Trucker Buddies of the Month
TRUCKER BUDDY
Sponsored by: Detroit Diesel, Freightliner, and Western Star Drew Johnson has been selected as the Truck- K.C. Brau has been selected as the Trucker Buddy of the month for October 2009. He is the buddy for Ms. Connie McGinnis' 5th grade classes in Tylertown, Mississippi for the past 4 years. Mr. Brau has been so faithful in teaching, emailing and sending treats to her students. "He is our eyes seeing much of the United States. When a postcard comes in, the students read it. Then we find the place on the map and put a star. In his emails Mr. Brau is always giving us a brain teaser. Not only does he send pictures and Social Studies questions, but Math and Science, too," says Ms. McGinnis. Mr. Brau brings his red truck to the classroom and then the students put a face to the letters, postcards, and emails. The children were allowed to see the "big rig" truck as the kids called it and Mr. Brau answers many questions. Mr. Brau lives in Texas and drives for Crete Carriers. Ms. McGinnis says, "I invited my former class, now in the 6th grade, to come and meet their former Trucker Buddy. The students will never forget when Mr. K C came to town. I have been a member with Trucker Buddy International since the very beginning of the program. I am a true believer in this organization, because I have witnessed the benefits. It is funny because Mr. Brau has even mentioned how the students writing and letter skills improve during the school year. Mr. Brau is a natural at his job.
Spring 2010
MONTH
of the
SEPTEMBER 2009
OCTOBER 2009
er Buddy of the Month for November. After Ms. Lisa Godley's 5th grade class at Chocowinity Middle School received notification that it hadbeen assigned to work with Mr. Drew Johnson it has been a "roller coaster" ride every since. "He has gone above and beyond his duties as a pen pal. He e-mails, sends postcards, pictures, and writes letters to my class on a weekly basis. My students have learned so much from him! When Mr. Drew writes our class the letters are usually 3-5 pages long and are very detailed about his journeys." Her class has had the opportunity to see the world through Mr. Drew eyes'. He is constantly explaining or asking questions about different states and cities, which ties into our math and social studies curriculum. This has in return sparks an interest in my students asking him math questions. Ms. Godley announced that the students were even assigned a task of creating a name for his truck which was named the "Duke Express" after his dog. Amika Kali, an intern for the class, noted that Drew Johnson had a signature message for the students, "Be safe, be kind, be you" and it's very encouraging for the kids. When she gets her own classroom she will sign up with Trucker Buddy too.
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