Welcome Back!
We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another exciting year at Post-Franklin Elementary. Our incredible staff is dedicated to your children's success both in school and in life. They are what makes our school truly special. We know this year will be a new and different adventure, but we are excited to start the school year and to get to know each Post-Franklin student even more, whether they will be learning virtually or in-person. Read below to learn more about each of our amazing teachers and support staff at Post-Franklin Elementary.
Sima Thurman, Principal
Hello Post Franklin Families! My name is Sima Thurman and I have had the privilege of being the Principal of Post Franklin School Since 2017. After spending 16 years teaching grades K - 6th, I was excited to expand my role in serving children by joining the Battle Creek Public School Team. Now, together with a team of amazing and creative teachers at Post Franklin, I am committed to providing your family with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning. Here at PF, we know that the development of Literacy skills is our most important work, and we strive to create and maintain a safe environment for learning, where your child can grow and thrive. Thank you for sharing your precious children with us and welcome to the Post Franklin Family!
Susan Lawson, School Administrative Assistant
My name is Susan Lawson. I am married with five children, eight grandchildren and two more to be born in December. I am starting my 20th year with BCPS, this being my 4th with Post Franklin. This is my dream job, working with great educators and the joy of being around little children all day long. My favorite book is a new favorite because I have to read it to my granddaughter every time I visit her. It is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. We read it and laugh, what a fun book. Though my favorite place to eat is at home, if we do eat out we have a special drive-in we go to called the High Lite. They have great burgers and serve refreshing root beer in a frosted mug. My hobby is to curl up in a chair with my kindle and get lost in a book. Since the COVID-19 hit, I have been to many exciting places in this kindle and have read around 40 books. This is my new addiction.
Veronica Lopshire, Instructional Coach
I am Veronica (Ronni) Lopshire and this will be my 21st year with Battle Creek Public Schools. For 17 of those years, I was a classroom teacher and taught all elementary grades except kindergarten. This will be my 4th year as the Instructional Coach at Post-Franklin. I am excited for another school year!
- My favorite book when I was a child was, "The Pokey Little Puppy."
- My favorite restaurant in Battle Creek is The Fire Hub.
- One of the things that my husband and I enjoy doing is traveling.
Heidi Turchan, Literacy Specialist
Hello Post-Franklin families! Books and reading are a daily part of my life and I can’t wait to share this love with your children! This is my third year with BCPS, 23rd year as a reading specialist. I live in Portage with my husband and am mom to Parker (20), Karly (18), and Carson (16). I love to take long walks with our dog Lola, read, cook, camp, sit on the beach and watch my kids’ athletic events. My favorite children’s book is “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt.
Jennifer Reif, 2nd Grade Teacher
My name is Jennifer Reif and the 2020/2021 school year will be my 25th year of teaching. I am proud to say that I have spent my entire teaching career with Battle Creek Public Schools. I am also proud to say that I am a product of Battle Creek Public Schools; attending Urbandale Elementary, Northwestern Junior High and graduating from Battle Creek Central High School. I earned my teaching degree from Michigan State University. Go Green! The majority of my teaching experience has been working with second-grade students. I love teaching second grade! I am always amazed by how much the students grow in a school year and seeing their faces light up when they have accomplished something they have worked so hard to achieve is the best part of my job!
I know this school year will be way different than any other school year that I have ever taught. I am up for the challenge and looking forward to welcoming a whole new group of students into my classroom. I can’t wait to get to know each of them and do lots of learning together! My favorite children’s book is anything written by Jan Brett. Not only is she a great author, but her illustrations are also amazing! I like to share many of her books with my class throughout the school year. My favorite restaurant in Battle Creek is Clara’s. They have a huge menu and so many yummy things to choose from. I also like the history of the building that the restaurant is in. When I am not in the classroom, I spend a lot of time watching and cheering on our son while he plays soccer and basketball. When I am not doing that, I love to read, spend time with my family and take our family dog for walks.
Cathy Connor , 2nd Grade Teacher
Hello! My name is Miss Connor and this will be my fourteenth year of teaching first grade. I am so excited to get this school year started and to meet all of my new students and their families. I just received my master’s degree in reading and I’m looking forward to engaging the kids in my classroom with quality lessons that will promote a love of learning and books. I enjoy teaching first grade because it’s hands-on, fun, and I get to sing all day and my kids actually enjoy it (unlike my family).
