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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate NEWS NOW Guest Opinion: Plaza fencing is ugly and wasteful ... Herb Rothschild Jr.: Require national service ... Wolf once believed to be dead shows up near Crater Lake ... Guest Opinion: Plaza fencing is ugly and wasteful ... Herb Rothschild Jr.: Require national service ... Wolf once believed to be dead shows up near Crater Lake ... A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ASHLAND It takes a village to raise a child Bellview Elementary School seeks to prepares students for life Comment By Frank Sobotka DailyTidings.com By Frank Sobotka Posted May. 19, 2015 at 8:53 PM By Frank Sobotka Posted May. 19, 2015 at 8:53 PM » Social News Dawn’s early light filters through Bellview Elementary School’s windows. Head custodian Connie Rainwater doesn’t have the luxury to stop to enjoy the sunrise, but she does take time to acknowledge how much she loves her job. “The kids,” she says, “motivate me despite the challenges of having to do more with less.” How many people does it take to educate a child? About a quarter of the 53 professionals who work at Bellview Elementary School are certificated teachers. The rest support the classroom and special education teachers’ mission to ensure each child has the opportunity to succeed regardless of personal hardships. What you won’t find in the staff directory are the names of countless parents, grandparents and Ashland citizen advocates who together fill an important niche by providing thousands of volunteer hours and financial benefits each year. Students arrive long before school begins, many filtering through the cafeteria to refuel for the upcoming day’s activities. Lillian Toothman, who started as a crossing guard 24 years ago, is kitchen manager. Lillian wears other hats in the district, such as a painter. Students eventually find their way into the office where Meg Wright manages the comings and goings of the entire school population. She is well-suited for her position: she began as a volunteer and PTO president when her boys attended Bellview. Out of the office, one feels excitement in the air as students, parents and staff fuse into a crowd. When Casey and friends are gently reminded that their marble game is to be played outside, they quietly break up and go their separate ways. Casey sits on a bench to read, commenting that he appreciates his teacher, Ms. Hansen, because she helps him learn through correcting his mistakes. The first bell alerts everyone that school begins in five minutes. Before the second bell ends, two students at the front of Lindsay Gates’ classroom lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Homework is corrected and acknowledged with a stamp, new homework sheets are tucked into each students’ “boomerang” folder and students are off to the science room for a community outreach program provided by the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Thanks to a university scholarship and other grants that Principal Christine McCollom obtained, the third-grade students had an opportunity to touch real fossils. Mrs. Gates said she wanted to be a teacher since she was a kid. “No matter what type of day you are having,” she said, “the kids will change your attitude. They’re full of ideas that inspire you.” At age 6, first-grade teacher Pamela Eddington knew she was going to be a teacher. Her motivation comes from the students’ love of life and learning, and from seeing that “light-bulb” phenomenon, the flash of understanding that comes from learning. This is Christine McCollom’s eighth year at Bellview’s helm. Following child development classes in high school and a college degree in education, she spent nine years teaching kindergartners through third graders. She was shocked when her principal approached her with the idea of becoming an administrator. Her new realm requires wearing different hats practically every day. In addition to interacting with everyone in school, she maintains the balance between the school, the district, the city and the immediate neighborhood. “It’s the most challenging aspect of being a principal,” she said. "The excitement in learning is everywhere,” said Macy Senestraro, a special education assistant. “There’s never a dull moment and no matter what the day brings, it’s rewarding!” Ashland High School alumnus Matt Moore began volunteering 10 years ago when his first child entered kindergarten. He has headed the annual Log-a-Thon and Art night for the past seven years. Matt, Kristin Thibault and Travis Puderbaugh (a Bellview alumnus) have the same opinions about Bellview: The school atmosphere is positive, the staff works toward student success, the school is family oriented and community- driven. “Ashland is the only school district in the valley that has full music and PE for every classroom for 30 minutes, twice a week,” said Janet Davis, certificated elementary music specialist. After 30 years of teaching, 20 of them at Bellview, she is retiring. Her greatest reward: “Being able to share music with the students throughout their time at Bellview.” At Bellview staff members arrive each day with faith in their ability to fulfill the hopes and dreams of their students. And it’s all fused with an abundance of love. Nine-year Ashland resident Frank Sobotka is a retired Air Force officer who wrote for USAF publications. By Frank Sobotka DailyTidings.com By Frank Sobotka Posted May. 19, 2015 at 8:53 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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