Krista Parker named Anderson Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Krista Parker

Mrs. Krista Parker is currently in her 12th year of teaching at Anderson. She has taught six years of kindergarten and six years of preschool. Born in Kentucky, she moved to Tennessee when, she said, God called her to attend school at Union University. Mrs. Krista earned both a bachelor of science degree in early childhood development and elementary education and a master’s degree in education from Union University.

Although her students don’t all believe her, Miss Krista does not actually live at school! She goes home to her family, husband, Joey, who works for the TBI, and her two children, 8-year-old Emmy, and five-year-old Garrison, who is a kindergarten student at Anderson. Miss Krista sings in her church choir and the Brownsville Baptist Ladies Ensemble, directs the Angel Choir, and is active in a ladies’ Bible study and prayer group. She enjoys spending time in the kitchen with Emmy and Garrison cooking, especially baking.

Miss Krista also loves curling up on the couch and reading with them. Her favorite children’s author is Robert Munsch. “I love how his books are written in storytelling fashion. He uses great exaggerations that the children love. My students beg for me to read his stories to them,” she says. “I recommend that you pick up “Morimer,” “Thomas’ “Snowsuit,” or “Stephanie’s Ponytail” by Robert Munsch to read with your child. These are books that your whole family will enjoy!”

Anderson Prinicipal Mary Colling said, “She is the grade-level team leader at Anderson, and she is always willing to go above and beyond what the expectations are for her. Students love being in her classroom, and she’s great with parents. Her students are always academically and socially prepared to find success in kindergarten. Miss Krista is a great asset at Anderson.”

Anderson honors school board members

January 25-31 was School Board Appreciation Week and the administration, faculty, staff and students honored Haywood County School Board members in the school’s library with a luncheon and entertainment. Teachers Jessie Carlton and Pam Thomason, along with a student from Mrs. Key’s class, spoke to board members about their experiences as a student and/or educator in the Haywood County School System and expressed their appreciation. A student “choir” also performed for the group.

It’s been 100 days!

Anderson Kindergarten students celebrated their 100th day of school on Friday, January 30. More than 20 parent volunteers helped out with the activities that day, and students had tons of fun at the annual 100-day carnival!

Anderson “Special Friends” are special

There is an old saying “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other is gold.” That is exactly what happens when a “little friend” and a “big friend” are paired up as “special friends.” A very precious bond is formed. “Special friends” share a rewarding and enlightening experience by spending time with young people to enrich their lives. They are loving and caring adults who are part of the village that it takes to raise a child. In return, they are rewarded by beautiful smiles and sparkling eyes that simply say “thank you.” The cost of the relationship: priceless.

The Special Friends program is part of the UT Extension/Haywood County Schools Family Resource Centers. For more information or to become a Special Friend, call Peggy Jackson at 772-2861.
 

Anderson class studies seeds

Judy Deming’s class decided after reading the story “Seeds” in the reading
curriculum, they would experiment with seeds in the classroom. They put
beans in a Ziplock bag with a wet paper towel and put them on their
bulletin board. After a few days the beans begin to grow roots, sprouts,
stems, and leaves. The children were so excited to see the vocabulary
words they had learned in the story come to life.

Friday Readers program includes guest readers

Mrs. Laurel Garrett’s preschool class enjoys reading books. Mrs. Garrett
has a “Friday Readers” time in which parents and grandparents can sign up to come share some favorite stories with the class. This day’s reader was Ms. Jennifer Hudson. There are more available Fridays for those who are interested. Please come sign up!!!

“T” stands for teeth

Miss Allison’s class learned the letter “T” (t) recently. The letter person, Ms. T, taught the class how important it is to take care of their teeth. In light of the lesson of about their teeth, they had a very special guest, Dr. Tom Russell, speak to them. He is a dentist and the father of one of the classmates, Reid Russell. Dr. Tom, with a big toothbrush, demonstrated for everyone how to brush their teeth correctly. He also talked to the students about the “cavity bugs” that students need to brush away so that they do not get cavities. Dr. Tom even brought everyone a brand new toothbrush! The students are so excited about getting to take their new toothbrushes home so they can brush all of the “cavity bugs” away tonight.

Anderson students receive a new book at Book Jam

Anderson held its semi-annual Book Jam in January, and students had the opportunity to pick out a brand new book for themselves. Book Jam is sponsored by the Family Resource Center, which is a joint venture of Haywood County Schools and the U. T. Extension Service. Haywood High students come to the event and read the books to the students.

Anderson students “workout” with Sesame Street

Anderson children were feeling good recently when they exercised to “Happy Healthy Monsters,” a Sesame Street video featuring Elmo, Oscar and the gang that kept them moving and exercising. It also promotes eating healthy foods such as milk, fruits, and vegetables. Anderson PE teacher Amanda Britt said, “The kids responded to it with such enthusiasm, and I had fun too!”