This year Delphi Community High School was fortunate enough to add eight new members to its teaching family. These new members include Dr. Thibadeau, Mrs. Cotten, Ms. Newbury, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Koning, Mr. Kline, Ms. Adams, and Mr. Landis. All of these wonderful educators come from their own backgrounds; but they have all come to Delphi for one reason, to help students to grow in knowledge and character. Let’s make sure we give them a warm welcome, but perhaps we should get to know them first!

Dr. Thibadeau

Integrated Chemistry and Physics, Physics

What is your current relationship status?

• I’ve been  married, for almost three years, to Brett McArthur. I kept my last name when I got married.

Do you have children and or pets?

• No, not yet.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• I love to read, as well as go for runs or bike rides.  I also love to explore new cities and new areas.  Anything that’s an adventure, I’m all in!

What were you like in high school?

• I’ve always loved school.  I was really studious, possibly too studious; but I had a lot of friends and I was involved with a lot of after school activities, including my school’s television studio, which I helped run by my senior year.  I also created a writing mentor program with two of my  friends for elementary school students.

Why did you decide to be a teacher and what do you like most about it?

• Like I said before, I’ve always loved school.  I actually have my Ph.D. in physics because I had thought I was going to be a research physicist; however, about half-way through grad school I found that while I ADORE science and physics, the life of a research scientist is not for me.  I did a lot of teaching in grad school, and I always loved it.  So I realized that I should do what makes me happy and become a teacher!  I especially love getting to know my students – they are why I am a teacher, and they are the best part of my day.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

• I wanted to be a scientist!  I especially loved astronomy and anything to do with the universe.  So I did astrophysics for awhile… then I realized I much prefer teaching!

What is currently your favorite quote?

• Admittedly, I don’t really have one.  I know this sounds strange, but I’ve never been a big fan of quotes :-)

What is your favorite and least favorite food?

• Oh boy, I love food so this is tough.  I will eat just about anything.  I do have a particular soft spot for anything chocolate or from a bakery, especially cupcakes with mounds of frosting!  I do, though, hate hate hate pineapple.

What are three fun facts about yourself?

1. I spent a year in college studying abroad and living in England (Oxford University).
2. I’m originally from Maryland, right outside of Washington, DC.
3. I can still do cartwheels :-)

What is a word of advice you would like to offer your current and future students?

• In my classes, we’re all in this together!  I want my classes to be like a family.  I would advise my students to never ever hesitate to come to me for anything – not just questions about the material, but anything else that’s going on in their lives, if they want to talk.

Mrs. Cotten

Choir

What is your current relationship status?

• I am married to my husband, Steve, who is the band director at Harrison H.S.  We have been married for 30 years!

Do you have children and or pets?

• We have 3 kids:  Caitlin, who is 26 and married; Chase, who is 22 and married; and Camden, who is 15 and a sophomore at Harrison. We also have an 8 year old cat and her name is Cali!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• I love to paint (decorative painting on furniture), go antiquing, visit flea markets, and decorate. I”M ALSO A BIG CHARLIE BROWN FAN!

What were you like in high school?

• I was a good student who was always in all the plays and musicals, on the speech team,  a member of both Art Club and French Club, and sang in the swing choir, concert choir and madrigals.

Why did you decide to be a teacher and what do you like most about it?

• I decided to be a music teacher because I loved  music and drama in high school. I studied piano and voice and I wanted to continue the fun I had in choirs and musicals as an adult.  So, a career in music education seemed like a great fit for me.  I believe the best part of teaching is the students.  I enjoy getting to know them as we work together on concerts and shows.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

• I wanted to be an actress and singer.

What is currently your favorite quote?

• “In the book of life, the answers aren’t in the back.” – Charlie Brown

What is your favorite and least favorite food?

• My favorite food is chicken and dumplings and my least favorite food is brussel sprouts!

What are three fun facts about yourself?

1. I was Fiona MacLaren in my high school musical Brigadoon.
2. I had to learn to play the trombone for one of my college music classes.  
3. When I watch TV and movies, I tend to be a screen talker.

What is a word of advice you would like to offer your current and future students?

• Never give up!  Always strive to do your best!  Always be kind to others!  Sing, sing, sing!!!

Ms. Newbury

English 10

What is your current relationship status?

• I am single.

Do you have children and or pets?

• I have a yellow lab/ husky mix and her name is Bailey.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• In my spare time I like to read, spend time with friends and family, watch The Office, and play/write music.

What were you like in high school?

• In high school I was a little on the ornery side. I never got in “real” trouble, but I did spend some time in the principal’s office. I was also voted class clown my senior year.

Why did you decide to be a teacher and what do you like most about it?

