The CHIEF November 2022

Scholastic Bowl By: Caroline Paulson

The first meeting for Scholastic Bowl was October 26th, but there’s still time to join! Scholastic Bowl meets every Wednesday after school from 3:10-4:00. We have a great team this year, but new members are always welcome. Junior Varsity is coached by Mrs. Buchanan, and Varsity is coached by Mr. McElwee. I’m looking forward to a great season!

New Teacher Interview By: Addisyn Mckinney

This year at PTHS, we gladly welcome Ms. Brenda Martinez, one of our new Spanish teachers! Ms. Martinez went to college and finished with her bachelors in 2009 but she did not immediately go into teaching. She then went back to college in 2019 to become a certified teacher in Spanish. By the time she was 18 years old she switched her focus in college from being a professor to becoming a teacher. However, before deciding to become a Spanish teacher, she did think about becoming an English teacher. The world of language and the tie in with culture intrigued her interest and curiosity. According to Ms. Martinez, “language without culture does not influence each other.” This shows the big emphasis on how language can influence different types and styles of cultures. Prior to teaching Spanish at PTHS, Ms. Martinez tutored and translated Spanish to those who were learning the language themselves. She also became a paraprofessional and was also a substitute for LaSalle county alternative schools. During her first year at PTHS, Ms. Martinez feels very welcome and feels like she has a place at our school. She says “Being a teacher is difficult but I enjoy helping and teaching my students.” It truly shows her passion for teaching and how much she loves helping her students learn.