We may not live in Boston, but I think wicked awesome is a pretty good way to describe the paraprofessionals who work in our Special Education classrooms. These individuals are some of the warmest, most wonderful people you will ever meet… and they always seem to have a smile on their face! They possess tremendous patience and kindness, and they care so much for our students. All these attributes and more make our Special Ed aides truly special and truly awesome.
#TransformationTuesday – Instructional Assistants
Maybe we’re not using the hashtag in the traditional sense, but it still seems completely appropriate as we spotlight all the amazing ESPs who help our students transform on a daily basis! Students may sometimes struggle with certain academic subjects or material, but we have math aides, ESL aides, 504 aides, after-school aides, Twilight teachers and GAP teachers… all eager to help our students achieve success. All it takes is watching them in action to see how much they genuinely care for the students they help. The extra support these ESPs provide is invaluable, and we are so very fortunate to have these amazing people at Provo High!
Meet the ESP Monday – Secretaries!
In honor of National Education Support Professionals Day on November 20th, this week we will spotlight all the ESPs that we are fortunate to have here at Provo High! Today, our secretaries. If you have visited the main office, you have likely met many of our secretaries and office assistants. From reception to finance, attendance to counseling… our secretaries perform all sorts of essential functions. In many ways, they are the face of Provo High, and we are grateful for all that they do!
Meet the Teacher Monday
Today, we spotlight Art teacher James Rees.
Mr. Rees has always loved to make images- from the time he was young and would draw his father up to the present day, and having a sketchbook with him has been a part of his life since junior high school.
Jamie had very supportive high school teachers that prodded him into working, reworking and exploring different media. Perhaps this is part of the reason he went into teaching, he says.
Jamie has taught for more than twenty seven years, not just at Provo High, but also at the university and college level. The former is not something he planned. While he wanted to teach, he had no idea he would end up in a high school environment, teaching reluctant teens to embrace new ways of doing and thinking.
Outside of school, Jamie maintains his own creative studio practice and holds numerous exhibits each year. He also loves cycling and has been part of the Mad Dog Cycling team for the past 12 years competing in endurance races. When not racing or working in the studio, Jamie loves to indulge in a good dark chocolate as well as a variety of culinary experiences. He is an Elite Yelper and routinely reviews the places he visits. He also enjoys exploring a variety of topics through reading.
We’re grateful for the innovation and talent that Mr. Rees brings to Provo High!
Utah State Marching Band Championship
The PHS Marching Band proved all of their hard work Saturday at the State Marching Band Competition in St. George. They received Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Color Guard, and Outstanding Music Peformance… as well as taking 1st in state!
Congratulations to each one of them, and to Mr. Nix and his assistants!
You can watch their performance here:
Why I Teach Wednesday
If you don’t know Mr. Todd Smith, then you must be new to Provo High. Todd has taught at Provo High for 32 years, and is truly one of the greats! He teaches many of our AP History courses & was the Student Government advisor for many years until Mrs. Francis took over. In fact, Todd was Mrs. Francis’ Student Gov advisor her senior year!
Todd says he has taught all these years because
Both of my parents were teachers, so I knew and appreciated the lifestyle. I also love to learn new things and to be around teenager’s energy, so teaching seemed like a natural fit.
Natural fit indeed! We’re so grateful for Todd’s own energy here at Provo High, and for the knowledge he shares.