• I have always had a passion for working with kids and I naturally take on the the teacher role in every aspect of my life. I also had a really great math teacher in high school. He was the kind of teacher that would come to school early and leave late if he knew that it would help his students– I always admired that about him. Surprisingly, I didn’t always want to be a teacher. When I first went to Purdue, I was an Engineering major. After a few short weeks, I switched to Psychology in hopes of going to medical school. I stayed on that path for about  two years and then finally decided to follow my heart and become a teacher.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

• I wanted to be a fireman. My favorite uncle was a fireman and I wanted to be just like him.

What is currently your favorite quote?

• “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”- Princess Diana

What is your favorite and least favorite food?

• My favorite food is any type of Mexican food. My least favorite food is pizza…I know I’m weird. :)

What are three fun facts about yourself?

• This is a really hard question.

1. I guess I’m pretty decent at rollerblading.
2. I have spent some time studying in London, Italy, France, and Switzerland.
3. I can’t think of a third one.

What is a word of advice you would like to offer your current and future students?

• Everyone is a teacher and everyone is a student. I’m learning from you just as much as you are learning from me. Life is an amusement park and when you walk into my classroom it’s like you just got in line for the tallest and fastest rollercoaster–It’s going to be fun, exciting, and a HUGE learning experience.

Mr. Nelson

Special Education

What is your current relationship status?

• I’m married to my wife, Nicole.

Do you have children and or pets?

• I have two children: Haley, who is twelve, and  Cade, who is ten. I also have dog named  Chance. He’s a Boxer mix.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• I like to hang out with my family and do fun things with them like going to the movies, putt putt golfing, bowling, having game nights, and attending sporting events. I also like to go golfing.

What were you like in high school?

• I played three sports and was a member of the National Honor Society. I was involved in many clubs and just enjoyed hanging out with my friends.

Why did you decide to be a teacher and what do you like most about it?

• I had teachers that I looked up to in school and I wanted to coach.  I also like creating positive relationships with students and athletes.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

• I wanted to be a professional football player.

What is currently your favorite quote?

• Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don’t, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

What is your favorite and least favorite food?

• My favorite food is pizza  and I really dislike all kinds seafood.

What are three fun facts about yourself?

1. I played 5 years of college football at Ball State.
2. I was on The David Letterman Show.
3. I once tried out for Wheel of Fortune.

What is a word of advice you would like to offer your current and future students?

• Don’t give up!  Don’t ever give up!!!

Mr. Koning

Algebra 2, Algebra 2 MA, Geometry, Geometry MA, Statistics

What is your current relationship status?

• I am married to the luckiest woman alive, although she might say otherwise! :)  Her name is Jennifer and she is in her first year teaching third grade kiddos at Burnett Creek Elementary School in West Lafayette.

Do you have children and or pets?

• I have two girls, Kira (11) and Ali (8). I also have two dogs, both of which are Pomeranians, named  Bruno (8) and Trixie (4) and a cat named Gizmo, but we call her Gizzy for short. She is somewhere around eight years old.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• In my spare time…hmmm…. Lately, I haven’t had much.  If my memory serves me correctly, I used to play golf and do a lot of work around the house.  Our home away from home is Pigeon Forge, TN.  Give us a cabin with a hot tub and view, and we will be there.  Oh, if the tv is on at home, it is either on a Cubs game or HGTV.

What were you like in high school?

• In high school, I was an athlete, a singer, and a huge fan of ice cream.  Fifteen years later, I am married with children, still a huge fan of ice cream, I still sing, and I will do as much athletic activity as my body will allow!

Why did you decide to be a teacher and what do you like most about it?

• I decided to be a teacher because it made sense with where my moral compass was/is aligned. Sure, there are jobs that could include more travel, more benefits, a fancier lifestyle…but in the end, if I cannot feel good about what I’m doing, I simply cannot do it. What I like and enjoy most about the profession is seeing the AH-HA moment in a student’s eyes when they grasp a concept.  Learning is a powerful tool, and if you stick your mind to it, you can do anything!  

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

• I wanted to be a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs!

What is currently your favorite quote?

• Stop waiting for things to happen. Go out and make them happen!

What is your favorite and least favorite food?

• I love ice cream and sushi (minus the roe), but I really don’t like cauliflower.

What are three fun facts about yourself?

1. I have sung for 21 Major League Baseball games
2. I have been to Las Vegas sixteen times.  
3. I will never hesitate admitting if I’m wrong about something.

What is a word of advice you would like to offer your current and future students?

• ASK!  If you don’t know something and want to know it, ask someone who knows.  And do your best to make every day a great one!

Mr. Kline

Mathematics Curriculum and Technology Integration Specialist

What is your current relationship status?

