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 Your Name: Tara Woolery
Position: Site Coordinator, Towne Meadow Elementary
Experience: Teaching License K-6, Teacher 2nd grade
(Las Vegas, NV), Kindergarten (Cincinnati, OH) and Preschool
(Columbia, SC), Split year (6 months each) with K-5, Special
Education, ESL, and Physical Education (Las Vegas, NV), Aide
Junior High Alternative (Carmel, IN), ESE Site Coordinator 10 months
Q: Where did you grow up?
A:
Bright, IN
Q: What elementary school did you attend?
A:
North
Dearborn Elementary
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from elementary
school?
A:
Art class and the classroom animals, like hamsters,
that we took turns being responsible for.
Q: What was your favorite subject in elementary school and
why?
A:
Reading. I loved reading about imaginary places
and characters. I also have always loved Art Class, from Kindergarten
through College.
Q: Why did you decide to work in the before and after school
setting?
A:
I have taught one grade at a time, and this
position gives me the opportunity to work with all ages K-5,
as they are all so very different! I also enjoy what the program
represents, and that is a safe and fun environment for the children
to grow.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A:
Spending
quality time with the children.
Q: What unique skills/talents do you apply to your job?
A:
I
have worked with children for so long and feel that my experience
and education helps me to provide an effective program and give
the children the opportunity to participate in molding the program
into what they are interested in.
Q: How do you handle a “bad” day?
A:
I
go home, relax, then let the laughter flow by watching my little Maltese
run around and act crazy. It truly is hilarious!
Q: What do you hope Extended School Enrichment students
take away from the program?
A:
I hope they not only have
fun, but also grow as outstanding citizens that are open to a
wide range of new ideas and opinions. I want the students to feel
a sense of ease and feel respected in their opinions.
Q: Why/how, do you think Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation
is making a positive impact in the elementary schools?
A: Many
after school programs do typical after school clubs, but ESE expands
the content area to the children's preferences and follows state
curriculum at the same time. I have observed a strong communication
network and ongoing support between the Parks Department and the
schools, which I believe has only enhanced our foundation. ESE also
extends its hand to the parents through Advisory meetings where
they can communicate their ideas and concerns. Overall, I think
ESE is a group made up of people all around who care and want to
uphold a positive, creative, effective and fun program for all!
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