From the KFHS Class of 1998, Jessie Muhleman takes the Faculty Friday alumni spotlight this week. Over the last 22 years, Jessie has worked in the district as a substitute, instructional aide, and kindergarten teacher. Her Southdale students benefit from the strong community partnerships with Five Rivers MetroParks and the adjacent Habitat Environmental Center that “truly enhance our learning experiences!” As a child, Jessie enjoyed KARE & Future Problem Solving competitions with Skip Stiles, learning Spanish with Mrs. Dunaway-Haney, participating inUnited Student Body with Roger Bauser, and cheering for the football team on Friday nights. A fond memory she treasures is, “the anticipation and joy I felt when my favorite teacher, Mrs. Lude, read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe to my third grade class. I fell in love with reading through that read aloud experience.” Today, Jessie loves visiting National Parks, practicing tai chi, skiing, and hiking with her lab, Kevin. She collaborates with community members to implement suggestions from the book The Anxious Generation, including promoting more independence, free play, and responsibility in the real world for children. Jessie’s passion for our community led her to become part of the Kettering Leadership Academy in 2013; her KLA cohort installed a large stone circle at Habitat Environmental Center, creating a space for students, staff, and families to connect and learn in nature. “It is a delight to see how it is used for outdoor learning, community gatherings, and nature play.” #connection #legacy #parks #excellence #EverFaithful