I will begin our year by reading my favorite book “Elmer” by David McKee. It’s about a very colorful elephant. Have you ever heard of Elmer? His body looks like a patchwork quilt! I have a 22-year-old son. His name is Austin and he is in his last year of college. Hopefully, we will be able to have visitors this year because Austin likes to come in and read to my kids. My favorite restaurant in Battle Creek is San Francisco Taqueria because the tacos are delicious and the staff is friendly and fun. I will be giving out my personal phone number and my school email address to each of my families so we can communicate when needed. I can’t wait to begin our amazing year! GO Bearcats!!
Mrs. Portteus, 2nd Grade Teacher
Hi friends! My name is Mrs.Portteus and I am super excited to be a second-grade teacher at Post Franklin this year. I have been a teacher for Battle Creek Public schools for 8 years. I have taught second grade for the last 4 years, first grade for 2 years, and 3rd/4th grade for one year.
I have 4 children and 2 adorable granddaughters. I love spending the day at the beach, watching the Cincinnati Reds play baseball and enjoying time with my family. I can not wait to meet all of you and teach you new things and help you to be awesome learners! I look forward to a great year with all of my students. I am so lucky to be part of the Post Franklin learning community! :)
Yanira Rosario, 2nd Grade
My name is Yanira Rosario and this is my second year teaching second grade with Battle Creek Public Schools. I grew up in Puerto Rico and have been here for the last 12 years. I have 2 children: Yari (22), Abdiel (18). My favorite book is The cat in the hat. When I am not teaching I love gardening. I look forward to many more years here.
Morgan Szcodronski, 1st Grade Teacher
My name is Morgan Szcodronski (skid-ron-ski) and I am a first-grade teacher at Post Franklin Elementary. This is my second year as a teacher and with the district, but my first year at Post. Last year, I taught kindergarten at Fremont International Academy. I have attended Central Michigan University and Schoolcraft college for both photojournalism and elementary education. When I am not in school, I like to travel to my family's lake home and go camping with my husband. Bare with me as I get used to saying husband and Mrs. Szcodronski, because we just got married on August 1st! I am excited to have a great year with your first graders!
- The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors is my favorite funny book and Sulwe is my favorite book with a strong message (and beautiful illustrations).
- Favorite Restaurant? Hands down San Francisco Number 2 and Shwe Mandalay! We never go out to eat anywhere else, because we are always craving these two!
- I used to be a full-time nanny of a little boy who is now 4, so my favorite thing to do is to visit him and take him to fun places! He is the reason I became a teacher and one of the hardest parts of social distancing and quarantine has been not being able to see him!
Jessica Dotson, 1st Grade Teacher
Hello everyone, my name is Jessica Dotson and I’m a first-grade teacher at Post Franklin. I am thrilled to be a teacher at such a wonderful school. I have three daughters named Olivia, Lucy and Madelyn. We love to go on family walks together. I am so excited to see our families at school. A few things about me; I love to eat at Dionisio’s, it’s right around the corner from the school. My favorite is their chicken gyro, yum! My favorite book is The Giving Tree. My classroom is all about being a family and I love how the boy in the book is so kind to others. I enjoy moving my body around for some exercise. Being healthy is very important to me.
Steve Phenicie , 1st Grade Teacher
My name is Steve Phenicie (rhymes with Tennessee... Ph= F sound) and this will be my sixth year teaching Kindergarten at Post-Franklin and taught preschool for 16 yrs prior to this. I was born and raised in Kalamazoo; attended and graduated from Western Michigan University, and live in Kalamazoo with my wife and 3 children. My daughter Aubrey is 15, my son Aiden is 13 and my youngest son Liam is turning 9 at the beginning of this school year. My favorite children's book is Abiyoyo, my favorite restaurant in Battle Creek is Nina's Taqueria and I love to play pretty much ANY sport.
Mrs. Katie Bender, 1st Grade Teacher
Hello, my name is Katie Bender and this is my third year teaching Kindergarten at Post-Franklin. I grew up in the small town of Delton, Michigan, and attended college at Western Michigan University. When I am not teaching, I am spending time with my two wonderful children: Brice (4) and Hazel (2). In my free time, I enjoy many outdoor activities such as camping, snowmobiling, and gardening. My favorite children’s book is Junie B. Jones; she is bold, funny, and a very relatable character for children. My favorite fast-food restaurant to eat at in Battle-Creek is Qdoba.
