08/27/12 Plymouth Schools new elementary art teacher, Lyra Skinner, splits her time between Washington and Menominee Elementary Schools. She will also be involved in high ability programs one day a week.
Skinner, originally from Marian, IN, attended Indiana Wesleyan University with the former art teacher Haley Church. Church moved to Plymouth High School at the beginning of this school year.
Skinner said, “Art had always been my outlet. In school, I had an inspiring art teacher who believed I could do something with my art.” Skinner said her teacher entered her work in contests and devoted extra time to help her find where her abilities lie.
Skinner said, “I feel really blessed to be able to work in the Plymouth Schools.”
In her spare time, she enjoys creating her own art projects in drawing, pencils, painting and water colors.
She is certified to teach grades K-12.
Natalie (Caban) Branda started at Menominee Elementary last spring as a substitute for a teacher on leave. The 2006 Plymouth High School graduate has 13 students in the special education class.
She said, “I started in the high school teacher cadet program with Mrs. Diane Lyons. I was really nervous about helping in the special education class at first, but found I liked it.”
Branda is glad to be teaching in Plymouth. She said, “I loved going to school here and this is a way to give back.” After graduation from PHS, she worked at Lincoln Junior High part-time and also helped care for a child from the time he was born until he started kindergarten.
Helping Branda in the classroom are aides Sherri Maxwell and Laura Garza.
Carol Anders Correspondent
