Spotlight On Educators The Her Voice staff reached out to Yankton public and private schools as well as the Vermillion public and private schools to see if their staff members with 30 or more years of teaching or working in their respective school systems were willing to share their story. Below is a compilation of the questionnaires that we received back. They are informative, entertaining and heartfelt, enjoy. Robin Brooks Hometown: Pickstown/Lake Andes, SD Education: Masters Degree in Education from University of South Dakota Title/School Currently Teaching at: 3rd grade teacher, Webster Elementary Years I have been teaching: 32, (but it only seems like about 7 or 8) Family: My husband, Doug, and I have a son, Curtis, married to Renae, and a daughter, Carrie, married to Matt Kranz. They each have two sons so we are the lucky grandparents of 4 boys! Growing up I wanted to be: A postal worker because I had pen pals in California and Germany. I was curious about the mail system. First job: Tour guide at the Ft. Randall Powerhouse Prized possession: My family Best book I’ve read recently: The One and Only Ivan Favorite author: Any author that writes so well that my students can’t wait for ‘read aloud’ time. It’s our favorite time of the school day. I’ll go to the shelf for any book written by: Sharon Creech, Katherine Applegate, Kate DiCamillo, or Ann M. Martin. Hobbies: Gardening and camping Pet peeve: Papers turned in without names on them. Three words that best describe me: Loyal, reliable, patient Why I chose teaching as a career: My sister was an inspiration. Our extended family has several educators so school is part of our “fiber.” Greatest thing that has changed about teaching since I started Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is: The changes in society have made many adaptations necessary in school. Technology has affected teaching by: making it very apparent that the teacher is a guide and facilitator. We used to teach research skills using a set of encyclopedias. Now the students are infinitely aware that the web holds a vast pool of knowledge, and their job is to use it wisely. Name one thing you wish parents would do more: Spend one to one time with each of their children daily ~ playing games, talking, reading. My favorite teacher was: Dr. Eicher, my math professor at college. People would be surprised to know I: I was once an X-ray technician I’m proud that: I started as an X-ray technician and then went back to college for elementary education while we were raising our family. Those were years of skilled budgeting of time and finances, as well as being new parents. With my husband’s wholehearted support, I succeeded and it was a great career change for me. My most embarrassing moment in teaching was: While deciding to inspire a group of kids to play hopscotch like I had done in grade school..... At recess, I threw the stone to the “3” box and proceeded to hop on one foot past the first two boxes with style. I shouldn’t have been so “stylish” though as I was flat on my face by the time I got to “4.” The 3rd graders were stunned, and sadly hopscotch didn’t become popular that year. The most interesting place I’ve traveled to: Our cruise in Alaska, including the land tour of Denali. I’d like to have a dollar for every time a student: celebrated a birthday. I think I’ve sung “Happy Birthday” in my classroom 900 times! Future goal: To keep learning. The best thing about my job is: working in a very positive, supportive environment. We are all here to learn and succeed together, staff and students alike. Additional comments: Every day is a gift and I look forward to going to school each day! Knowledge is Prevention Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States for both men and women preventable • treatable • beatable combined. Fortunately, colorectal cancer is both highly preventable and curable when detected in its early stages. Colorectal cancer is Here are a few important facts that everyone should know about colorectal the second leading cancer for their own health and the health of their loved ones: cause of cancerrelated deaths in the United Sates. Get screened today. •Screening tests are the most effective way to prevent and detect colorectal cancer •When discovered in its early stages, colorectal cancer is up to 90% curable. •Regular screenings in combination with regular exercise and a low-fat diet that is high in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk for colon cancer. •Men and women age 50 or older should be screened regularly. For appointments call 605-668-9670 22vHERVOICEvMARCH/APRIL 2016 Kynan C.Trail, MD, FACS 2525 Fox Run Parkway, Suite 204, Yankton www.yanktonsurgical.com