud to highlight Mrs. Julianne Bertin as we continue our series of the longest-serving teachers here in Exeter in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week:

Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher?
A: I became a teacher because I had great teachers. I went through the Oley Valley School District (K through 12) and I had amazing teachers in the 1970's and 1980's. Mrs. Hart (grade 1) instilled in me a love of reading, Mrs. Rogers (grade 5) helped me find my confidence, Mr. Sample gave me the freedom to explore my creativity in the performing arts, Mrs. Ewing enabled me to see writing as personal self expression--they were amazing!

Q: Did you ever do anything other than teaching? If so, what?
A: I worked some interesting jobs in my college years. I was a telemarketer, an auto repair customer service representative, a waitress, a hostess, and I cleaned law offices in West Chester. But I have been a teacher ever since 1990.

Q: If you wouldn’t have been a teacher, what other career would you have pursued?
A: A lawyer, a singer, a travel writer

Q: Can you please tell us where you’ve taught, what you’ve taught and for how long?
A: I have taught here at the SHS for 33 years--in the English department--mostly American Literature and Career Communications

Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: The students--the job is pretty meaningless without them!

Q: What was your favorite grade or subject when you were a student?
A: Fifth grade was special. I had an incredible teacher and so many great memories. I loved reading, writing and literature classes for as long as I can remember.

Q: What’s a moment you’ll never forget from teaching? 
A: I took a group of students to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. On the day of the trip, I had to tell two students they could not go because they had not submitted permission forms. In a school bus, on the Schuylkill Expressway the students in the back of the bus demanded I come to the back. The two students I had to leave behind, followed the bus in a red Honda! They parked and went on the tour with us.... I called Mr. Keller and he took care of the discipline consequences the following day. I learned that teens are often outrageous and impulsive--that has not changed!

Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your students that you’ll never forget?
A: I see examples of strength and resilience from my students every day. This reminds me to always remain flexible in this profession.

Q: What’s the best thing about teaching in Exeter?
A: Exeter is a community that thrives on change. A lot has changed since I started teaching here. Change is not always easy to manage, but it certainly has kept my mind open to new outcomes and possibilities.

Q: What have you learned about the profession since becoming a teacher?
A: The world changes, trends in education come and go, leadership changes frequently, but high school students ALWAYS need consistency, safety and community to flourish.

Q: What teaching accomplishment fills you with pride?
A: Early in my career I was very involved in developing integrated English and Social Studies courses. Even though we no longer offer these courses, I am incredibly proud of that era of my career. It was very collaborative and reminded me that content cannot always be separated. The world is dynamic and making connections is the most critical aspect of producing life long learners.

Q: What’s one skill that you hope all students learn from you?
A: That no matter what they do, good communication skills are essential! Read, write, speak and listen confidently!

Teacher Appreciation Week: Mrs. Carole Moyer

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"Oh, Carole bleeds blue," said Owatin Creek Principal Mr. Charlie Payne with a laugh when we asked him to describe 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Carole Moyer. A 1985 Exeter graduate herself, married to an Exeter graduate, and with two daughters, Lauren '16 and Olivia '18, who graduated from Exeter, Mrs. Moyer's dedicated her entire professional career to nurturing the next generation of Eagles, initially from her 5th grade classroom at Jacksonwald in 1990, and currently from her 3rd grade classroom at Owatin Creek. Within minutes of learning more about her history and her career, you can't help but feel her sense of pride in Exeter--of being a part of the community as a former student and now as a teacher. In fact, a sense of "community" is a central part of what she tries to establish in her own classroom to help her students feel supported, loved and a place where they belong. "What makes Carole amazing is that once you know her, you become part of her family," says Mr. Joe Bertolet, who has taught 3rd grade with Mrs. Moyer for the past 12 years. "She is so passionate and absolutely loves her students," he says. "She's just a wonderful person."

