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Yucca Elementary Students in Ms. Ripley’s fifth-grade class at Yucca ponder questions from the novel "Hatchet" before reading time begins. Ripley is a first-year teacher, but having grown up in Artesia, she knows that quality education is important. (One in a series of new school teachers in Artesia.) ARTESIA — This Artesia teacher is a real Artesian. Ms. Ripley was born and raised in Artesia, was an Artesia High School graduate and is now teaching at Yucca Elementary School. Her fifth-grade classroom is alive and vibrant with youngsters asking questions and following instructions. Ripley says her philosophy of teaching is "to let my students know they have the potential and capability to strive to be the best they can be." And it shows. Before continuing on the novel "Hatchet," students are asked questions and it seems each one knows something about the book and its meaning. Students are challenged to think beyond the written page and make assumptions, one of the keys to understanding literature. Ms. Ripley recently graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelor’s degree and this is her first teaching assignment. However, it is clear that she has a knack for teaching and understanding these youngsters as she takes time to make students aware of what is going on and take responsibility for their actions. Ms. Ripley enjoys camping, reading and spending time with family and friends. |