October 6, 2021 Issue, Page 7 of 26

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Hometown Heroes | October 2021 PG7 We have the best support staff in mom loved to do this while she matches. Greenwood District while getting Quinn the world. That starts with our su- perintendent. He knows that we are nothing without our cafeteria was in school here.’ It is a unique situation where I can say that I had parent-teacher conferences with “I also plan these wonderful summer trips for our teachers. In it, we get our extended learn- all our continuing education hours. I love that Sweetwater puts that as a priority,” she said. Continued from page 6. staff, our secretaries and other their grandparents, taught their ing and get that time to bond as a Quinn has been in Sweetwater paraprofessionals. He doesn’t treat parents and am now their princi- staff. I think our most memorable long enough to have now former classroom,” Quinn explained. “I me any differently than he does pal.” trip, for me, was to Washington students who serve on the school them, and I follow that. We are a Though small in class size, DC. We have gone to Philadel- board. Although this is her last miss the full-time interaction with team at Sweetwater from top to Quinn says that Sweetwater is al- phia and been white water rafting year, she still plans to be a part- the students, but I also loved being bottom. It takes every single one ways looking for new ways to ac- ona trip to Vail. This last summer, time employee and heavily in- the principal. In that job, I get to of us to have a successful year for commodate every child’s interest. we stayed in Oklahoma but went volved in the school. be the advocate for the teachers. I our students, which is always our For example, in addition to their through the National Memorial for “Tcouldn’t have asked for a bet- truly believe that the principal sets sports, they have a math club that the Oklahoma City bombing and ter place to have spent my career,” the tone for the whole school. If a primary goal.” competes statewide. They have then on to Tulsa to learn about the she said. “Sweetwater truly is a principal mistreats the teachers, it Quinn has been at SPS since even instituted inner school chess Tulsa Race Massacre. We saw the gem for Beckham County.” will roll down to how teachers are 1989 and such a lengthy tenure with the students. The principal in a school as small as Sweetwa- controls the climate of the school. [relish interaction with my teach- ter has allowed her to have multi- generational relationships numerous families. with Veteran educator now sees teaching in a Christian ers and making sure they are get- ting what they need to teach. At “1 love telling our students now, Sweetwater, no staff member is ‘This is where your dad sat in class school as her calling more important than anyone else. when he was your age’ or “Your My vision for my role in our school By Shonda Little ing for teachers, she couldn’t help want an older teacher like me, but Create a positive teaching culture in which teachers grow and blossom. but be curious. something — and I believe it was Have a positive attitude that influences both the teachers and students, When Bonnie Dungan first spied After all, she had taught 17 God — was pulling me to just go Inspire kids to be respectful, compassionate and kind. a classified ad in the newspaper years in Hammon and had retired show up and see what they were Create life - Long learners both teachers and students, stating that a new Christian school three years earlier. doing. I started speaking with See Show love and give hope was opening in Elk City and look- “I wasn’t sure if they would See Dungan page 8. Leave a legacy of commitment ot education and kids. - Brenda Quinn Quen Seven Days A Week We want to take this time to express our gratitude to our local educators, bus Ked-Fuendly Mer Mvatable drivers, counselors, maintenance, admins, kitchen staff and anyone else who makes the school year happen! 2103 S. Main, Thank you for the guidance 1210 S. Main St, Elk City EIk City you provide our children! 580-225-0100 980-225-3463 We are proud of our school systems! www.elksupply.com Wwww.boomtowngrill.net