ORES Staff Spotlight
FEBRUARY 2024
COMING UP THIS MONTH
February 5: Professional Development Day
February 6 - 9: SCA "Souper" Bowl Food Drive
February 12 - 16: Kindness Week/Spirit Days
February 14: Valentine's Day
February 17: National Random Acts of Kindness Day
February 19: President's Day
Black History Month
Gifted Testing
Suzanne Coleman, Gifted Education Specialist
I became the Talented and Gifted (TAG) teacher at ORES at the beginning of this school year.
Have you always worked in education? If so, for how long?
I was not an education major in college. However, I went straight to graduate school in education after graduating from college and have been teaching in Bedford County Public Schools since 2001.
Tell us a little about your family and/or life outside of work.
I have two sons who are BCPS students. One is a senior and the other is in 7th grade. My husband, sons, and I like to travel during the summer when we can. Our most recent family trip was to Boston where we walked the entire Freedom Trail and visited historical sites. Both my sons are in the band at FMS and JF, so we spend a lot of time in the fall on marching band activities and plenty of time in the spring traveling back and forth to rehearsals of all kinds. I am an Odyssey of the Mind coach for the teams at FMS and a co-coach of the team at JF with the music teacher from New London Academy. Our high school team has qualified for World Finals for the last two years in a row and we've taken them to Iowa State University and Michigan State University to compete against teams from all around the world.
What are a few of your hobbies, likes, or interests?
When I have free time I enjoy reading, listening to music, and going to see live music of all kinds.
What is your favorite thing about working at ORES?
The staff and students are so friendly and welcoming. They have made me feel at home in my new school!
Nurse Amy's Wellness Tip of the Month
February is American Heart Health Month!
Did you know that one of the best diagnostic tools to check your heart health is by taking your blood pressure? Please see the tips below to make sure it is done correctly….
- Don’t eat or drink anything 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure.
- Empty your bladder before your reading.
- Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your reading.
- Put both feet flat on the ground and keep your legs uncrossed.
- Rest your arm with the cuff on a table at chest height.
- Make sure the blood pressure cuff is snug but not too tight. The cuff should be against your bare skin, not over clothing.
- Do not talk while your blood pressure is being measured.
If you follow all these tips and your blood pressure is running high, consult with your physician for a game plan to get it lowered. (www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure)