Becky Benedict
Introduction:
Do you have an Amazon Wish List link? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2O6QLD4KFMTVI?ref_=wl_share
Birthday: March 15th
Hobbies: Thrift/antique shopping, walking/hiking, reading, plants/flowers
Class Color or Theme: Cactus
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite College or Sports Team: Illini
Favorite Places to Shop: Target, Lowe’s, Prairie Gardens
Favorite Places to Eat: Los Zarapes, Buffalo Wild Wings, Wild Hare
Favorite Snack: Veggie Straws or Pretzel Thins
Favorite Soda or Drink: Diet Pepsi
Starbucks Order: Iced vanilla latte
Food Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: None
Favorite Children’s Author: Mike Lupica, Drew Daywalt, Adam Rubin
Kelli Benner
Introduction: This will be my 15th year of teaching and I just love it! I live in Mahomet with my husband, Brad, and our 3 children (Landon-12, Lilly-10, & Daisy-3)! I am looking forward to an amazing year with my 2nd graders!
Do you have an Amazon Wish List link? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3PFU4Z2DGL3Z6?ref_=wl_share
Birthday: October 15th
Hobbies: Traveling, Being Outdoors (Hiking & Biking), Cheering on my favorite sports teams!
Class Color or Theme: Flamingos & Pineapples (yellow, turquoise, pink)
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite College or Sports Team: Illini, Chicago Cubs, Green Bay Packers
Favorite Places to Shop: Amazon, Target, Ulta
Favorite Places to Eat: Chili’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Monicals, Los Zarapes
Favorite Snack: Almond Joy, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Any Sour Candy (Sour Patch Kids), Pickle Chips
Favorite Soda or Drink: Dr. Pepper, Bubbly Sparkling Water
Starbucks Order: Vanilla Bean Frappuccino
Food Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: None
Favorite Children’s Book Author: Aaron Reynolds
For my classroom, I’m looking for: new games for indoor recess
Gay Fritz
Introduction: Hello, I am Mrs. Fritz! I have taught in Mahomet for over 20 years and I love what I do! My husband and I love to travel, camp, hike, explore and read. We have three grown kids and three grandkids. I am happy to be part of this community and school district.
Do you have an Amazon Wish List link? https://a.co/3AcfGP2
Birthday: August 15th
Hobbies: Hiking, camping, reading, traveling
Class Color or Theme: Blues
Favorite Color: Blue and Green
Favorite College or Sports Team: Illini
Favorite Places to Shop: Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, Heel to Toe
Favorite Places to Eat: Jimmy John’s, Subway, Panera, Los Zarapes
Favorite Snack: cashews, salted peanuts, Dove chocolate, Sun Chips, pretzels, Snickers, PayDay
Favorite Soda or Drink: Diet Doctor Pepper, Unsweetened Tea, Diet Pepsi, Iced Coffee
Starbucks Order: Any Iced Coffee (low sugar)
Food Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: None
Favorite Children’s Book Author: Martin Waddell
For my classroom, I’m looking for: stools for my reading table
It means the most to me when the parents of my students: Communicate concerns and/or victories with me
Other things to share: I love teaching and am looking forward to a great year!
Kristen Hood
Introduction: Hello! My name is Kristen Hood and I am a second-grade teacher in my 12th year of teaching. Something to know about me is I love the Rocky Mountains
Do you have an Amazon Wish List link? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3KCHAQN974LGA?ref_=wl_share
Birthday: January 2nd
Hobbies: hiking, working out, jeep rides, trying to improve at golf
Class Color or Theme: mountain theme – soft blues and greens
Favorite Color: blues and greens
Favorite College or Sports Team: Illini/Cubs/Bears/Blackhawks
Favorite Places to Shop: Target/Amazon/Dry Goods
Favorite Places to Eat: Los Zarapes
Favorite Snack: Starburst
Favorite Soda or Drink: Diet Coke
Starbucks Order: Iced Blonde Roast Black
Food Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: None
Favorite Children’s Book Author: Robert Munsch
For my classroom, I’m looking for: Flexible Seating
Thank you, but I don’t need anymore: Coffee Mugs
It means the most to me when the parents of my students: Write me thoughtful grateful notes or donate supplies to help a lesson/activity
Megan Jones
Introduction: Mrs. Jones will be starting her 18th year of teaching second grade. She lives in Monticello with her husband Chris, son Wade (10), and daughter Avery (7). In her free time she loves to go to sporting events, exercise, read, and relax on the beach.
Do you have an Amazon Wish List link? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2L70I6DXXHOG4/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1
Birthday: April 5th
Hobbies: Exercising, Going to sporting events (football, basketball, volleyball, baseball/softball)
Class Color or Theme: Owls
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite College or Sports Team: Illini and Cubs
Favorite Places to Shop: Target and Sam’s
Favorite Places to Eat: Jimmy Johns, Los Zarapes, Whisk
Favorite Snack: Protein Crisps and Twizzler Nibs
Favorite Soda or Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
Starbucks Order: None- don’t drink coffee 🙂
Food Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: None
Favorite Children’s Book Author: Katherine Applegate
For my classroom, I’m looking for: lots of items; check out my Amazon wish list 🙂
Thank you, but I don’t need anymore: Coffee cups/mugs
It means the most to me when the parents of my students: read with their children each night and talk with them about their day
Julie Kaiser
Introduction: My name is Julie Kaiser and I teach 2nd grade!
Do you have an Amazon Wish List link? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3SZ5UL24YU4KX?ref_=wl_share
Birthday: November 23rd
Hobbies: Being outside, gardening, puzzles, walks
Class Color or Theme: Black and Bright Colors
Favorite Color: Navy
Favorite College or Sports Team: Packers and Cubs
Favorite Places to Shop: Target, Dicks Sporting Goods, Home Goods, Prairie Gardens
Favorite Places to Eat: Los Zarapes, Fillipios, Monicals
Favorite Snack: M&Ms, Doritos, Popcorn
Favorite Soda or Drink: Diet Green Tea
Starbucks Order: None
Food Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: Gluten Intolerance
Favorite Children’s Book Author: Eric Carle
For my classroom, I’m looking for: pre-packaged, peanut-free snacks.
Thank you, but I don’t need anymore: cups and mugs
It means the most to me when the parents of my students: read with their child each night
Carrie Mattsey
Introduction: My name is Mrs. Mattsey. This is my second year in the district and second year in 2nd Grade! I have been teaching since 1994 and could not be happier to be in Mahomet! I have been married to my husband Mark for 25 years and we have two sons. My youngest is 19 and attends Millikin University. My oldest is 24 and just got engaged this summer. I run a photography business on the side and spend most of my free time doing that. When I’m not teaching or taking portraits I enjoy quiet times at our permanent campsite. I love to relax and enjoy nature and often mix my hobbies by doing landscape photography as well.
Do you have an Amazon Wish List link? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2R5MCLEZF5OAF/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2
Birthday: July 8th
Hobbies: Photography, Camping, Reading on my Kindle App
Class Color or Theme: No specific theme or color
Favorite Color: Teal
Favorite College or Sports Team: Millikin Cross Country and Track
Favorite Places to Shop: Amazon
Favorite Places to Eat: Maize, Black Dog, Panera
Favorite Snack: Mega Stuff Oreos
Favorite Soda or Drink: Coffee!
Starbucks Order: White Chocolate Mocha with Almond Milk (or soy)
Food Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: Lactose
Favorite Children’s Book Author: J.K. Rowling
For my classroom, I’m looking for: Highlighters, smelly markers, stickers, stamps
It means the most to me when the parents of my students: Communicate regularly! I want to know if your child has a need and even if something special happens over the weekend. Let me know how I can celebrate or help out in a tough situation.
Other things to share: I am excited to start the year!
Emily McGill
Introduction: Ahoy Bulldogs! I’m excited to set sail into the school year with my new crew of Second Grade Sailors.
Do you have an Amazon Wish List link? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/c6LMQc8?ref_=wl_share
Birthday: May 12th
Hobbies: Reading, baking, going for walks on the trail, and cheering on the Illini with my family
Class Color or Theme: The Sailors- boats and whales
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite College or Sports Team: University of Illinois – Go Illini!
