Edison Middle School PTSA Announcements
306 West Green Street
Champaign, IL 61820-5099
Phone: (217) 351-3771 Fax: (217) 355-2564
Edison's Mission
It is our mission at Edison Middle School to work collaboratively to place the focus on the academic, social, and emotional needs of each individual student first and ensure that ALL students are prepared for post-secondary education.
July 28
Free and Reduced Lunch: Champaign Unit 4 parents can go to the Food Service page on the District's website to access the new online free and reduced applications. The free and reduced applications must be filled out for students to receive fee waivers. New applications must be filled out each school year.
Parents who received a letter from Food Service stating they were on the Direct Certification list do not have to fill out a new free and reduced application and fees will be waived.
Parents can also check the status of the application 24-48 hours after completion, whether they are free, reduced, or denied and can print the status page for their records. This is days to weeks earlier than notification in the past.
We would like to strongly encourage parents to use the online application before registration so they can avoid lines at the food service table during the school enrollment dates in the coming weeks.
Please feel free to contact Food Service Director Mary Davis with any questions at davisma@champaignschools.org, 351-3852.
For important dates for fall enrollment please visit this page.
July 19
School Supply List: Attached is the Edison school supply list for all students.
Registration Volunteers: PTSA is looking for volunteers to help with school registration. Registration is August 8th,Volunteer hours are 8am-1pm and 4-7. You can volunteer for 2 hour shifts or for more. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Please e-mail apatton2@gmail.com if you are interested.
July 11
IMPORTANT DATES
Registration: August 8th 8am-1pm and 4-7pm
Late Registration: August 12th 10-4pm (more info to come about registration)
Transition Day: August 13th 9-10:15am or 5:30-6:45pm.Edison provides students that are new to Edison or incoming 6th graders an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the school. Parents are welcome to attend as well.
Public Health Offer Physicals and Immunizations: The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, in partnership with the Carle Family Medicine Residency Program, is offering school physical and Tdap vaccination clinics. Tdap is required by law for all students entering 6th-12th grades for the 2013-14 school year. All students in need of physicals and immunizations are welcome, including kindergarten.
When: July 20, August 24, September 21, October 5 and October 12, 2013
Where: Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL 61820
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Pricing and Insurance:
· School Physical: Free
· Tdap Administration: Billed to Medicaid and Health Alliance Insurance. Please bring insurance card
· Uninsured and Underinsured: $23.87
· Other immunizations available upon request
· Please bring your child's immunization records
Questions – Please call Jennifer Deakin at 217-531-4317
New Teachers at Edison!! Please see below for more info about teachers that will be joining Edison Middle School.
Nathaniel Chattic – 7th Grade Reading Teacher
Hello! My name is Mr. Chattic, and I am the new 7th grade reading teacher. Born and raised in Sterling, IL (go Warriors!), I was home schooled from 1st through 6th grade before crossing over to public school for my middle school, high school, and collegiate years. I moved to Mahomet, where I met my wife, and we have four beautiful children. We recently moved to Farmer City, and are really enjoying our new home and neighborhood!
I received my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Millikin University in 2011. My work history in education includes serving as a teacher's aide for two years at Centennial High School, observing and assisting classrooms at Stratton Elementary School and Franklin Middle School, student teaching a 4th grade class at Carrie Busey Elementary School, serving as a teacher's aide at Gerber School, and teaching a combined 5th/6th grade class in Rantoul at Ludlow Grade School.
My parents inspired me to teach. I travelled with my mother from house to house every week and watched her interact with boys and girls my age, teaching them to read and write, going over math problems, doing art projects together, and while I was learning alongside of them, my mom had me involved in teaching what I learned at home to the other kids. My father taught me the value of hard work, self-discipline, being mentally tough, competing with honor and intensity, and giving back to the community.
I consider myself a life-long learner, and I believe that learning is an ongoing process that is not limited to just what goes on inside of a school building. I intend to create a classroom environment that encourages my students (1) to establish and/or maintain a strong work ethic, (2) to learn how to effectively work together with their peers and adults, (3) to learn skills and behaviors to help them along the path to adulthood, (4) to discover new things about themselves and others, and (5) to get the MOST out of their natural abilities, talents, or gifting.
My goal for the school year is to make reading interesting and appealing to inspire my students to read more outside of school. In my class we will use class discussions to talk about the text, implement varying levels of open/closed questions to promote critical thinking, add to our learning "toolbox" a series of reading strategies to help gain better understanding and meaning from whatever we read, and do various projects that tie into what we are reading or the theme(s) we are concentrating on for the year.
As far as involvement in Edison's school clubs and organizations, I would like to run the Book of the Month club, as well as be involved with Homework lab or after school tutoring. Being an avid tennis player, I would absolutely RELISH the opportunity to create a tennis club (calling all tennis players - your time is NOW!)
Parents, thank you for allowing me the privilege of teaching your child. I have high expectations for your child and I will do all I can to help your child achieve those expectations. I will keep you informed of your child's progress using class work samples and progress reports. If your child develops any difficulty following classroom rules, I will notify you. I also invite you to phone, email, or visit me at school anytime you have a question concerning your child's progress. Please do not hesitate to advise me if at any time your child has a problem, whether it is academic, social, or emotional. Together, we can discover the cause of the problem and come up with solutions to best help your child. I consider it of prime importance that you be an active part of your child's education. I believe that by all of us working together we can make this a very successful year!
Kelsey Thurman – 6th Grade Writing
My name is Kelsey Thurman and I am a new teacher to Edison Middle School. I will be teaching 6th grade Writing on the Adventurer's team. I was a student teacher at Edison and from the first day, I knew this is where I wanted to start my teaching career!
I graduated from the University of Illinois in May, with a bachelor degree in Elementary Education and endorsements in Language Arts and Social Sciences.
I am from Danville, IL, so I am excited to be close to family and friends as I start my first year teaching. I have been dedicated to the teaching profession from a young age, as I have worked in the Chicago Public School system, through the Golden Apple foundation, since the age of eighteen.
As I have obtained my degree and learned invaluable information from cooperating teachers, which are now my colleagues, I am eager to be part of the Edison community. I believe that students learn best when they are held to high expectations. A great teacher is one who understands the development of learning, is aware of different learning styles, and views students as individuals. An educator can only become successful through continuous reflection and staying relevant to the students' they teach. This can be done with the support and communication between teachers, parents, and students.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through email at thurmank4@gmail.com.
Natalia Ortega – Functional Life Skills Teacher
My name is Natalia Ortega. I was born in Puerto Rico and have lived in Florida, Georgia, and now Illinois. I received my bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University in Special Education K-12. During student teaching, I taught at Wiley Elementary in Urbana and then at Edison. Because I student taught at Edison, I was able to transition smoothly into a permanent position in the Functional Life Skills Room. The biggest joy I get while teaching is finding out who my learners are, what kinds of knowledge and experience they bring to the group, and what they want to achieve. I look forward to every day and can only hope that I create a positive environment to where my students feel the same way.
Yolanda Davis – 6th Grade Writing Teacher
My name is Yolanda Davis and I am from Bolingbrook, IL. I received my bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in English Secondary Education. I also have a master's degree in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership. I have lived and worked in the Urbana-Champaign community for a few years serving as a Champaign Unit 4 Substitute Teacher, a Research Assistant at the University of Illinois, and as an America Reads/Counts Graduate Coordinator for Urbana Middle School. I would like to extend a warm welcome to parents and students! I look forward to working and building relationships with the awesome faculty and staff at Edison Middle School and cannot wait for the school year to begin!
I believe that every child is a unique individual that is able to accomplish their dreams if they put in the necessary effort and hard work. As a teacher, I hold students accountable for obtaining their highest educational potential and using their learning to better society. To achieve this, I provide a teaching style that incorporates multiple intelligences that meets the needs of my students. I believe that writing and reading provides students an outlet to develop and express their voice and as a teacher I plan to help students succeed in this. I inspire students to build on prior knowledge and I help them progress when I see they have reached their limits. I am a life long learner and I plan to continue to educate myself, so that I can learn about new approaches to teaching and different technologies that can be used to help better engage my students. I believe in involving parents and community members in multiple ways as I educate students. Parents and community members are able to reinforce what students have learned in the classroom and demonstrate to students how students' classroom learning relates to their everyday lives. Overall, I am always thrilled to be with my students and I work hard to make students' educational experiences valuable and memorable.