Mrs. Doud, Kindergarten Teacher
Hi, my name is Kathleen Doud and I have had the privilege of teaching for BCPS for 35 years. Kindergarten is THE best place in the world to be!! I am so excited to begin a new school year. I grew up in South Haven, MI and it has a very special place in my heart. I am married and we have two grown children, who have given us the most precious little people that call me “Mimi”. These two, Emma and Emmett, have blessed us beyond measure. Let the new Kindergarten Adventures begin!!!
- My favorite children’s book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!
- My favorite Battle Creek restaurant is Clara’s!
- My hobby or something I enjoy doing in my free time, “What free time?” I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Lavon Hunt, Pre-K/GSRP Lead Teacher
Hi! I’m LaVon Hunt. I have been teaching Pre-K / GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program) for 20 years! I also operated a child care business in my home for 12 years. Young children’s natural sense of wonder and boundless energy has always fascinated and inspired me. Most of my playtime as a child took place out of doors – trees (sixty acres worth,) sand and small ponds! My first two years of elementary school took place at a two-room country school. My favorite children’s book is Heidi – about a girl whose play took place out of doors!
I received my Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Muskegon Community College and Grand Valley State University. I majored in Early Childhood Education and minored in Spanish. My family includes my husband of 41 years, a daughter and two sons. And speaking of boundless energy, I also have five grandchildren ranging in age from 10 months to six years!
My main hobby is sewing – especially taking old pieces of fabric or clothing and creating something new! Yes, I’ve made lots of masks! I also love baseball, football and basketball – watching and playing!
Cheryl Lambdin, Resource Room Teacher
My name is Mrs. Lambdin and I am a Special Education Resource Teacher at Post-Franklin Elementary School. My favorite color is red and I love animals! My new favorite children’s book is Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari. I am excited to work with students this school year!
Laura McWethy, Virtual Teacher
My name is Laura McWethy and I am pleased to have been educating students for the past 35 years. I have taught 29 1/2 years in grades pre-K to 8th grade spending the majority of my time in K-4. I have also spent a combined 4 1/2 years as an administrator and a Director of Curriculum and Instruction and District Data Director over a 4 school charter system in the Detroit-Metro area. I hold a Masters's degree in Educational Leadership and have 24 hours toward a second Master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. This is my third year here at Post-Franklin Elementary School. I am excited to return as a 1st-grade teacher for our students that have chosen to learn virtually this school year.
I look forward to guiding our students on a successful journey in BCPS’s first “virtual school year” option. I look forward to teaming with my students and parents and am eager to experience the impact I will make in their lives which will add an increased gratifying impact in my own life. Some of my favorite things include one of my favorite children’s books is Stella-Luna which means “star” and “moon”. This story talks about how a person’s identity is shaped by one’s strengths and limitations as well as their relationships with one another and has beautiful pictures of a mother and baby bat. My favorite local restaurant is Chili’s and I love eating pizza too! During my free time, I love to play with my three dogs, sew, and make crafts with my Cricut machine.
Ms. Hamlin K-5 ELL Teacher
Hello, My name is Keri Hamlin and I am the ELL teacher at Post-Franklin and Verona Elementary schools. This is my sixth year of teaching - five years with Battle Creek Public Schools and one year in South Korea. I have two spoiled cats named Ollivander and Edgar, my favorite children’s book is Harry Potter, my favorite Battle Creek restaurant is Mango Healthy Fruit & Food, and one of my favorite hobbies is reading. I am so excited to teach at Post-Franklin again this year! This school is very special.
Mr. Robert Herrick, Music Teacher
Hi, my name is Mr. Herrick. I have taught music for Battle Creek Public Schools for 20 years. My favorite children’s book is “The Giving Tree,” by Shel Silverstein. My favorite restaurants in Battle Creek are Applebee’s and Taco Bell. When I’m not doing music, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three kids. We enjoy doing things outside like hiking, swimming, traveling, camping, playing games, and riding mini-bikes and motorcycles. I am excited about coming back to Post Franklin, and I’m looking forward to having fun making music with everyone!
Mary Burlingame R.N., Post-Franklin Nurse
Hello, My name is Mary Burlingame R.N, but everyone calls me “Nurse Mary.” I am the Post Franklin Nurse. I have been an RN for 37 years in ICU, Pediatric ICU and Home Health care. Over the past 18 years, I have had the honor of working at BCPS , serving students from pre-k to high school. In my time off I enjoy camping, reading and crocheting. I look forward to assisting you and your family!
