Before SEMS, our school used to be a car factory. When our 20-year staff members stepped foot into our school, there were no blinds on our windows, freshly wet concrete, and oil throughout our now PE field, according to the information given by Ms. Reina. From the first to the 20th year, Southeast has evolved into what it is today.
During the month of February, we conducted interviews with teachers who have spent 20 years educating students at SEMS such as Mr.Praslin, Mr.Rosener, Ms. Reina, Mr. Medina, and Ms. Young about their experiences during the time they’ve been here.
We have a special mention in this article about a student who was here three years out of the 20 and now works in Southeast. There has been more than one Southeast Middle School student alumni, but the one we decided to spotlight Mr. Carmelo.
“What has been your favorite memory at Southeast over these 20 years?’’
Magnet coordinator Mr.Medina gave us the response, “I have several, seeing students learn and grow and culminate and go on to become successful is my favorite. Helping teachers accomplish what they aspire to do is another. Opening the Magnet is another favorite memory.”
Mr. Rosener started at Southeast Middle School as a PE teacher. He was a PE teacher for 16 years, until his 16-year of teaching he became the Dean. Mr. Rosener has now been the Dean at Southeast Middle School for a dozen years. “My favorite memory at Southeast over the 20 years, I’ll say the first graduating class of Southeast Middle School.’’
Currently, Ms. Young works at Southeast Middle School as a College and Career Coach. We asked Ms. Young, “What makes a good school year?” She responded with, “Getting through to the end at Culmination and seeing how many of our students really pulled through.’’
Mr. Carmelo works at Southeast Middle School as a School Climate Advocate. “What has made me stay here for so long and will continue making me want to stay for longer is that hope that I can help guide students who might not be headed down the best path.’’ This is the response of our School Climate Advocate, Mr. Carmelo after being asked what has made him want to stay here for so long.
Mr. Praslin works at Southeast Middle School as a teacher currently but has been an Intervention Coordinator, and Department Chair, and has played other roles in student’s lives. We asked “What accomplishment fills you with pride so far this school year?’’. Mr. Praslin responded with, “ I see the climate atmosphere of the school so much better this year than it was last year. For that, I’m happy to come to work because there’s so much pride in our school now. Not just SEMS, but DREAMS I see that, and there’s less chaos and I really appreciate that. I like that, it makes me feel happy.’’
Ms. Reina works at SEMS as a 7th-grade history teacher and teaches in Room 311. “A good school year is when everyone is positive and willing to do their best. Even under not-so-good circumstances.’’ Ms. Reina responds after being asked, “What makes a good school year?’’