Mallory Brewer – 8th Grade Math Teacher
Hello! My name is Mallory Brewer and I am from Grayson, GA. I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech, and I am currently a graduate student at the University of Illinois in Curriculum and Instruction of Mathematics. I began my teaching career teaching two years of science and math at Radloff Middle School in Lawrenceville, GA. Last year, I taught 8th grade math and AVID at Jefferson Middle School in Champaign, IL
An interesting fact about me is that I designed roads and traffic signals as a traffic and transportation engineer in Atlanta, GA before getting my teaching certificate. I am currently the Central High School varsity dance team coach. I would like to stay involved in AVID by being on the Edison site team as well. My teaching philosophy statement is very brief. First comes learning. Oh yeah…Go Braves!
Jeanne Zeller – 8th Grade Writing
Hello, Edison community! My name is Ms. Zeller and I am a new ELA teacher at Edison Middle School. To give you a little information about myself, I grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago in Hoffman Estates and I earned my Bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Secondary Education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. My work in education has included student teaching in Wheeling High School—a highly diverse high school in the northwest suburbs of Chicago—as well as field work at Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School, Monticello High School, Urbana High School, and here at Edison Middle School. I have also worked as an after-school homework room teacher at Next Generation School in Champaign, helped run the Nature Day Camp at the Urbana Park District, and tutored with Tap-In Leadership Academy at Centennial High School. In 2011, I studied Spanish and Latin American Studies abroad in Costa Rica for 5 months, during which I also taught English classes to Spanish speakers and volunteered at a non-profit organization. I know my time living immersed in another culture and language has shaped my skills as an educator, and I am excited to share my enthusiasm for learning about other cultures with my students. The coming school year I would love to help out with the Foreign Language Club, and possibly start a Slam Poetry Club.
After experiencing Edison's vibrant community during my field experience, I am absolutely thrilled to begin teaching here in August. I believe strongly in the role of education in helping students discover their own voice. I view myself as a facilitator in helping students find their own passion, acquire the skills they need to pursue it, and finally gain the confidence they need to succeed. It is my mission, therefore, to create a positive and collaborative learning environment in which all students may discover and share their own individual assets. I am looking forward to meeting all of my new students and their families and think it is going to be a great year!
Danielle Davinroy – 7th Grade Science and Sheltered English Teacher
Hello, my name is Ms. Danielle Davinroy, and I am the new addition to the Constellations team at Edison Middle School. I will be teaching 7th grade science and sheltered ELA, and could not be more excited! I grew up in a small town called Smithton, IL (close to St. Louis), and have been living in central Illinois for the past 4 years. I recently received my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign along with a minor in Spanish. I currently have middle school endorsements in Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Spanish.
My first student teaching experience took place in Mrs. Anders-Becker's 8th grade science classroom here at Edison in the Fall of 2012. I then spent my spring semester teaching 2nd and 4th grade English as a Second Language at MLK Jr. Elementary in Urbana. During the summer of 2012, I worked for the AmeriCorps program in Belleville, IL as a K-8 camp counselor/tutor. These experiences have greatly influenced who I am and my philosophy towards education. I firmly believe that students' diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences, interests, and unique academic/behavioral needs should be respected, embraced, and validated through all aspects of learning. I value a positive and collaborative learning environment, where learning is achieved through the process of inquiry, parent involvement, and high-expectations for students. I cannot wait to incorporate my philosophy and all that I have learned from my previous experiences into my classroom at Edison!
Darin O'Connell – ED Teacher
Hello. My name is Darin O'Connell. I am from the small town of Meredosia, IL (Population: 1,100). I graduated from Eastern Illinois in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. I taught at Barkstall Elementary School for four years as a self-contained ED teacher. I am also the Junior Varsity Girls Basketball coach at Centennial High School. I have an identical twin brother that is also a special education teacher. I also have a 3 year-old daughter that lights up my life!!! I am excited to be at Edison and start a new challenge in my life. I am anxious to be a part of the Edison spirit and help students overcome challenges in and out of the classroom. I believe in giving all kids the chance to become what they want to become. It is our job as educators to put students in a position to be successful and then help them realize the great things they can accomplish.
