• OMPS staff received the $10,000 Ameritech "STAR" Award for their innovative and creative use of technology across the curriculum. This honor is awarded to one elementary, one junior high and one senior school in the state of Michigan.
  
  
• Staff wrote six different grants this year to obtain video technology equipment, student-based literature, and to develop and expand parts of the Outdoor Education Center.
  
  
• Staff received additonal training in technology, Reading Recovery, Literacy-based learning, science and math instruction skills.
  
  
• OMPS teacher, Karen McClatchey, was honored by the Traverse City Chamber of commerce as an Outstanding Educator.
  
  
• Staff organized and facilitated the second Old Mission Winterfest for Children.
  
  
• The Old Mission science, music and art teachers collaborated to produce an outstanding outdoor "Concert on the Green" student concert, art, and science show.
  
  
• Most importantly, OPMS staff provided quality instruction to children, as reflected in student achievements results.

	Sally Casey, has been part of our OMPS family for the past 12 years. She received a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin and a M.A. degree from Michigan State University, majoring in Elementary Education (minors in Psyc. and English), then her masters in Urban Education. Sally has also taught Pre-K, 1st and 2nd grades at Grand Rapids, Pathfinder and Eastern Elementary School. She also has worked and owned a canoe livery and store before Casey died. Her family includes her son, Scott who lives in Washington State and her daughter, Carey, who lives in Portland, Maine. In her free time she enjoys lots of tennis, walking, milk chocolate, coke classic, reading, canoeing, time with friends and her dog Maggie, a lab.		"The best thing about teaching at Old Mission Peninsula School is, the children and their parents. They are fantastic to be around, and work with in a variety of activities. I would have moved to another school long ago, if it weren't for these great people! Thank you for all you do!"		933-7423 EMAIL: caseysa@oldmission. tcaps.k12.mi.us WEB PAGE TOP

	Connie has been part of our OMPS family for the past 14 years. She received B.S. and M.A. degrees from C.M.U., majoring in Interdepartmental Science(undergraduate), and Elementary Education (graduate). Connie has also taught Kindergarten and 1st Grade at Central Grade School, as well as Pre-School at Community Nursery School, St. Francis, and Bethlehem Luthern (where she was also Director.) In addition she has taught Adult Ed and Alternative Ed. She has a married son and daughter and 3 grandchildren. She enjoys reading, walking the beach, walking in the woods, snowshoeing, canoeing and kayaking in her free time.		"The best thing about teaching at Old Mission Peninsula School is, the students, the parents, the staff, the location---ALL are "top of the hill!"		933-7425 EMAIL: thompsonco@oldmission. tcaps.k12.mi.us WEB PAGE TOP

	Terry Smith, teaching in the 1st/2nd Grade, has been part of our Old Mission Peninsula School family for the past 31 years. She is also an alumni of Old Mission. The school was built in 1957 when she was in Second Grade. She stayed at Old Mission until she graduated from 8th Grade in 1963. Then it was on to high school and college. She attended Western Michigan University and majored in English, Social Work, and Elementary Education. Then she came back to Old Mission to do her student teaching and she has been here ever since! She lives with her husband Jim and two sons, Cory and Keaton. We enjoy being outdoors! In winter, we ski and snowshoe and in summer we enjoy hiking, boating, and water sports. She likes to read and work in her garden in her free time.		“The best thing about teaching at Old Mission is the atmosphere that is created by teachers, parents, and community all working together to make the school an "I feel welcome" place. Of course, we couldn't do it without a great bunch of students that come to school with smiles on their faces and eager to learn.”		933-7426 EMAIL: smithte@oldmission. tcaps.k12.mi.us WEB PAGE TOP