• I have been married eleven years to my wife, Terra.

Do you have children and or pets?

• Together we have three kids, Alyse (8), Keegan (5), and Kodi (2).  We have two dogs, Diddy, who is twelve, and a part German Shepard, part Beagle mix and Dorothy, who is three, and is a Rat Terrier.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• I read a lot on Twitter.  I love to read books as well.  Non-fiction is my favorite so I can continue on my quest to become the most intelligent man in the world!  I am a big fan of Sons of Anarchy and The Office.  Any funny movie that has come out in the past 20+ years I like to quote.  My favorite sport is golf, although I don’t get to play as much anymore because of my dearest children.

What were you like in high school?

• I was preppy/nerdy.  I did have a nice part in my hair back then though!  I took all the Honors and AP classes there were.  My dad was the “tough guy teacher” in the building.  I had him my last semester of high school for Economics.  One day he asked me four questions and I think I only got one right.  Needless to say, I was at home studying Econ right after school that day.

Why did you decide to be a teacher and what do you like most about it?

• I decided to be a teacher because I love being around people and helping them.  There isn’t a better feeling in the world than helping teach someone something and then watching their eyes light up once they understand it.  The relationships you make with others is second to none as well.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

• I wanted to be a veterinarian or a PGA pro golfer.

What is currently your favorite quote?

• “People that think they know everything annoy those of us that do.”  :)

What is your favorite and least favorite food?

• I really like pepperoni pizza, but about anything made by Mitchell’s Mexican Grill is quickly climbing up the ladder!  Their sopapillas are amazing!  My least favorite food would be mushrooms.  The texture and feel of it sliding down your throat when you are eating it is pretty nasty and unforgettable.

What are three fun facts about yourself?

1. I like to wear bow ties!
2. I love 90s and 2000s hip-hop music!
3. I was awarded The Most Energetic Dancer award at my high school’s 30 hour dance marathon.

What is a word of advice you would like to offer your current and future students?

• The things you do in high school are very important because they help define you as you move into adulthood.  However, once you get your diploma, no one will ever ask you your class rank.  They will just ask how respectful and how hard of a worker you are.

Ms. Adams

Education Professions, Child Development, Interior Design, Fashion Design

What is your current relationship status?

• I am engaged to Aaron Albitz and we plan on being married within the year, hopefully within the next 6 months!

Do you have children and or pets?

• I have six kids, Quincy, who is seventeen and a senior; Madeline, who  is twelve and in seventh grade; Carter, who is eleven and in fifth grade; Keeton, who is eight and in high ability third grade; Preston, who is five and is in first grade; and Gavin, who is four and trying to get into preschool. My three soon-to-be step-kids are Brayton, who is thirteen and in seventh grade; Isabell who is eleven and is in sixth grade, and Tristan who is also eleven and in sixth grade.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• I love to spend time with Aaron and our kids. I also LOVE to read and play those stupid games on Facebook.

What were you like in high school?

• I was an average student in high school. I had a great group of friends. I enjoyed being in band and on the Pom squad.

Why did you decide to be a teacher and what do you like most about it?

• I started my teaching career as an associate professor in nursing. I love to see students during their “ah-ha” moments. It is so rewarding when they graduate and you know that you were part of that process.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

• I wanted to be a physical therapist.

What is currently your favorite quote?

• Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”

What is your favorite and least favorite food?

• My favorite food is cheeseburgers, but I do not care much for peas.

What are three fun facts about yourself?

1. I love to journal.
2. I have a miniature poodle named Baxter.
3. I used to be a dancer.

What is a word of advice you would like to offer your current and future students?

• Listen to your teachers when they give you advice about your future. Have fun, but be responsible!

Mr. Landis

Language Arts 11, 11 AP Language and Composition, 12 AP Literature and Composition

What is your current relationship status?

• I’m married to Jennifer Landis, who currently teaches seventh grade English Language Arts at Delphi Middle School.

Do you have children and or pets?

• We have a zoo!  Kaitlyn, my daughter, is a sophomore at Delphi and Tyler, my son, is in seventh grade at Delphi.  We have three dogs, a Bichon Frise named Asha, a Chocolate Lab named Hershey, and a Pit Bull named Chloe, as well as two cats, a black and white shorthair named Oreo and a tortoise shell shorthair named Reese.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• Most of our weekends are spent travelling due to both of our kids playing travel sports.  Tyler is in baseball and Kaitlyn is in softball.

What were you like in high school?

Why did you decide to be a teacher and what do you like most about it?

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

What is currently your favorite quote?

What is your favorite and least favorite food?

What are three fun facts about yourself?

What is a word of advice you would like to offer your current and future students?