Survey Information About Myself

 

Family

I grew up in the area behind where the Westlake Shopping Center now is.  We rode horses where the parking lot now is and I remember bicycling out I-74 before it was opened.  Much has changed in the 30 plus years since I was your age.  Carol and I have been married 30 years and have two married daughters and one son, a sophomore at Washington Community High School.   She is a second grade teacher.  Both of my parents are retired teachers.  I have a brother who is a pharmacist and a sister who is a certified public accountant.  There are six nieces and nephews.

 

Education

I went to Richwoods for two years and then graduated from East Peoria.  I think I became interested in chemistry due to my chemistry teacher at Richwoods.  It was at EPCHS that I met Carol.  I went to West Point for the ’73 academic year then graduated from ICC in ’75 and Bradley in ’76.  My major was chemistry.  I earned a MS in Physical Science Education from Eastern Illinois University in ’82 and have many hours beyond that.

 

School

I teach General Science, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, Physics, and Advanced Science Seminar.  I am the WYSE Academic Challenge coordinator and coach both the chemistry and physics contestants.  I am also the Scholastic Bowl varsity coach.  For many years I was a class sponsor and helped with the student council for a number of years in the past.  This is the start of my 31th year at PHHS.   

 

Interests

I like to jog, read (politics, international and military affairs, creation/evolution, adventure/mysteries, Bible), spend time with my family, and being a former Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor member enjoy camping and canoeing.  My favorite subject has always been history.  My least liked one is English (and professional education classes).  We attend Calvary Mennonite Church in Washington.  I like salty pretzels, rice krispy treats, homemade turtles, my wife’s homemade rolls and pizza, and watermelon.  I watched JAG, NCIS, and enjoy softer music.

 

Commentary

I try to be fair in both grading and discipline.  If you think I am not being fair talk to me after class.  If I’m wrong I’ll admit it and apologize.  Please do not, however, argue with me in class.  I expect everyone to be reasonable and to do their own work.  It is important to be in attendance and giving consistent effort every day.  If you are, you will do well, but if not, you will likely fail.  A person once told me:  “Proper Prior Planning Prevents Pitifully Poor Performance.”  Remember these seven “P’s”.  They say a lot about success in school and any job or life in general.  I encourage you to ask questions, in class if you will, or individually outside of class if you prefer.   I’m here before and after school and often am available at lunch.  Please ask so you learn and do not fall behind.

 

Other

I served for 10 years on the Washington Elementary District 52 board of education.  During that time we completed building a new middle school and air conditioned the grade school.  Both girls play flute and sing.  Jonathan is a percussionist who made the WCHS drum line as a snare drummer while only an incoming freshman so we are again involved in marching band.  We have traveled to all of the states finally getting to Hawaii in 2006.  Our favorite vacation was in 2000 to Alaska by ship courtesy of my in-laws seeing calving glaciers, wildlife, totem poles, and Mount McKinley (Denali).  We very much enjoyed the MS Staatendam’s restaurant and Indonesian crew.  The Hawaii trip was also great with my highlights being snorkeling, helicopter flight over Kauai, and the Arizona Memorial.  The scenery from the ship was great.

 

I’ve given you this information about myself since I asked you some similar questions on the 3 x 5 card.  I hope you have a great year and am confident you will if you put forth a reasonable effort.