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Upland Hills School Staff |
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The biographies
below have been written by the members of our faculty. Each choosing one of
the others, we hope to give you an idea of their personalities and work
ethics along with their length of involvement in the Upland Hills School
community. |
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Holly Neumann
has been on our staff since 1984. She teaches the morning meeting group of 4
and young 5 year olds. Her morning meeting group ranges between 9 and 11
children. Holly has an extraordinary gift in her ability to be "in the
moment". Holly enjoys weaving and clay work and has a deep love for children
and nature. She received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and holds
an elementary education teaching certificate from the state of Michigan.
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Hear from Holly
"Present with the Children" |
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Jean Ruff came to our staff in 1978. She
taught in Japan and at the United Nations before coming to
Upland Hills School. Jean teaches the
second group at our school. She has between 12 and 14 children
in her group that range in age from 5 to 7. Jean is an
exceptional teacher. She combines insight with practicality and
intuition with deep compassion. Her room is a small world of
wonder. Tables with magnifying glasses, bowls of marbles,
baskets of yarn invite children to look and to touch. Hand made
paper and felt are displayed in ways that remind us of the
simple things in life. Her talent as a teacher and as an artist
lies in her ability to bring into each moment an awareness of
the magic of childhood. She listens deeply to children and helps
them to learn the true basics of life; how to get along with
each other, how to listen, how to share, how to give and how to
receive. She has devoted her entire adult life to her work with
children and has grown with each year. She brings a wisdom,
maturity, and constancy to every day, every interaction and
every challenge that comes her way. Her leadership and presence
at our school have helped us develop a curriculum that invites
all ages to share in the rich treasures of community. Jean's
gifts have enabled countless children to discover their true
potentials and possibilities. She has earned a B.S. in
elementary education and an M.A. in early childhood.
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Hear from Jean
"A new language of learning" |
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Anissa Howard discovered Upland Hills School, because she was looking
for a place to send her daughter. She was determined to protect the bright
light
of curiosity and wonder that her child radiated. We invited her to be
mentored by Holly Mac Mahon who taught our youngest morning meeting group.
Over the period of nearly three years we watched her grow into a teacher of
uncommon insight, compassion, and creativity. Anissa has a deep respect for
gardening and farming. She invites children to plant seeds and make baskets.
Her quiet and thoughtful demeanor help children learn about the softer
rhythms of childhood like listening for a bird's song, or watching the water
strider cross a pond. Anissa earned her BA at Central Michigan University,
with degrees in Psychology and World Religions. She also has graduate
credits in speech pathology. Anissa was our first teacher to be trained as
an Upland Hills teacher.
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Kathy Harwood Long, hired in 2006, she brings to UHS an extensive background of teaching
experiences with multi-age groups including parents. The combination of
world travels, organic farming, and being raised in what was the small
isolated community of Nome, Alaska, have formed a strong teaching emphasis
on ingenuity, practicality, and the value of the earth, community building,
and leadership. Kathy earned her Bachelor of Education and teaching
certificate from the University of Alaska, has completed a two-year course
at Unity Institute, and does professional speaking internationally as the
founder of Unity Earth Care International. |
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Jan
Butcher was first introduced to Upland Hills School while searching for the ultimate schooling experience for her two young daughters. At about the same time, Jan had returned to school herself to concurrently earn an elementary teaching certificate and a Master's Degree. She was overjoyed in 1990 when asked to join the staff of Upland Hills to bolster the science curriculum. Jan credits her clarity, practicality and love of learning to the hours spent on the farm with her grandfather when she was growing up. She also credits her daughters for revealing her true calling. Jan loves science, history, geography, singing, reading and sharing those loves with children.
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Hear from Jan
"Parent and Teacher" |
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Ted
Strunck has been teaching with us since 1989. Ted is a professional
musician and a professional builder. He teaches the oldest group at our
school and is committed to preparing them for their next placement. The
comprehensive units that he designs are large practical building experiments
that challenge his students on many levels. His group has built a 160-foot
bridge, a stained glass window, and a solar greenhouse. Ted has earned a
B.A. and a teaching certificate from the state of Michigan. He has also
earned postgraduate credits in music and writing instruction.
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Hear from Ted
"What's Upland Hills?" |
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Ken Webster
has an insatiable curiosity. His interests range from insects
and butterflies to imovie and power point. He learned a great
deal from growing up on Upland Hills Farm. His father and mother
taught him the invaluable lessons of hard work, and the uncommon
practice of making a dream come true. Ken is an exceptional math
teacher and has developed our curriculum for Algebra one and
two. Ken also loves the natural world and teaches classes
that form the foundation for biology, ecology, and nature
studies. Ken graduated from Oakland university in 1973 with a BA
and teaching certificate. He has taught for over 20 years at
Upland Hills School, and he has also taught in the Lake Orion
Public schools and another independent school. Ken enjoys
teaching through building projects and a class he calls
'trailblazers'.
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Karen
Moore began teaching at Upland Hills School in 1972. She is a
professional actress and an expert on children's literature. For many years
she taught the 10 to 12 year olds at our school. She now teaches special
poetry and literature units, is our librarian and our theatre arts teacher.
Karen and Ted have written and produced two original plays at our school.
Karen has earned a B.F.A. in theatre and performing arts and holds a
teaching certificate from the state of Michigan.
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Hear from Karen
"Theatre and manure" |
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Phillip
Moore (Director) Phillip became the director during the first school
year in 1971-1972. His work with R. Buckminster Fuller's World Game and his
understanding of the talks and writing of J. Krishnamurti have influenced
the structure of this school. Along with the duties of headmaster, Phillip
teaches the oldest math group as well as afternoon elective classes that
include "Adventure Playground"; a ropes course, "Wild", "Men's Class" and
"Rockets". As a director, Phil's style is empowering. He trusts us and lets
us follow our passions. If we can bring our passions into the classroom, our
students are affected deeply by what we teach. He is careful to acknowledge
our efforts and encourage our endeavors. He is supportive and is a skilled
listener. He has gained my admiration and love. He sets a tone that is
easy-going and accepting. the whole school resonates with his caring and
love. Phillip holds Bachelors of Arts, state teaching certificates and
Masters degrees.
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Hear from Phil
"A Message For Your Inner Child" |
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Administrative Staff |
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| Terry Gardner - Business
Administrator |
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| Jane Kline - Creative
Director of Karen Joy Theatre |
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"Let the beauty
we love be what we do."
Rumi
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Board of Trustees |
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Our Board of Trustees consists of a representative group of parents, alumni
and community members. Their primary responsibility is to act as the
financial stewards of the School, and to overview the position of school
Director.
Together the staff and Board make up the governing body of the School.
Sandy Rollin - President
Paula Patterson - Treasurer
Rick Joseph - Secretary
Kathy Long - Staff Representative
Phillip Moore - Director
Trustees -
Dan Leske,
Tim Thomas,
Ken Webster,
Marilyn Szost,
Doug Campbell
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"In the
effort to further its outreach, Upland Hills reaffirms
its dedication to the future
of the younger generation -
and thus to the nation's future -
especially in the vital area
of education
at a time when standards elsewhere
so often seem to be slipping."
Joe
Goodwin, Editor, Smithsonian Books
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