	Transferring to Old Mission has been like coming home for me. My sons started school here 20 years ago! Since joining the TCAPS family, I've worked as a Math/Reading Teacher-Consultant, and a second and third grade classroom teacher. My graduate degree is in Curriculum and Teaching with an emphasis in math and science for primary grades. I have also earned an additional 30 graduate hours in Reading Instruction. When I'm not taking classes, I enjoy spending my leisure time with my husband at our cabin in the upper peninsula or at home on beautiful Old Mission Peninsula. We love to sail, kayak, hike, ski, garden and visit our children in Lower Michigan and Washington, D.C.		The best thing about teaching at Old Mission is seeing the natural beauty of our area matched only by the inner beauty of the people here. All of the people on Old Mission Peninsula feel they are an extended part of our school. The public library on our campus brings friends and neighbors into our school and before they know it, they find themselves taking part in our many school celebrations and special events. We, in turn, become involved in many community projects. This is truly a "learning community" on beautiful Old Mission Peninsula.		933-7427 EMAIL: hoggci@oldmission. tcaps.k12.mi.us WEB PAGE TOP

 

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	Kendra Campbell, teaching in 3rd/4th grade, has been part of our Old Mission Peninsula School family for the past five years. She received a Master's in Education Degree from West Chester University, majoring in Elementary Education. Kendra has also taught 4th grade in Malvern, PA (outside of Philadelphia) for eight years where she worked on student and teacher video production as well as teaching her class. In her free time she likes to snowshoe, cross country ski and kayak with family and friends. She has two grown daughters and enjoys visiting them whenever possible.		"The best thing about teaching at OMPS is," the great students and the support of the families and the staff ."		933-7428 EMAIL: camplbellke@oldmission. tcaps.k12.mi.us WEB PAGE TOP