As we continue our series of our longest-serving teachers here in Exeter during Teacher Appreciation Week, we're so excited and proud to share this interview with Mrs. Moyer:

Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher? 
A: I became a teacher because, quite frankly, I loved my teachers and I always enjoyed school. I was a very shy kid who eventually found confidence through many teachers who believed in me. I was one of those kids who played school with neighborhood friends, using our garages to set up our mock classrooms with imaginary students or younger kids in Farming Ridge who were willing. In junior high I boarded the elementary summer school bus so I could volunteer as a teacher’s helper, which I enjoyed immensely.

Q: Did you ever do anything other than teaching? If so, what?
A: As a new teacher at Exeter I also worked part time in the evenings through Threshold Rehabilitation Services supporting adults with intellectual disabilities and challenges in a residential setting.

Q: If you wouldn’t have been a teacher, what other career would you have pursued?
A: I would have been a Grant Writer for nonprofits with a focus on outreach projects to underserved populations. When our daughters danced with Berks Ballet Theatre I was the company’s grant writer and creating outreach projects was so fulfilling.

Q: Can you please tell us where you’ve taught, what you’ve taught and for how long?
A: I began my teaching career at Jacksonwald Elementary in 1990 as a fifth-grade teacher. It was absolutely a dream job for me as I had formerly been a student at Jacksonwald. Since then I have also taught third grade. I was one of the teacher representatives who worked closely with administration on the Owatin Creek Elementary design. Our entire staff and student body moved to Owatin Creek Elementary upon its completion.

Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: THE STUDENTS. In elementary school we are self-contained and your class truly becomes a type of second family. As a teacher you have so much creative control to take any subject matter and build dynamic activities and hands-on projects where you see students’ enthusiasm and talents shine! There is absolutely zero chance of becoming bored in a career as a teacher.

Q: What was your favorite grade or subject when you were a student?
A: My favorite subject to teach now is science because it is so active and fun! Throughout school my favorite subject was usually determined by my connection to the teacher. My 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Hannon created the warmest, caring environment and I was hooked! All the girls in my 7th grade English class became very close with our teacher, Mrs. Vroman. We even threw her a baby shower at one of our houses in the evening! My junior high history teacher, Mr. Bickle gave me, a painfully shy girl, a chance to shine and be victorious in Current Event Quiz Shows! Senior high history teacher, Mr. Fleck was so wonderfully dynamic that he made all history intriguing and I couldn’t get enough of it! So for me, growing up, it was more about the relationships than the subject matter.

Q: What’s a moment you’ll never forget from teaching? 
A: A few years ago, one of my third graders was fighting a tough battle with leukemia. The other students wanted to show their support and they brainstormed a fundraiser to purchase a new iPad for him. They worked every spare moment they had to create beautiful themed bookmarks with tassels. With this child’s mother’s permission and approval from our administration the students ran a Hat Day and sold bookmarks to the other students in the school. They created posters to promote the special day and set up shop, totally running the sale. My class raised over $1,400 for our friend and classmate. In addition to the iPad, they were able to purchase Beats Headphones and Wawa cards that were helpful due to the many trips to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The students were a true force and became very close as they rallied around their friend. It was the best moment in my career.

Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your students (or a student) that you’ll never forget?
A: When I run into students and they recall all the fun class pets, the exciting science projects, or the great field trips, I realize that the best thing I can teach a child is to simply love coming to school.

Q: What’s the best thing about teaching in Exeter?
A: The staff is unbelievably dedicated and talented. Every day I learn from the talented people on my team who share their creative ideas, successes in their classrooms and educational ideas! Our specialists look for inspiring ways to build an Owatin School Community that is so positive and child centered. We are led by an administration that believes in Exeter and is proud of Exeter! When I began my career teaching in Exeter, I was so very impressed with the staff’s dedication, creativeness, and love of children. I knew my husband and I would intentionally buy a home in Exeter because I wanted our future children to have that kind of excellent education.

