Ms. Machelle Miramontes, Teacher of the Month August 2008

When fifth grade student Maiya Best of Boulder Creek Elementary School received a flier about the Dollars for Books Program in her classroom "mailbox” last school year, she knew that she wanted to write an essay about her teacher Ms. Machelle Miramontes. "I didn't know if I could do it," says Maiya, “or if I'd be chosen."

She credits the encouragement of her 8-year-old brother Elijah for the writing of the letter. "He's the one who said to me, 'You can do it!'" Excerpts from her winning essay state: "My teacher is helpful, kind-spirited, and really fashionable. The way she teaches us is good. I always understand her. When we need help she will always be there."

North State Parent Magazine and Shasta Eye Medical Group, Inc. in Redding are pleased to present Teacher of the Month for August 2008: Ms. Machelle Miramontes, fourth grade teacher at Boulder Creek School in Redding.

"I'm proud of Maiya for her motivation and integrity, and for her drive to support her school and teacher,” says Ms. Miramontes. "I was so happy to hear about this-- it was such a blessing with everything else that's been crazy in my life." (This recognition as Teacher of the Month comes after the recent passing of her husband from cancer.)

When asked what she enjoys most about teaching, Miramontes replies without hesitation: "The kids! They make me laugh. Every day I learn something from them, and everyday they keep me on my toes. I never know what they'll ask me next."

She also says that with funding cuts each year, it's scary to know that schools won't have resources like they use to. "Teachers often spend money out of their own pockets for their classrooms. It's truly a gift, a blessing, to be given these resources for the library," says Ms. Miramontes.

Boulder Creek School Librarian Diana Peacock was pleased to hear about the nomination of Ms. Miramontes, and the monetary donation. "She deserves it," says Ms. Peacock. "She really encourages her students to read. This award really fits. And we can provide more top-quality books for the kids, which is what I really like to do—to get good quality books into their hands."

3190 Churn Creek Rd., Redding, CA 96002
900 Butte St., Redding, CA 96001
530.223.2500 / 800.443.4044
www.ShastaEye.com


Bruce Silverstein, MD	Christopher Lin, MD, FACS	Robert Trent, MD	Bryan Crum, MD

Shasta Eye Medical Group, Inc. offers an array of services in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. There are four board-certified ophthalmologists (physicians specializing in surgery and diseases of the eye) with expertise in many areas: comprehensive eye exams, glaucoma and diabetic eye health services including surgery, cataract surgery, LASIK, corneal transplants, allergic and dry eyes, as well as glasses and contact lenses.

The practice has been a regional eye center for over 15 years, serving the needs of Shasta and surrounding counties. Bryan Crum, MD; Bruce Silverstein, MD; Christopher Lin, MD, FACS; and Robert Trent, MD provide routine eye exams and comprehensive sub-specialty eye-care in two Redding locations: one at 3190 Churn Creek Rd. and one at 900 Butte St. Their Ambulatory Surgery Center is located next to the Butte St. office.

Shasta Eye Medical Group, Inc. believes that books provide a perspective for children outside their own world and broadens their horizons, in addition to inspiring their curiosity and love for learning. "I fell in love with reading as a young boy," says Dr. Crum. "I remember wanting to solve mysteries like Encyclopedia Brown, or how to live off the land as in Call it Courage."

With a new school year just around the corner, Shasta Eye Medical Group, Inc. is encouraging parents to make sure that their children have no vision obstacles to becoming an avid reader. They offer the following information: Signs that your child may not be seeing well can include squinting, headaches, or complaints of blurred vision. Some children are either embarrassed to say anything about their vision, or they may not know that other people see the world more clearly than they do. For these children, signs of poor vision may include a drop in grades. We recommend an exam before beginning kindergarten, and every few years thereafter if things are healthy. If glasses are needed, exams will be more frequent.

Providing compassionate, comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical and surgical eye care to their patients is the primary mission of Shasta Eye Medical Group. They strive to be the eye health resource not only for their patients, but for other health care professionals in the area as well.

Shasta Eye Medical Group, Inc. is pleased to sponsor the Dollars for Books Program. They realize how important books are to kids becoming the best they can be, and are privileged to join North State Parent in congratulating Ms. Miramontes of Boulder Creek Elementary School as being chosen as Teacher of the Month for August 2008.

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