• me                                         fam
                                                              
     
                                                                                                                                                                    
    I started teaching at Park Forest Elementary in 1996 as a third grade teacher. Prior to that, I had completed my student teaching in a second grade classroom at Ferguson Township Elementary. After graduating from Penn State in 1995 with a degree in elementary education and a minor in psychology, my husband and I moved to West Chester, Pa. During that time, I worked in a Children's Learning Center. We quickly jumped at the opportunity to return to State College when I was offered a teaching job at Park Forest. Park Forest Elementary held a special place in my heart. It was my elementary school!!  For 17 years, I loved teaching third and fourth grade.  Ten years ago, I moved down to primary and am so excited to continue my adventures with first graders.

    I have two children (Lauren and Ryan), two cats (Sassy and Lacey) and two English Cream Golden Retrievers named Chloe and Lanie.  Chloe is 4 years old, but Lanie is just a puppy (we adopted her in May).  Chloe and Lanie's adventures are often highlighted in our writing workshop stories, so I am sure your child will be sharing plenty about their adventures.  I have two grown children.  Ryan graduated from PSU two years ago and now is living in Charlotte, NC and Lauren is a senior at PSU majoring in Elementary Education.  Not having kids at home to run to sporting events or help with school work has been a bit of an adjustment for me, but I am thankful for my school kiddos to capture my needed daily hugs and high fives.
     
    I feel that becoming a parent has made me a better teacher. I now have a better appreciation and understanding of what it is like to struggle with a child to do homework, or to have my heart break when my child states that "nobody would play with them
    at recess."  

    When I am not busy at school, I enjoy spending time with my family. We love to travel. Walt Disney World is one of our favorite places to visit. This summer we spent time in Ocean City, MD,  Wolfeboro, NH and traveled to the beaches in South Carolina.  We also spent a lot of time doing fun activities around State College.  When I am not busy with my family or doing school related work, I enjoy reading, swimming, scrapbooking, gardening, cooking, walking, yoga, taking our puppy on fun adventures, and various arts and craft projects. 

    I am delighted to be your child's teacher this year. During the first weeks of school, we will spend a lot of time getting to know each other and learning the expectations of our classroom community. Community building activities are crucial to the development of a learning environment where children feel safe and welcome, and are willing to take risks in learning. One of my top priorities as your child's teacher is to make your child feel good about himself/herself and look forward to coming to our classroom each day to learn many new things.

    I am looking forward to a wonderful year. Please feel free to contact me at bmh11@scasd.org or 272-8332 if you have any questions or concerns.

     




     
Last Modified on August 14, 2022