Canfield music teacher Doug Wood honored
Eighth-grader Ramie Malmberg likes her music teacher at Canfield Middle School, Doug Wood, so much that she nominated him for the School Champion of the Month award sponsored by Numerica Credit Union.
Much to Wood’s surprise and Ramie’s delight, he won.
Wood was honored last week during a surprise all-school assembly. He’s the first champion of the school year and, like so many others who win, said he’s “humbled” by the honor.
“I think there’s 40 other teachers here that deserve it,” Wood said.
Wood makes students feel good about themselves, Ramie wrote in her essay, adding “whether you are a beginner drummer or an advanced flutist he is always glad to see you.
“He encourages us to keep playing when we feel like giving up, and gets excited when we want to try a new instrument,” she wrote. “He teaches us that music helps make us smarter and that we are learning leadership skills that will help us all through life. Because of Mr. Wood, I want to learn lots of instruments and teach band someday.”
One of Ramie’s parents wrote: “Raime has been a pretty shy student up until she started band with Doug Wood. She feels great about herself now and looks forward to his class every day (even after summer!). She has made great friends in band who all love Mr. Wood too!”
Wood has taught music in Coeur d’Alene middle schools for 10 years. He has children at Canfield and plays the piano – the two clues that revealed his identity to the Canfield student body right away. The third clue dropped by the assembly host – that he had a tattoo – prompted cat calls of “show us your tattoo!” from students.
There wasn’t much to show – the tattoo is actually a music note stamped on a crown on one of Wood’s upper left teeth.
Raime received $25 for her winning essay, along with two passes to Silverwood Theme Park. She also will be entered in a drawing for an iPod, along with all students who write nominating essays.
Wood received a $45 gift certificate to Outback Steakhouse, a gift bag, a recognition plaque and two passes to Silverwood. Canfield received $100 to be used how Wood wishes.
The School Champion of the Month is chosen every month through May. Students can nominate their favorite employee from any North Idaho school. Nominations consist of a written essay explaining why the employee deserves recognition. Forms are available at any school office or online at www.numericacu.com.
Go shopping and support the Vikings
Coeur d’Alene High’s only fundraiser is today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the CHS gym. The 17th annual craft faire and gift show features crafts and gifts as well as food, entertainment and a raffle drawing.
Stop by CHS to support the Vikings and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Counselors to host information sessions
Lake City and Coeur d’Alene High School counselors will be hosting monthly information nights for parents this year to talk about things like college preparation and scholarships. The next session is Oct. 18 and will cover different career options and how students should prepare for them.
November’s topic will be mental health; January’s session will look at how to pay for college; February will look at “ways for students to earn credits,” according to a statement on the district”s Web site. The March session will be an information night for college-bound juniors, and April’s topic is “Working for a Living.” Dates have yet to be announced.
Each session runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the midtown meeting center, 1505 N. 4th St.