Q: Did you graduate from Exeter or have kids who went through Exeter? 
A: Both my husband and I are proud Exeter graduates, Jon in 1984 and myself in 1985. My undergraduate degree is from Shippensburg University and my Master’s Degree was earned from Kutztown University. Our daughter, Lauren, graduated from Exeter in 2016 and from Duquesne’s Honor College with her Master’s Degree in 2021, earning the university’s “Outstanding Student in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology”. Currently she is a Speech-Language Pathologist in Pittsburgh children’s clinics. Our daughter, Olivia, graduated in 2018 as Exeter’s Valedictorian and she recently graduated from Villanova University with a degree in Quantitative Finance. She is a Capital Market Analyst in Manhattan. We attribute their success in college to all the outstanding teachers they had throughout their years at Exeter. Their learning environment at Exeter was always nurturing with high expectations. Their Exeter teachers were all top-notch, highly dedicated professionals and we feel extremely fortunate.

Q: What have you learned about the profession since becoming a teacher?
A: Teachers play such a big part in developing a child’s self-confidence! A teacher must meet the needs of varying learning styles, adapt activities to fit students’ abilities and interests, and manage a multitude of elements to create a wonderful classroom climate. My most important educational partners are the parents and guardians of my students. Parent / Teacher communication is like water, it’s VITAL. Anyone I’ve ever had in class will remember Weekly Evaluations and Monday Mail, weekly parent communication I’ve utilized my entire career.

Q: What teaching accomplishment fills you with pride?
A: Whenever I’ve done special projects where my students learn subject matter and then go on to present to other peers or younger students, I am filled with pride. Some examples include learning about igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock and then becoming a Traveling Geologist to teach first graders. Learning about water pollution and solutions and then presenting at the EcoFair by running a watershed demonstration is exciting. One of my after-school reading / writing groups read about Little Free Libraries and then they started one in our hallway, recycling more than 1,000 gently used books from students’ homes. Students presenting animal research with maps, diagrams, classification flowcharts on Google Slides and projecting with our SMART Board to their classmates brings out the leader in each child. I appreciate those Exeter teachers who helped me, a very shy child, find her voice. The best part of my job is when I too help a child find his/her voice and talents!

Q: What’s one skill that you hope all students learn from you?
A: Our classroom motto is that leadership is shown when you’re someone who makes others feel good about themselves. We create rainbows with sticky notes filled with super positive things we see in each other. Don’t we all want to be with people who make us feel good? That’s a life lesson that I want my children to carry with them.

Q: What advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher?
A: I would tell my first-year teacher self that finding a professional and personal life balance is going to be a challenge. But I want myself to remember that beyond the in depth lesson plan writing, experiments, data, and grading of papers- the most important thing is that you show your students you love them and see their talents! (AND people who know me well know I haven’t really found a balance yet- but I do know not everyone gets to do a job they love every day!)

Teacher Appreciation Week: Mrs. Loretta Gaetani

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When you ask people what kind of teacher Lorane's Mrs. Loretta Gaetani is, likely the word "humble" will come up time and time again in people's descriptions. Case in point: When we asked her what teaching accomplishment she's most proud of during her 37 year career--all spent at Lorane in 1st grade--she chose not to answer despite our plea to share her thoughts. But when you learn more about why she chose to become an educator, you soon realize that perhaps she's humble about her career because being a teacher seems like something she was born to do. "When you step into her classroom, you immediately feel a sense of calm and warmth--it's like you're at home," says Lorane's principal Mrs. Karen Hodge. "She downplays just how good of a teacher she is, but she immediately puts kids at ease and sets them in a nurturing environment, which allows them to thrive academically." Mrs. Emily Zientek, who's worked with Mrs. Gaetani for 17 years agrees, "She's a dedicated teacher who is passionate about helping all of her students grow as a learner and individuals to be the best version of themselves," she said.

As we continue our series of our longest-serving teachers here in Exeter, we're excited and proud to share this interview with Mrs. Gaetani, who did her student teaching at Exeter and began working at Lorane in 1986.

Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher?
A: I became a teacher because I wanted to follow in my mother's footsteps. Whenever I was not in school, I went to her school to help her and the children.

Q: Did you ever do anything other than teaching? If so, what?
A: I had many jobs as I was growing up. My first job was cleaning houses, retail, and fast food establishments.

Q: If you wouldn’t have been a teacher, what other career would you have pursued?
A: For some time, I wanted to be a social worker to work with children. After my first year at college, I switched my major to elementary education.

Q: Can you please tell us where you’ve taught, what you’ve taught and for how long?
A: My student-teaching experiences were in 4th and 2nd grade in Exeter. After graduation, I taught 3rd-grade summer school and was hired to teach first-grade. I have been teaching in first grade since 1986 at Lorane!

Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: I consider my students and coworkers to be my second family.

Q: What was your favorite grade or subject when you were a student?
A: Ironically, it was not first grade. I absolutely loved 2nd and 5th grade because of my teachers. My 5th grade allowed me to stay after school to hang work on the bulletin boards and to correct papers. As a reward, she would give me a root beer barrel piece of candy.

Q: What’s a moment you’ll never forget from teaching?
A: In my first year of teaching, I had a student with religious beliefs that did not celebrate holidays. At Christmas time, the other students brought presents, and she wanted to give me something too. While waiting for the bus, she spotted a dead flower arrangement in a neighbor's trash. She collected it and proudly presented it to me! It was a gift from the heart, and after all these years, I haven't forgotten.

Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your students that you’ll never forget?
A: The students at Lorane are so accepting and inclusive of everyone.

Q: What’s the best thing about teaching in Exeter?
A: I have been teaching for so many years that I am now teaching my former students' children!

Q: What have you learned about the profession since becoming a teacher?
A: I learned that the curriculum may change, but students are always excited to learn!

Q: What’s one skill that you hope all students learn from you?
A: I hope my students always remember to do their best work, be kind, and that amazing things will happen!

Q: What advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher?
A: Don't sweat the small things; there's always tomorrow.

Teacher Appreciation Week: Mr. Terry “TA” Lorah

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As part of this year's Teacher Appreciation Week, we're excited and proud to highlight the longest-serving teachers at Exeter. Mr. Terry Lorah--or "TA" as most everyone knows him--has taught at Exeter since 1984, currently serving as the Senior High's metal and electronics teacher. Although he didn't initially plan to become a teacher, his nearly 40-year career as a teacher in Exeter has left a lasting impact on students and the district that's legacy-worthy as one of the founders of Exeter's esteemed STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) program. Moreover, Senior High Principal Mr. Tom Campbell describes TA as just one of those teachers that is immensely likable to everyone. "TA comes to work each day with joy and excitement. He connects to students throughout the district with his involvement in clubs, music, art--or helping kids who might need something built or fixed. His ability to connect with kids and get them excited is truly inspirational as a teacher."

Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher? 
A: I started college without any idea what I wanted to do with my life. PSU insisted on choosing a major so I became a music major. That course of study lasted less than a year. So I changed my major to Industrial Arts Education as I really enjoyed my shop classes in HS. Mind, I still did not necessarily plan on being a teacher.

Q: Did you ever do anything other than teaching? If so, what?
A: I was fortunate to secure a job with Bechtel Corp. as an electrical engineer at the Limerick Generating Station working primarily with all electrical outside commodities and the Radwaste Building. I worked there for three years and absolutely loved that position.

Q: If you wouldn’t have been a teacher, what other career would you have pursued?
A: I enjoy motorsports and most likely would have pursued a position as a welder/fabricator with a team.

