North State Parent magazine

Mrs. Cheryl Keiner, 1st Grade Teacher, Mount Shasta Elementary School

In his winning essay, 1st grader Cooper Beggs of Mount Shasta Elementary School nominates his teacher, Cheryl Keiner: "Mrs. Keiner is super because she has a great personality. I like the way she reads to our class during story time. Mrs. Keiner taught me how to read and enjoy books. I also like that she thinks up fun activities for my class. Mrs. Keiner makes learning fun!"

North State Parent Magazine and Robin Harris, new owner of Pomodoro in Mount Shasta, are proud to present our Teacher of the Month for March 2008: Mrs. Cheryl Keiner, 1st Grade teacher at Mount Shasta Elementary School.

"What a privilege it is to not only be nominated but also to be chosen for this unique award," said surprised teacher Cheryl Keiner.

Mrs. Keiner's philosophy is that teaching is a family affair. "It is important to me that I acknowledge the unique role I play within the dynamics of a family. I try to be sensitive to the delicate inner workings which create a family structure, and offer as much support as possible to make their child's educational experience a positive one. Knowing and establishing a relationship with my students and their families is critical in the child's academic success."

Mrs. Keiner goes on to say that the opportunity to select books with Cooper will allow him to have direct input in choosing books that appeal to children. She adds, "Empowering our students to make good choices that directly affect their future and the future of others is a true opportunity."

Mount Shasta Elementary School Principal Sally Gasaway expresses her gratitude: "I am very proud of all the staff and students at Mt. Shasta Elementary School. We are very honored to receive this award and would like to thank North State Parent Magazine for providing the opportunity for students to share their thoughts about their teachers." Both Mrs. Keiner and Principal Gasaway would like to thank North State Parent Magazine and Robin Harris of Pomodoro for their generous and heartfelt donation.
 

With majestic Mount Shasta as nature's perfect backdrop, Pomodoro is a mountain-community treasure that enjoys an established reputation as the place to go in Mt. Shasta for unique cards, stationary and gifts. Robin Harris is Pomodoro's proud new owner, and is thrilled with her new store and it's popular small-town Main Street setting. "It's a darling little building with a wonderful location," she says.

As new owner, Robin says, "The big thing for people to realize is that it's going to be a constantly evolving store. I'm very excited about the new products that have just come in, and there's much more on the way. We're adding a lot, mainly furnishings and lighting, as well as towels and linens, and there are many wonderful new gift items too. I think people will be pleasantly surprised."

Robin's involvement with home décor and the lighting and furniture industry is second nature; her father was a lighting manufacturer and a strong source of inspiration for Robin as she learned about design. Some of the lighting currently available at Pomodoro represents her father's original work.

Robin plans to expand the current offerings of some of Pomodoro's most popular product lines as well as add new selections of bed, bath, kitchen, home furnishings and décor that are not currently found in the area. "The biggest product line we currently carry is Thymes, which is predominately bath & kitchen products, with a children's line as well. Thymes is very popular, so we'll be offering much more of their products."

Robin and her family have lived in Mt. Shasta for about 24 years. Her children grew up here, her daughter attended Mt. Shasta Elementary School, and now her granddaughter attends as well. Sharing her enthusiasm about literacy she says, "I love books and am adamant that children learn to read well, and just as importantly, that they learn to enjoy books." Finding subject matter that captures a young reader is part of the magic. Robin's girls developed a love of horses through books that began when they were young and carried through as they grew.

Robin says that the literacy program at Mt. Shasta Elementary School has had a tremendous impact on the Harris family. "My granddaughter is in the reading program, and my grandson is in the Preschool Special Eduation Program. I'm very happy with the literacy program that the teachers and staff embrace," she says. "Even the after-school program incorporates the reading program-- children are read to and taken to the library every day."

Pomodoro is very pleased to sponsor the Dollars For Books Program. Robin Harris joins North State Parent in congratulating Teacher of the Month for March 2008, Mrs. Cheryl Keiner. We are delighted for the families of Mt. Shasta Elementary School students and staff who will benefit from new books in their school's library.