Summer at Batesville Intermediate School

My experience this summer has been one of a kind. It has truly brought about some changes and outlooks on my present state and future plans. Working in Batesville, MS has really enhanced my learning, physical, and mental capabilities. This was my first time to serve outside of the Lafayette community. Through this experience I have gained some great connections and met some wonderful people who have been very influential.

A day at Batesville Intermediate begins with a 30 minute commute to Batesville, MS. Each week we were assigned to drive. We carpooled, which was the best idea I believe we could have come up with.  The two summer associates that have been working with me, Anna Terry and CaMesha Lenard have been a tremendous help. I don’t think we could have completed our daily tasks at the school without one another.  We found ways to work together to achieve a common goal which was to make sure the BIS teachers and principals were prepared for the upcoming school year.

From day to day, our duties changed. Some days we were moving teachers from one classroom to the next. It took approximately two weeks for us to completely finish moving teachers from different grade levels and into their classrooms. We also painted doors, shelves, cleaned rooms, prepared the outside marquis, rearranged classroom settings, delivered books, and classroom study materials, checkout/lunch forms, laminated some fundamental materials teachers used in their classrooms, and helped teachers organize their rooms, along with many other activities. The majority of our service this summer was direct service. Although, we were not aware of what were getting ourselves into, we completely adjusted to the type of work that was presented to us.

We could not have done our tasks efficiently without some important people. We worked primarily with Patrick Patterson, a staff member at BIS to make sure the job was done right and in a timely fashion. We were never rushed and had the opportunity to set our own pace. Working with him was an experience that shall never be forgotten. Tina Houston, the Bookkeeper kept us laughing, which was extremely motivational for us. This kept us from having “dull or boring” moments. She was truly a trip and a fun person to see as we entered the office every morning to check in. Ms. Lashunda Hamilton, the assistant principal, who has since become the principal, has a very welcoming spirit about her. She is very sweet and extremely intelligent. Working with her primarily the last few weeks of our service made it a breeze and a joyous experience as well.

The new assistant principal took us out for lunch our last day of service as a thank you for all of our hard work. It was very unexpected and we were very grateful for the act of kindness. Our conversation during lunch was very educational and enlightening. Ms. Hemphill, a 3^rd grade teacher, who we also helped reorganize her classroom, took us out for lunch as well, to show her appreciation. She was very insightful and very laid back. I’m sure that her kids love her teaching style because she has such a kind heart and one who wants to see all students succeed. She shows it in her teaching capabilities and in her lifestyle.

I believe what made our experience such an educational and fun summer of service, was working alongside a great staff and administrative team. My 2012 summer experience has been one of a kind. I will cherish it and take all that I have learned and put it into action. I believe my fellow associates would definitely agree!