	Karen McClatchey has been part of the OMPS family for 15 years. She has earned a bachelors degree from Western Michigan University, a Masters Degree from Michigan State University, and, because of the love of learning and keeping current, has earned thirty additional graduate hours at MSU. Karen lives on the peninsula and, with her husband, has raised their three children there. One is a college graduate of Miami University (Ohio) working now in the business finance world. Her twins are college students at Michigan State University. Her life focuses around school and family. She loves all sports, both as a participant and a spectator, but her favorite all time thing to do is read. The district library in the building makes it very convenient for Karen, students, and their parents.		"The best things about teaching at OMPS are the wonderful staff, the motivation to learn by the students, and the supportive parents in all aspects of school life! It truly is a great school to be a part of. After seeing OMPS why would anyone want their child, anywhere else?"		933-7429 EMAIL: mcclatchka@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Patricia Schneider, teaching in fifth grade, has been part of our Old Mission Peninsula School family for the past eight years. Currently Tricia has a homeroom of fifth grade but also teaches social studies to fifth and sixth grade students. Tricia received her Bachelors degree from Eastern Michigan University where she majored in Elementary Education. She has three minors: science, social studies and contents and methods. Tricia lives in Elk Rapids. She enjoys reading, being outdoors and spending time with her family.		"The best thing about teaching at Old Mission Peninsula School is, undoubtly 'the people'. Where ever you go at Old Mission you are always greeted with a genuine smile. Where else in the world can you go and spend the day with 250 smiling children and a view of the Grand Traverse Bay?"		933-7430 EMAIL: schneidetr@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Debbie Watson, teaching in 5/6 grade, has been part of our Old Mission Peninsula School family for the past 13 years. She received a Masters in Education degree from Eastern Michigan University, majoring in Language Arts/Emphasis Reading. Debbie has also taught 2nd and 4th grades in Rogers City Public Schools. She lives with her husband Dave, also a TCAPS teacher, and enjoys her dogs, camping, photography, hiking and reading in her free time.		"The best thing about teaching at Old Mission Peninsula School is "the awesome students, with families who care about their children's educational and personal well being."		933-7431 EMAIL: watsonde@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Deb Larimer, sixth grade teacher, has been part of our OMPS family for the past fourteen years. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Michigan University, majoring in Special Education, Elementary Education and Psychology. Deb has also taught Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade and has worked as a Resource Room teacher assisting Special Needs Kids. Some of that experience was in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota in Custer. She also served as the district's Special Education Coordinator while in Custer. Deb lives out in the country on a small farm with her two daughters and husband. Spending time outside with her family and their various pets, including a horse, is a favorite pastime for her .On her list of favorite activities you'll find; gardening, hiking, biking, sailing, skiing, sports and camping.		"The best thing about teaching at Old Mission Peninsula School is having the opportunity to be the teacher of such enthusiastic children who exhibit a strong desire to learn."		933-7460 EMAIL: larimerde@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Patty Olson Patty Olson joins the Old Mission staff this year as principal after two years as principal of Suttons Bay Elementary School. With a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Michigan and a Master's Degree in Art Education from Margrove College, Patty brings a wealth of educational experience to the Old Mission community. Having taught children from pre-school through eigth grade in rural, inner-city and private settings, with 16 of those years in TCAPS including three in the TAG program, Patty has a deep understanding, respect and appreciation for the diverse needs of children and families. Teaching Introduction to Education at NMC, Patty shares her love of teaching with others interested in pursuing her profession. Patty, her husband Gary, an architect, and their two grown children, Tova and Tagar, are all natives and graduates of Traverse City Central High School, reflecting their long-term commitment to TCAPS and all that it has to offer! An avid gardener, Patty also enjoys reading, gardening, running, roller-blading and skiing in her spare time.		"I am delilghted to have the opportunity to work with the Old Mission Peninsula community of both teachers and families who so ardently value the educational experience and all that it does and can offer. Working closely together, I know we will continue to "grow" all of the wonderful things already in place while adding even more positive experiences for our children. I join the community in its belief that there is no experience more exciting or rewarding than that of education and learning. It will be a great year for everyone involved. Come join the fun."		933-7422 EMAIL: olsonpa@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Linda Seibel is working on her 22th year as an art teacher for the Traverse City Public Schools. Thirteen of these years she has been here at Old Mission. She also has two other schools that she services their lst-6th grade student populations on a weekly basis. Upon completing her under-graduate work at Western Michigan University, she chose Traverse City to do her student teaching. In fact, one of her schools that she and her student teacher advisor taught art at, was Old Mission. In 1999 Linda received her master's degree from Michigan State University in Curriculum and Teaching. She has resided on the peninsula since 1979 after buying a turn of the century home to fix up, which seems to take a lot of her time. She also spends many hours with her gardening and landscaping projects. When it comes to fun Linda loves the beach, golfing, snow-shoeing and dinner parties with friends.				933-7435 EMAIL: seibelli@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Lindsay Walton Lindsay graduated from Hope College in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, majoring in Language Arts. Lindsay received her teaching certificate and began working at Old Mission in early October of 2003, and is absolutely thrilled to be here. She is a former student from Old Mission and is pleased to be teaching at her alma mater! Lindsay is the youngest of three daughters and enjoys spending time with her family and boyfriend. She loves to be outdoors doing any type of activity, and to teach children is her passion.		"My dream has been to come back and teach at Old Mission some day. . . . it came true and I couldn't be happier."		