Meet Suzanne Black, my new next-door neighbor this year. If you don’t know her, you should get to know her as soon as possible to greatly improve your life. If you don’t love her the second you meet her, there’s something wrong with you at a deep emotional level. Suzanne is one of those teachers that can easily put things into perspective for you, with her vast Southern wisdom. She is always smiling and always cheerful, and she can tell a story in a way that would put Aesop and the brothers Grimm to shame. Even when the stress of AB Calculus get to her, it never stops her from being the kindest and warmest person. Thank you, Suzanne, for being one of the main reasons I enjoy coming to work every day.

I have the most thoughtful teammates and students ever!! In honor of my birthday today, they dressed up in blue and khaki, and it was awesome!! Thank you all so much for making today extra special!!

Thank you Michele Zugaro, Don Kemp, Krissy Baker, Paul Lidster, John Watkins, Eve Engelbrite, Lowell Johnson, Suzanne Black, Mary Jo Wilt, Ryan B., Tomas O., Grace H., and Stella Y.

This young man is an AP Calculus student, a talented musician, a Coppell Red Jacket … the list goes on. He is smart, talented, and always puts his best foot forward. I was particularly humbled when he came up to campus on an exam day (from which he was exempt), to take this photo with me. Trevor has so many options open to him when he leaves high school at the end of this year; I’m excited to learn which path he pursues, and I’m glad I got the opportunity to teach him as a student and to know him as a person.

This year, I’ve moved to a new hall with new neighbors. It’s been an adjustment, but all of the teachers have made the transition much easier. Dayna Bryant, AP Physics guru, is one of my new neighbors, and it is her blend of kindness and brilliance that inspires me daily. We sometimes arrive at school at the same time, so that gives us a chance to chat while we talk, and she is definitely one of the unsung heroes of CHS. She is knowledgeable and innovative, supportive and patient with her students, and helpful to me when I’ve needed it. All the while, she maintains a sense of peace and humility that is rarely seen. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know her this year, and I look forward to the rest of this year with such a fantastic neighbor and friend.

I am happy for any opportunity I get to say great things about Michael Brock. He is the IB Coordinator at Coppell High School, so I have had the pleasure of working side-by-side with him over the past several years. He is a brilliant teacher, a devoted husband and father to his family, and a true friend and confidant. He deserves much respect and honor, but is content just to serve his students and family every day. It is a true joy to know him and learn from him every day. Thank you, Michael Brock, for everything you do to impact my life and the lives of everyone who knows you.

Another one of my fantastic students! Raza is always cheerful and eager to learn, even at the end of the day during my Calculus class. His smile and sense of humor are a welcome addition to the class, and I can honestly say that I’m lucky to know him.

It’s quite serendipitous when I find someone wearing a blue shirt and khaki pants during my daily routine. But it’s quite flattering when someone goes to the effort of wearing a blue shirt and khaki pants intentionally. Kyle is a student in my Calculus BC class. He’s extremely smart and charming, and definitely one of the reasons I look forward to 4th period every day. I’m genuine excited to hear of his upcoming accomplishments as he heads off to college next year.

Mary Jo, calculus teacher extraordinaire, but what truly makes her special is her ability to organize and throw excellent department parties. Whether it’s for a birthday, or just because we haven’t seen each other in a while, Mary Jo makes sure that all math teachers feel welcome and included as we gather in her room, eat wonderful food, and share stories with each other like a family.

Ronak is in my Calculus class, and to say he’s a character is an understatement. He’s a sharp dresser, a talented dancer, and a worthy opponent in a battle of wits. I enjoy teaching him this year, and I look forward to teaching him again next year when he’s in my IB Math class.

Mr. Orlopp and I used to be right across the hall from each other. A formidable member of the IB team, teaching senior English, and the only man I know with a drier wit than mine. We’ve become close friends in a short period of time, mainly because of our close-knit IB teacher community, and I am very thankful for his leadership and camaraderie. Sadly, we are not in the same hall anymore, but we do get to spend Tuesday and Thursday mornings tutoring in the library together, and there’s always the annual murder mystery party to look forward to. I would follow this man to the ends of the earth, even if he admitted to being even a little disoriented. He’s a loyal friend and an incredible teacher.