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James Chamberlin: Praise for the ‘little stuff that may not get covered in the paper’

As the principal at Soroco Middle School and Soroco High School for the past seven years, this is the first time I have been asked to contribute an article to the Steamboat Pilot & Today. I am honored and appreciate the opportunity to do so. When I asked about the scope of the article I was told: “…maybe those little things that are going on in your school that don’t necessarily get covered in the paper.” With that in mind, the little things going on at Soroco middle and high schools that don’t necessarily get recognized are the countless little things the faculty and support staff do for the students in South Routt.

I would like to publicly thank:

Ms. Adams for a constructivist math approach. Ms. Ambrosetti for helping start a middle school drama club. Ms. Anderson for starting a cheerleading club. Mrs. Belz for leading a strong FBLA program.



Also, Mrs. Bertollini for creating a digital photography grant and program. Ms. Broadbent for helping start a theater and yearbook class. Mr. Davenport for greatly expanding the middle school newsletter and recognition assemblies. Mr. Dean for leading a strong FFA program. Mr. Dupree for coaching all three seasons and teaching chemistry. Ms. Elston for creating a great learning lounge. Mrs. Faris for sponsoring the green team.

Also, Ms. Gilliland for helping lead the 11’s club. Mr.Goggin for the great hospitality rooms. Mr. Heide for helping build a great football and track program. Mrs. Lindstrom for starting an A-plus computer certification class. Mr. Johnson for hosting a first class district basketball tournament.



Also, Mrs. Little for helping make online learning students have the highest pass rate in the state. Mr. McLeod for starting the Soroco leadership class. Mrs. Meade for an awesome CSAP breakfast and lunch program. Mrs. Miles for scribing IEPs and being so supportive to all kids. Mrs. Omori for helping start a school-based mentor program. Mrs. Olinger for starting the Pride, Respect and Responsibility Program.

Also, Ms. Rivera for starting a college psychology class. Mrs. Rossi for organizing the library and subbing at the last minute. Mrs. Samuelson for communicating each week with the media. Mrs. Schlegel for keeping the “system” up. Mrs. Teters for the holiday candies and power school expertise. Ms. Turnipseed for her passion of music and willingness to teach PE. Mrs. Whaley for displaying the sports articles and cheering on the wrestlers and Ms. Williams for starting an outdoor adventure club.

I could go on and on about the countless little things that all the teachers and support staff do to support the students in South Routt. Through their commitment and dedication we have raised CSAP scores and school ratings. We have raised graduation requirements to align with new college admission requirements. We have implemented academic interventions for all students at risk of failing in the middle school and high school. We have expanded course offerings in a declining enrollment budget. We have implemented the Power School Guardian program to help communicate directly with parents. Although we have improved in many areas, there is still much to be done.

I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of our students. I think that behind them has been a supportive staff member, supportive coach, supportive teacher or supportive sponsor who went into education “to make a difference.” On a daily basis I have the pleasure of seeing these teachers and support staff make a difference. When teacher appreciation week rolls around in May, I hope that we can all remember to thank that certain teacher, coach, sponsor or support staff member for doing all the “little stuff that may not get covered in the paper.”


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