Q: Can you tell us where you’ve taught, what you’ve taught and for how long?
A: Exeter is the only school district that has employed me. I started teaching Power Tech half a day at the High School and then Junior High Woodshop the other half. I developed one of the first STEM-based classes at Exeter way before STEM was a thing. It was a hands-on science course co-taught by me and a science teacher. I also developed the RS&M (residential systems and maintenance) class and taught that for a while. When we were transitioning to a Project Lead the Way model, I was part of the 9th grade rotation team teaching a wide range of subjects. Metal Lab and Electricity classes are my focus now. I had many jobs and they all were good. I worked full time on a farm between 7th and 8th grade. A short stint at the Mt Penn Mickey Ds. The Columbian Cutlery Co hired me to run gigantic presses and do welding repair work. Powell Engineering hired me as a truck driver and roller operator constructing roads. I repaired and inspected cars part time during college at a used car establishment. All these jobs were important as they gave me insight on what I did not want to do the rest of my life.

Q: What do you love most about teaching?
A: The students keep you young. I get great enjoyment watching someone build something from nothing and be very proud of it. My colleagues in the High School Tech Ed Department are all a team and it is great to work with them daily.

Q: What was your favorite grade or subject when you were a student?
A: I really enjoyed being in band and orchestra. My materials classes in high school were fun and I was really good at them. Other than my father, I learned more from my metal shop teacher (Mr. Tuckey) than any college class.

Q: What’s a moment you’ll never forget from teaching?
A: There was no specific moment, but I absolutely loved working with the lovely Micky Potlunas (now Mrs. Fergusen, who teaches/directs the band at Penn State) with marching band. We had lots of fun.

Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your students that you’ll never forget?
A: Computers and overall tech gadgets often fluster me and I can always count on a student to roll their eyes at me and say, "Let me show you."

Q: What’s the best thing about teaching in Exeter?
A: I live less than 10 minutes from school...very short commute even when missing many traffic lights. Exeter's school board and administrators have always been supportive of our tech programs, and now with our engineering based classes. I grew up in Exeter and it is nice having students of former students.

Q: Did you graduate from Exeter or have kids who went through Exeter?
A: Exeter is my alma mater--Class of '77.

Q: What have you learned about the profession since becoming a teacher?
A: Exeter is a very nice district but still many students arrive at school with tons of baggage, hungry, or have a questionable home life. It is great when we can identify individuals with issues and help to correct them.

Q: What teaching accomplishment fills you with pride?
A: It is always nice to run into Exeter grads and they tell you, "Thanks, I am the foreman on a construction crew," or "Thanks, I rewired my basement," or "Thanks, I am building shocks at Penske," etc. Success stories are always wonderful.

Q: What’s one skill that you hope all students learn from you?
A: I hope students learn three skills: Patience, accuracy, and perseverance.

Owatin Creek’s Eco Club Creates Upcycled Chandelier

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Several of the students and the teachers who worked on the chandelier show off their finished work before it was hoisted up to be hung in Owatin Creek's cupola.  

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If you're heading to the Owatin Creek Art Show this Friday from 5:30 to 7:30PM, please take a moment and look up at the cupola skylight to see a colorful chandelier created by students in OC's after-school Eco Club. Mrs. Britta Hyneman, Owatin Creek's art teacher, said that the project was inspired by glass artist Dale Chihuly, and began with students collecting used plastic water bottles that students turned into beautiful pieces of glass-inspired art when they colored the bottles with Sharpie markers and cut them into spirals. The bottles were then mounted onto a wire frame and hung from the school's cupola earlier this week.
 
"Students are so excited about this project," said Mrs. Hyneman, who received help from Owatin Creek teacher (and Lorane paraprofessional) Mrs. Stephanie Van Sickle, who helps her run the after-school club. "We had more than 35 students participate in this project who learned that we can take ordinary objects that we often throw away and turn them into an unexpected, unique piece of art. I'm so proud of their dedication to this project--they collected and prepared more than 600 water bottles for this chandelier!"
 
Owatin Creek's Eco Club is a free after-school club that meets to teach students ways in which they can help help preserve and protect the earth. Each meeting features an upcycled art project. The club is organized by parent volunteer, Mrs. Van Sickle, and OC teachers, Mrs. Hyneman and Ms. Kristen McBride.