Wiley Wednesday Update
Stupendous Specialists
Lynn Christiansen
Tell me your name and your role at Wiley:
Lynn Christiansen, Media Specialist
What was your favorite part about elementary school when you were a kid?
I just liked school in general. I enjoyed learning new things. I liked the sense of accomplishment I got from doing well.
What UN Global Goal inspires you the most? #4 - Quality Education. I believe that a good education has the power to change your life. It also has the power to make you a better person.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you at Wiley? I have no idea. Maybe when I was helping Eman and Kristen with a video for EOG and I ended up only taking pictures instead of videoing?
If you could travel anywhere over the summer, where would you go, what would you want to do and see? Everywhere in Europe! I want to see all the typical touristy things, but I also just want to explore places that I've read about in books. I also would love to spend a week in the mountains just doing nothing and enjoying the scenery.
What is a tradition that is unique to your family? We celebrate our birthdays for an entire week. The week has a theme based on some of our favorite things and then each day we do something fun or get a small gift.
What is your favorite part about teaching? The relationships that I build with students. I love getting to know so many amazing young people. I also love when I find the perfect book for a student and they come back and tell me how much they love it. Nerding out over books with students is one of the best parts of my job.
Matt Schisler
Tell me your name and your role at Wiley: My Name is Matt Schisler and I am the PE/Healthful Living teacher
What was your favorite part about elementary school when you were a kid? My favorite part of elementary school was when teachers made learning fun. (around the world- math flashcards, spelling bee basketball, hatching chicken eggs in an incubator...etc)
What UN Global Goal inspires you the most? The UN goal that speaks to me most is and has for a while is #3 Good Health and Well-Being which is why I have chosen the path that I have, however, with what I have seen and experienced recently there are 2 others that have become very important to me as well....#5 Gender Equality and #13 Climate Action. Oh, and the other 14 global goals as well!!!!!
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you at Wiley? I can't really think of one particular thing that stands out, but almost all of my funny moments come from the things that the children say. You never know what is going to come out which makes things quite exciting.
If you could travel anywhere over the summer, where would you go, what would you want to do and see? If I was staying in the states, I would head to Yellowstone National Park and camp and canoe and sleep under the stars. If I went overseas, I would go Italy, then to Switzerland, then to Luxembourg, then to Belgium, and then to the Netherlands. Then I might not come back!
What is a tradition that is unique to your family?Since having kids, we have sent out Valentine's cards instead of Christmas cards each year...not sure why exactly other than to help spread love and kindness. We also have a summer vacation that we have taken every year and that is to a place in Ohio called Old Man's Cave which is in Hocking Hills, Ohio. It is just a beautiful place with many scenic trails and a great opportunity to appreciate Mother Nature.
What is your favorite part about teaching? My favorite part of teaching is when students have success. This is especially true when it has been something that they have been working on for a while. There is a special smile that shows up when perseverance pays off.
Amanda Meliosky
Tell me your name and your role at Wiley: Miss Meliosky, Music Teacher
What was your favorite part about elementary school when you were a kid? Music class (of course!!) and any time we got to move our desks around/switch seats in our classroom.
What UN Global Goal inspires you the most? Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you at Wiley? Not necessarily funny but FUN- I got to pick the Friday song one week!
If you could travel anywhere over the summer, where would you go, what would you want to do and see? The beach- I love the ocean, swimming, playing games on the beach and eating seafood.
What is a tradition that is unique to your family? Our family celebrates a traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner.
What is your favorite part about teaching? Getting to share music with students!
Judy Williams
Tell me your name and your role at Wiley:
Judy Williams, School Counselor
What was your favorite part about elementary school when you were a kid?
Learning to read! We had Sally, Dick and Jane books, and the plots were riveting.
What UN Global Goal inspires you the most?
Reduced Inequalities -- We need to continue to work to assure equity, access, success, and long-range positive results for ALL of our students.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you at Wiley?
Occasionally, students will ask me if the large portrait in the main hall is me. It is actually Dr. Pearl Poole, who was the principal at Wiley decades ago! While I'm flattered, perhaps I should update my wardrobe.
If you could travel anywhere over the summer, where would you go, what would you want to do and see?
I've been lucky to be able to travel to many places over the years. I would love to go back to Spain where I spent a semester in college. It would be fun to re-explore the areas of Madrid where I lived, studied and played.
What is a tradition that is unique to your family?
This tradition takes place away from our house. When we travel to new places, my husband and I like to rent bikes to see the city or countryside from the vantage point of a bike. We've been able to do this in Hawaii, Sweden, Charleston, Alaska, San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, NYC, Wyoming, Portland, OR, Burlington, VT, and Wilmington. I love it!
What is your favorite part about teaching?
I love making connections with and supporting students through their years at Wiley and then occasionally re-connecting with some of them as they grow up. It is always fascinating to hear about their plans and accomplishments. Wiley students, alumni, and their families are the best!
Karen Rose
Tell me your name and your role at Wiley:
Karen Rose
Art teacher
What was your favorite part about elementary school when you were a kid?
My kindergarten teacher that had lunch with me once. I still remember what I ate and what she said. Also, my 1st grade teacher who encouraged my first big painting (Winnie the Pooh) which I still have.
What UN Global Goal inspires you the most?
Climate action! We must do what we can to maintain the health of our planet.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you at Wiley?
Seeing a crowd of children watching a hawk devour a squirrel.
If you could travel anywhere over the summer, where would you go, what would you want to do and see?
Mexico. I have actually applied for 3 different trips: a painting residency for a month in Oaxaca, two weeks in Mexico City visiting schools and a scientific research trip on native plants and animals in the Aztec floating gardens of Zochimilco.
What is a tradition that is unique to your family?
I loved all the ridiculous family camping trips we shared over the years with dolphins, snakes, dogs, leaky air mattresses, freezing temps, jambalaya, the wind up radio, campfires, burnt sneakers. Our kids are grown now but I’ll never forget those days.
What is your favorite part about teaching?
Seeing all the amazing art ideas that kids come up with on their own. I just try to tilt the boulders down the hill and they take it from there.