Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 1, 2006)
8 September Features First teacher hired: Lothamer brings creativity to Web Design u K yle H irth ______________ Contributing Writer Wind Lothamer, new technology teacher, shows, according to those who hired him, tremendous promise. He will be teaching web design and flash animation, and is extremely passionate about these subjects. "The best thing about web design is that it is such a creative field and allows for so much individual expression. It can be a lot like a creative writing class or an art class. I enjoy watching the creative process in action and seeing the end results. It's really amazing," Lothamer said. Lothamer will be replacing Richard Reynolds, who took a break from teaching in order to spend a year living in Hawaii while his wife completes her intership there and to pursue other interests. Like Reynolds, Lothamer combines two different areas of interest. He double majored in history and social Wind Lotham er, web design and flash animation teacher, has a double major in history and social science and completed his graduate studies in Education at Portland State University. Photo by Cole Fiala West Linn resident joins Special Education staff m E mmalie C ox ____________ Staff Reporter Former social worker and water sports lover Nadine Newrones joined the Special Education Department because she loves the West Linn school setting and how conducive it is to her family life. Position: Special Education teaching assistant College attended: California State University of Long Beach Interests: Water sports, music, movies, singing and outdoor activities Family: Daughter, Claire, 6, and son, Connor, 11 Previous jobs: Worked as a social worker and in the mental health profession. Also ran a preschool out of her home, and worked as a clown in college. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work Why West Linn: "I work here because I am a West Linn resident and it is closest to my home. I was lucky to be assigned here. I love working with children of all ages, but thought working with the high school ages would be fun." Why teach: "I wanted to teach because I have never worked in a school setting before. I thought it would be great to have the same schedule as my children and also enjoy summers with them." First day: "My first day of working here was very confusing. Students were coming up to me and asking where classes were, but I was just as clueless as them! It was like being a freshman all over again." Over the summer: During the summer, she and her family went camping at Lake Billy Chinook in Central Oregon. They also went to Disneyland and spent some time in California visiting her side of the family. They stayed at Newport Coast Villas that overlooked the ocean in Newport Beach, Calif. Hobbies: Really enjoys the outdoors and water sports. Likes going to movies, and listening to music. Music is a big part of her life especially because she sings. Sang in a science as an undergraduate at Portland State University. He then completed his graduate studies in education at PSU. He student-taught at Merlo Station High School in Beaverton, an alternative school that services the entire Beaverton School District. Lothamer was influenced to teach technology related classes by the increasing role of computers in society. "Computers are the new literacy. If you do not know how to interact with computers and the internet, you are at a distinct disadvantage in today's economy and society. I have always felt that technology is an integral element to education; now I get to teach it exclusively," Lothamer said. Lothamer was extremely attracted to the West Linn Wilsonville School District because he feels it is progressive and proactive. Lothamer also says he knew WLHS would be a "perfect fit" because the staff and admistration really advocate student centered learning. "It was clear (from his interviews) that Wind had an incredible love for students and technology. He is a young, bright and very creative person. I think he will be a great role model for students as well as a great teacher," Kim Noah, principal, said. Outside of school, Lo thamer enjoys hiking and camping with his wife, Leslie, and his dog, Zig-Zag. Lo thamer also likes listening to a wide variety of music, from Miles Davis and Thelonius Monk while at home, to Nir vana and Stone Temple Pilots while driving his ’96 Saturn SL. In addition, Jack Johnson is Lothamer’s favorite current artist. Lothamer claims the most interesting thing he has ever done was visit Peru last summer. "It is a beautiful country with some incredible history, but the living conditions that you see there for some of the people are just shocking. It can really affect your sense of perspective," Lothamer said. Eager to start the school year, the thing he looks for ward to most is simply work ing . "It is important (for me) to play a vital role in the com munity and to have a job that I can feel good about. Teach ing addresses (this) concern," Lothamer said. Ares joins technology department u HlLLl ClAVARELLO__________ Staff Reporter A self-proclaimed "theatre buff," Jon Ares has been behind the scenes of the theatre program at West Linn for 12 years. He now joins the staff full time as Technology Assistant to Angie Hammond, Information Technology Specialist. Position: Technology Assistant and Technical Theatre Advisor College attended: University of Washington and Clackamas Community College Interests: Theatre, Technology and Film His passion for theatre: "I have been involved in theatre since I was about two. I actually have a degree in it. I started teaching theatre and Stagecraft because I like the fact that I can bring my professional theatre experience to students who have an interest in it. I also like that I can help bring technical theatre to students who would otherwise not get the opportunity in the high school." High school: "IVe taken part in dozens and dozens of plays. Theatre was a large part of my high school Jon Ares, Technology Assistant, has been involved in the theatre program at West Linn for many years. Photo by Cole Fiala experience. I was involved in directing, acting and writing throughout." Why West Linn: "I really like the students and staff here. I feel that I can interact with more students here than at my last school (He taught at the West Linn-Wilsonville Art Tech High School last year). Also with the new theater, I feel my professional experience can help more students and staff members." Over the summer: "I read plays. My favorite authors are Gilbert, Sullivan and Stephen Sondheim. I like being a part of these, especially because the music is very complicated and interesting. I also worked on the set design for the upcoming musical, ’Crazy for You.’ Along with choreographing the fight scenes, I played with all the new technology in the theater." Proudest moment: "Not one, many. I'm proud of all the students I've worked with over the years who have gone on to bigger and better things. There are many kids now taking part in professional theatre programs, onstage or behind the scenes." Last word: "I'm a pretty easy going guy, and I am really happy to be a part of the theater program here at West Linn." Blakemore 6 Resource Center u K ate T olan _____________ Staff Reporter N ad in e N e w ro n es, S p e cia l Education teaching assistant, worked as a clown in college. Photo by Cole Fiala jazz choir and acapella choir in high school. Also sang at church. Would like to get involved in a choral group again someday. Best attribute: Believes her best attribute would be that she is outgoing. Enjoys trying many new things and has a good sense of humor. Amanda Blakemore loves teaching with a passion. She feels that securing an education for the next generation is vital and wants to be a great teacher whom students will always remember. Cooperating teacher: Laura Crutcher, Resource Center College: Portland State University Hobbies: Reading, knitting, crafts Name she prefers in classroom: "Miss Blakemore." Subject she teaches: "I teach literature because of my English background. I focus on building reading and writing skills." Her drive to be a teacher: "I believe education is important. I am a lifelong learner. I believe there is no better profession because you get to share knowledge and learn along with the children." She attends college: "I am currently attending Portland State University and working toward a dual credit. I will have endorsements in English and Special Education." Obstacles and challenges in the classroom: "Other than unruly students, it is difficult to keep learning materials fresh and new. I really try to make things fun and interesting to keep my students involved." Her high school experience: "I didn't like high school because I was never challenged. It was academically boring for me. My favorite teachers were those who were willing to push and challenge me. I felt like I was getting up at eight o'clock in the morning to socialize." Blafeemore loins staff_________ m continued on page 9 ;
