THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024 • VOLUME N0. 129 • ISSUE NO. 34 • 1 SECTION • 10 PAGES
Serving Colfax • Mingo • Baxter • Western Jasper County
T H A N K Y O U T E A C H E R S In his own words Creating
Baxter Principal Rob Luther shares his thoughts on the teachers he has worked with throughout his career By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
As Baxter Principal Rob Luther prepares to wrap up his almost 30year career, he shares his appreciation for the teachers he has worked with throughout his time at the school. Through his monthly article, Luther thanked those teachers and what they have meant to him: I wrote my first newsletter article in the summer of 1998. After more than 100 more articles, I am down to my last two. Some months I have used this platform to inform, sometimes to celebrate and others to share opinions. I have always appreciated the occasional e-mail or phone call about something I shared. It just let me know that parents, students and community members read these. In this next-to-last article, I wanted to focus on the teaching profession, specifically our Baxter teachers since I have been here. “Teaching is the one profession
that creates all other professions.” In the last few years, I have been so disappointed in our society, media and government in creating the narrative about the teachers in our country. I would challenge anyone that there is no more important profession on the planet. As people make comments about how the youth of today are different or how schools have changed, should we not put a stronger emphasis on recruiting and maintaining great teachers? Outside of parents, no one makes a more significant impact on young people and helps to shape their futures. A school principal is both a juggler and a fireman. No two days look the same. On any singular day, I can solve student issues, help teachers with instruction, cover classes, calm down an angry parent, attend an IEP meeting, sit in classrooms, look at cameras, supervise lunch and the list can go on and on. But the most important thing any principal does is HIRE
GREAT TEACHERS! So many people help schools be successful (I will share some thanks and praise in my last article), but heads and shoulders above everyone is the classroom teacher. For 180 days a year and 43 minutes each class period, they are expected to instruct, modify, assess, counsel, listen, discipline and build relationships, and then do this seven times a day with new students in each class. I say just put an “S” on their chest. And you think Bruce Springsteen is a rock star? I can‘t begin to tell you how blessed Baxter has been with the teachers we have had. Some have stayed for a short time, and others made Baxter home. On the next page are the names of all the teachers I have had the pleasure of working with for 27 years at Baxter. Each and every one should be recognized and celebrated. When I first became Baxter’s principal, I had little idea what
beautiful music
Helping kids find a love of music is a passion for Colfax-Mingo Junior/Senior High School 5-12 Band Director Michelle Grant By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
It was always just meant to be. Colfax-Mingo Junior/Senior High School 5-12 Band Director Michelle Grant followed in the footsteps of her dad and after inspiration from a few of her teachers she landed in the music department teaching. “I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know that I was going to be a teacher, and I don’t necessarily remember ‘deciding’ to be a teacher. I was just always going to be a teacher,” Grant said. “I do remember choosing band/music in my senior year of high school after getting the LUTHER | 3 push from two of my band directors and my choir director.” She honed her skills while at Buena Vista University. There she credits professors Jerry Bertrand and Neal Schwarting for teaching her everything she needs to know when it comes to music instruction. “From score study to instrument repair to conducting, if I do it well, it came from Jerry. I learned everything I know about teaching choir from my high school choir director, Neal Schwarting,” Grant said. “When I came out of college, I wasn’t looking to teach choir and I ended up teaching it for 16 years, before becoming the 5-12 band director and now I am looking at getting back to choir. Mr. Schwarting helped me tremendously with literature choice, vocal training and vocal pedagogy.” When looking for a position, Grant wanted a smaller district and an area close to family for her own family. Colfax-Mingo checked all of the boxes. While at the district, she not only took on the band, she also is the varsity volleyball coach, junior high girls basketball coach and assistant varsity and junior high softball coach. “I enjoy using whatever the vehicle is – band, volleyball, choir, softball, basketball – to teach kids how to be in the world,” Grant said. “How to work hard and improve and work with others and start something difficult and work until it isn’t difficult anymore.” As a music instructor, she is able to see kids grow in the craft and go from beginners to skilled musicians. There is also a bit of teamwork as the band comes together to create the music laid out on the pages. Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune “I think every concert is a victory. It teaches During her time at Baxter, Cassidy Applegate Brummel has not only taught Enkids the process of learning, working through glish but also served at the yearbook advisor and cheerleading coach. Shaw Media obstacles, practicing until we get it right, workclose community won her creativity to teach different grateful that Baxter and ing together to make something beautiful, anover. things,” Brummel said. “I Rob (Luther, my princialyzing our performance to improve each day “I liked the small com- was a young graduate who pal) took a chance on me. and on and on,” Grant said. “I enjoy the life munity atmosphere and really wasn’t sure who she having the freedom and was as a teacher, and I am BRUMMEL | 5 GRANT | 3
Finding their voice Baxter High School English Teacher Cassidy Applegate Brummell helps students craft their words to create unique stories By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune A lot of teachers wear many hats. Cassidy Applegate Brummel is not only the high school English teacher at Baxter but she also leads the yearbook and serves as the cheerleading coach. She took her interests in literature and writing and decided to major in English Literature, not quite sure what she would do after graduation. After giving teaching a try, she knew it was what she was meant to do. “I realized though that I loved teaching students about books and helping them find their voices as writers,” Brummel said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” When looking for her first teaching job, Brummel had a good feeling after interviewing at Baxter. The small-town feel and
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