Favorite Places to Shop: Amazon ❤️ Target 🎯 T.J. Maxx, Nordstrom Rack
Favorite Places to Eat: Project 47, Poke Shack, Whisk, yoyos, Chick Fil A, Art Mart
Favorite Snack: Los Zarapes chips and queso, charcuterie boards
Favorite Soda or Drink: Diet Coke or unsweetened iced tea
Starbucks Order: Pumpkin spiced latte
Food Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: None
Favorite Children’s Book Author: Kate DiCamillo and Mo Willems
For my classroom, I’m looking for: Volunteers
It means the most to me when the parents of my students: Write me a handwritten note 🥰
Stephanie Merkle
Introduction: This is my 7th year teaching 2nd grade. I love being outdoors watching my kids in their sporting events or just enjoying nature. Boating, walking/working out and jeeping are a few of my other favorite things.
Do you have an Amazon Wish List link? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/10MD2MDX4S50M?ref_=wl_share
Birthday: August 28th
Hobbies: Working out, boating, jeeping and gardening
Class Color or Theme: Confetti and gold
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite College or Sports Team: Illinois
Favorite Places to Shop: Target and HomeGoods
Favorite Places to Eat: Los, Breaking Taco and Texas Roadhouse
Favorite Snack: baked chips, beef jerky, nuts
Favorite Soda or Drink: unsweet black ice tea
Starbucks Order: unsweet black ice tea
Food Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: None
Favorite Children’s Book Author: Jan Brett
For my classroom, I’m looking for: writing center supplies
Thank you, but I don’t need anymore: Coffee cups
Jana Raver
Introduction: Hello! My name is Jana Raver and I’m a 2nd grade teacher at MPE! This is my 10th year at Middletown, and my 24th in education. Throughout my career I’ve also enjoyed teaching Kindergarten, first grade, reading intervention, as well as launching and teaching MPE’s Action Based Learning (or ABL,) Encore class for 2 years (2018/19 school years)! My husband, Lance, and I live in Mahomet and we have three lovely daughters: Carly will be a Junior at Ohio State, Kate will be joining her this year as a freshman, and Shelby will be a junior at MSHS. We also share our home with two Yorkies, Stella and Tess. During my free time and breaks from school I enjoy traveling and spending time with family, exercising, reading good mysteries/thrillers, teaching swimming lessons, and walking the Yorkies! I’m so anxious to meet my incoming 2nd graders and families… We’re going to have an amazing year of fun, community building, and learning!
Do you have an Amazon Wish List link? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2WN2BSJ926425?ref_=wl_share
Birthday: December 3rd
Hobbies: Exercise/fitness, reading, traveling, spending time with family, shopping, flower gardening!
Class Color or Theme: Pale yellow/travel/adventure
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite College or Sports Team: Ohio State
Favorite Places to Shop: Amazon, Target, Wal-Mart
Favorite Places to Eat: Subway, Dos Reales, Breaking Taco, Dunkin’ Donuts
Favorite Snack: Protein Bars, Gummy Bears, Baked Chips
Favorite Soda or Drink: Mineral/Carbonated Water, Dt. Mt. Dew
Starbucks Order: Skinny Caramel Machiatto, or anything pumpkin flavored!
Food Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: None
For my classroom, I’m looking for: Wishlist Items! Also…books, flair pens, fun Crayola markers/crayons, “Teachers Pay Teachers” gift cards are super helpful!
Thank you, but I don’t need anymore: Coffee Mugs
It means the most to me when the parents of my students: Invest in supporting the development of their growing 2nd grade readers, writers and mathematicians!
Other things to share: Thank you for supporting our classroom! It’s going to be an amazing year!
Joan Stipp
Introduction: I love to spend time with my family. I like to read in my free time.
Do you have an Amazon Wish List link? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1WX4UZH2Q70I5/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1
Birthday: January 19th
Hobbies: reading
Class Color or Theme: Confetti
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite College or Sports Team: STL Cardinals, SLU Billikens
Favorite Places to Shop: Kohl’s, Macy’s, Target
Favorite Places to Eat: Breaking Taco, Chick-fil-a, Culvers, Los Zarapes
Favorite Snack: Potato chips
Favorite Soda or Drink: Coke, Tea
Starbucks Order: White Chocolate Mocha
Food Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: None
For my classroom, I’m looking for: extra markers, colored pencils, playdoh
It means the most to me when the parents of my students: communicate with me, so we can work together as a team.