Teacher of the Month

Julie McDaniel

Lisenby Primary School

“I believe that kindergarten is my calling,” shared Julie McDaniel, kindergarten teacher at Lisenby Primary School. “I love the excitement of learning that I am able to foster in the young minds of my students. For most of my students, I am their first interaction with the formal education system. It is an honor and a privilege to ensure that all my students are put on a path to success.”

Mrs. McDaniel has been teaching for 17 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Troy University and her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. She is also further certified to teach English as a second language in grades preschool through 12th grade and English Language Arts in grades 6th- 12th.

“I have taught grades first through third. Currently I teach kindergarten,” said Mrs. McDaniel. “I chose this age group because kindergarten is the foundation of a child’s academic success. I like to say that kindergarten lays the strong foundation so that the student can build a strong ‘house’. A house that is full of knowledge! Without a strong foundation, a house will crumble.” This mantra seems to ring true, even early on in this school year. She was nominated by one of her students parents, Ansley Godwin, to be Teacher of the Month. Ansley shares that the love Mrs. McDaniel has for her children is unmeasurable.

“She keeps her kids engaged with fun activities beyond the classroom,” shared Ansley. “It hasn’t been too long since we started this school year but my son’s personality has come out even more.”

“I have this overwhelming feeling of honor to have been nominated by a student’s parent,” Mrs. McDaniel said. “Every day, I give my students 100% of myself... my knowledge, my love, my encouragement. Oftentimes, as teachers, parents only acknowledge the negative. To have received this award feels like a huge pat on the back. It’s like someone is saying, ‘I see you! Great job!’”

Our Teacher of the Month says unselfish love, forgiveness and patience are the top three things her students have taught her. Mrs. McDaniel’s favorite teaching moments are when everything, all of a sudden ‘clicks’ for her students.

Mrs. McDaniel was eager to share advice for new teachers: “The most important thing for new teachers to remember is your first priority is to show compassion to your students and build a relationship with each child. Learning cannot take place without positive relationships with teachers. Students do not learn from teachers who do not like them or if the students feel like the teacher doesn’t see their value to the classroom.”

Julie and her husband Brady have two boys, Austin (17) and Logan (14). Her hobbies include reading fantasy books and educational books, shopping and enjoying a nice relaxing day in the sun!

Sponsored by Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network

5-2-1-0 Plan for Healthy Holidays

Pumpkin pie, sweet potato casserole, turkey and dressing, and cooler weather...the holiday season with parties, snacks and family gatherings is here. While this is a favorite time of year for many, it is often stressful with different places to be and events galore! In all the gathering and going, it can become easy to forget to take care of our bodies.

Aim to eat FIVE servings of fruits and vegetables a day. This helps to ensure that our body is getting nutrient-rich foods instead of just the empty snacks and sweet treats that seem to dominate this time of year. Sneaking those fruits and vegetables into the day does not have to be hard. Fruits can be added to a low-sugar cereal for breakfast. Raw veggies with a low-fat salad dressing dip or fruit with a low-fat yogurt dip can be a great addition to a snack or dinner buffet. Both can also be paired with peanut butter for a filling snack with a healthy protein. Being mindful of those fruits and vegetables throughout the day helps us to get the nutrition we need to feel great!

Try to keep recreational screen time to TWO hours a day or less. This includes video games, seasons of TV shows, and mindless hours spent staring at a phone or tablet. Some of that screen time can even be turned into a fun family night by watching a new or favorite movie together.

Set a goal to get ONE hour of physical activity everyday. After a big holiday meal, go outside for a game of kickball or basketball. Have a contest to see which family member can hula-hoop the longest; sometimes the winner might surprise you! Turn up the music and dance when cleaning up or wash the car together for a fun family activity. The cooler weather provides a great opportunity to go to the park or take a walk together. The important thing is to get moving. Physical activity of some sort every day keeps those muscles moving and keeps your heart healthy.

ZERO is the tricky number. Try to drink more water and cut back sugary drinks to almost none. This includes sodas, sweet tea, sports drinks, and even many fruit juice products. Water keeps us hydrated and is one of the best drinks to satisfy our thirst. Keep a water bottle available or a water pitcher in the fridge and have water as an option at parties. Fruit slices such as lemon and orange or even a splash of seltzer can be a fun addition to water!

Enjoy those favorite foods and meals together with friends and family. Take advantage of the cooler weather and keep the body moving while having some fun. Keep the water flowing to stay hydrated in the drier winter air. Treasure the time spent together, and don’t forget to make some memories along the way! 5-2-1-0 Go!

Dr. Joanna A. McKinley is a general pediatrician licensed by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.. She has been a pediatrician at Dothan Pediatric Clinic since 2008.