933-7435 EMAIL: waltonli@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Charlene Ostlund has been the Library Media Assistant at Old Mission Peninsula School since 1995. She graduated from Henry Ford Community College. Before becoming the school librarian she volunteered for the Peninsula Community Library for five years. She lives with her family, husband Kevin, her children Bethany, John, Scott, and Eric and their cat, White Sox. In her free time she enjoys reading, boating, traveling and sports		"Our school has the benefit of having a school/public library combination, one of very few in the state. I love being able to help students find that "special" book that is just right for them. Visit our web page to find out more about the library."		933-7462 EMAIL: ostlundch@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Michele Zebell, teaching general music in Kindergarten through sixth grade, has been part of our Old Mission Peninsula School family for the past ten years. She received her Bachelor of Music degree and Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching degree from Michigan State University. Prior to teaching general music, Michele taught instrumental music for six years in the T.C.A.P.S. system as well as instrumental, vocal, and general music in Kindergarten through twelfth grade for the Leland Public School. She lives on the Peninsula with her husband, Allan Jankowski, and two children, Kurt and Micaela. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading, arts and crafts, outdoor activities and of course, making music.		"The best thing about teaching at Old Mission Peninsula School is the sense of community. It's not just a feeling, but an actuality. Our parents, school staff, library staff, P.T.O. and administration all work together to provide wonderful opportunities for students to learn and grow."		933-7435 EMAIL: zebellmi@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Christine Murray, teaching physical education to grades K-6, has been a part of Old Mission Peninsula School family for the past 8 years. She received a bachelor of science degree from Eastern Michigan University, majoring in Physical Education and elementary classroom with a minor in Language Arts she completed her masters through EMU. She has also taught 5th and 6th grade in TCAPS and Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Germany. She lives with her family, Mike her husband who is principal of Traverse City Central High School, daughter Stevie who is a senior at Central Senior High and three horses, a dog and a cat. She enjoys horseback riding, reading, sewing, and coaching Central and West High School's equestrian team.		“The best thing about teaching at Old Mission Peninsula School is, the sense of family and community. The minute you walk in the door you know the parents, students, and staff care about each other and take pride in what they accomplish here”		933-7443 EMAIL: murraych@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Debbie Olson, teaching pre-school/day care has been part of our Old Mission Peninsual School family for the past 5 years. She received a bachlors degree from Michigan State University, majoring in elementary education. Debbie taught pre-school for five years in Evanston, Il prior to moving to Traverse City. She lives with her family, Chris, Andrew, and Jamie., and enjoys reading and sewing and hanging out with her kids in her free time.		“The best thing about teaching at Old Mission Peninsual School is that it's like a big family. The students and staff genuinely care about each other.”		933-7424 EMAIL: olsonde@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Marsha Gresso This is my second year as the Reading Recovery teacher here at Old Mission. I moved to Interlochen from Tennessee since my husband, Donn, retired from education and we had a family home on Green Lake. I have an Educational Specialist degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta, majoring in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership. I have taught Kindergarten, lst, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in Georgia and Tennessee. I have also been an Assistant Principal, Principal, College Professor and supervisor for student teachers. I was the Teacher of the Year in the Atlanta Public Schools. I have a black lab named Remington Scarlett and a cat named Speedy. I enjoy golf, (I had a hole in one last summer), snow skiing, gardening, beading and READING in my free time. But my great love is teaching young children to read. I love the sparkle in their eyes and the gigantic grin on their faces when they get a book and can read it!		"The best thing about teaching at Old Mission Peninsula School is the beautiful drive out here in all seasons and the greatest parents, children and staff around."		933-7436 EMAIL: gressoma@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	This is my fourth year at Old Mission as their Resource Room Teacher. I retired from Wayn				933-7437 EMAIL: raabely@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Lindsay Walton Lindsay is also the Computer Lab Coordinator, please see her bio above.				933-7444 EMAIL: waltonli@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Kara McConnell has been the Old Mission "split support teacher" since arriving here five years ago. In that time she has taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, with the emphasis on math. Currently Kara teaches first graders from the 1/2 split reading and math. She also works with fifth and sixth graders in reading. Kara received a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University, majoring in Language Arts in 1989, and is currently working toward a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching from Michigan State University. Upon graduating with a B.S., Kara moved to southern California and taught second grade. Later, she moved to Phoenix and taught kindergarten and first grade for five years. Kara loves to travel. Some of her favorite places are Zion Canyon, Utah, San Francisco, anywhere on the Colorado River, Costa Rica and yes, Traverse City! In her free time you can find her hiking, practicing yoga, running, reading and sometimes making jewlery.		"The best thing about Old Mission Peninsula School is the joy that comes from everyone here...students, staff, parents....everyone is genuinely kind. People are happy to be here...and so am I."		933-7434 EMAIL: mcconnelka@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP

	Tami Stagman,"Way To Grow" Coordinator, has been part of our Old Mission Peninsula School family since October 2000. She is also the secretary for the PTO. She received an Associates degree from Baker College. Tami moved to Traverse City in june of 2000. Before moving to Traverse City, Tami was a parent volunteer at Morrish Elementary in Swartz Creek. She was a Brownie Girl Scout Leader for three years. She loves working with children and their families. She lives with her family, husband Joel, her children Nick, Brittany and Rebecca. In her free time she enjoys reading, cross-country skiing, biking, boating and camping with her family.		"The best thing about teaching at Old Mission Peninsula School is the great staff, the great kids, and the location of the school. Everyone here is just like one big family and there is a real sense of community. When there is a school wide event to be done everyone pitches in and helps out, it is wonderful!"		933-7441 EMAIL: stagmanta@oldmission. tcaps.net WEB PAGE TOP
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