Steve Ross – Science Technology Teacher
Hello. My name is Steve Ross and I am from a small town Carlock, IL, which is located about 10-15 min outside of Bloomington-Normal. I attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and graduated with a degree in Political Science, with a minor in Social Science Education and teaching endorsements in Science and Language Arts. I student taught at Alton Middle School located in Alton, Illinois about 30 minutes north of St. Louis. While there, I taught 6th Grade Science and Social Studies, as well as a class on broadcasting. I helped to start a Fellowship of Christian Athletes program at SIUe. I also have ties to Edison from my old roommate who attended Edison. In college I competed as a Division 1 Wrestler and was a two time NCWA All-American and in high school I was a member of the cross country, wrestling, and track teams and would love to work with any athletic organization inside of the school. I would also love to be a part of any FCA related group.
I am very excited for this upcoming year and I am looking forward to meeting you and your child. My main goal is to develop a love and understanding of science and teach students how to become problem solvers in the real world. This is going to be a very fun and enjoyable class filled with neat experiments, computer programing, building designs/models, and tons or hands-on activities. I want to make this your child's favorite class while they are attending Edison Middle School!
My teaching philosophy is that learning is something that is an instinct for everyone, each day we are all taking in information and learning about the environment around us. We are able to learn about how things work and how to live and function in an ever-changing world. In order to live a more carefree life and be able to have those amenities that many of us desire, a person needs to know how to figure out how to solve problems. These problems can be anything from figuring out why your car is not starting, all the way to how to keep a better-balanced budget. No one is an expert in everything, which is why there are so many professions out there.
As a teacher I feel one of the most important things we can do is to teach the next generation how to solve these problems in their lives. In every class there is always the common denominator of problem solving. As educators our job is not to give students the answers to these problems, but to give them the means to answer the problem on their own. Whether that is showing them how to do research for a paper or how to use an encyclopedia, we are giving the students the means to solve everyday life problems.
Alan Newman – 7th Grade Writing
Hello. My name is Alan Newman. I am from Evanston, Illinois. I received a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as well as my teaching certificate. I student taught at Danville High School in the spring of 2013. For the past 5 years, I've coached volleyball in the Champaign-Urbana area for Prime Time Volleyball Club, Champaign Centennial High School and Campus Middle School for Girls. I am interested in working with the volleyball program at Edison. In addition, I am looking to become active in the school community in ways other than volleyball. I am grateful for the opportunity to join the staff at Edison and to become a member of the vibrant community. By fully embracing the Growth Mindset, the belief that everyone can improve upon their intelligence, personality and all of their skills, amazing things will happen in the classroom and all educational settings.
Paul Ranstead – Associate Principal
Hello. My name is Paul Ranstead and I am from Glen Ellyn, IL.
I have earned an Associate's Degree from the College of DuPage, a Bachelor's Degree from Illinois State University in Elementary Education, and my Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University. I completed my student teaching at Edison. I started my career as a teacher's aide in St. Joseph, taught English/Language Arts, Math, and Art in St. Joseph, IL. I coached Football and Basketball at Centennial and was also the Track & Field coach at the middle school level. I started my administrative work as the Assistant Principal at Thomas Jefferson in Decatur for one year. I then returned to Champaign and served as the Dean/Assistant Principal at Centennial for two years and then four years as the Associate and Interim Principal at Jefferson Middle School. I have two daughters, one in middle school and the other in Upper-Elementary School.
An important quote that I like to follow is, "There is no need to fail when success is offered to you everyday!" -Jim Tracy, Girls XC Coach-repeat National Champs.
My teaching philosophy is inspect what you expect!
Alex Blomarz – Band Director
My name is Alex Blomarz. I am a native of Frankfort, Illinois. I recently received two bachelor's degrees in Music Education and Jazz Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in May. I completed my student teaching this past semester both here at Edison and at Champaign Central High School. My prior teaching experience includes tutoring students in music theory at the University of Illinois and returning to my high school alma mater, Lincoln-Way East, as a marching band technician. I recall my first exposure to Edison Middle School in my own middle school days at the Western Illinois Jazz Festival where I witnessed an outstanding performance by Edison's own jazz band. I am thrilled about the opportunity to continue Edison's storied tradition of musical excellence and to remain a part of a community so rich in and supportive of the arts. As Director of Bands, my teaching philosophy includes serving as a facilitator of musical performance and analysis intended to encourage self-discovery and foster creativity at both individual and collaborative levels.
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