This week the fifth-grade teachers are in the spotlight. Mrs. Mary Price has taught second, fourth and fifth grades in Front Royal and Warrenton, Virginia. Miss Alexandra Van Luven previously taught kindergarten in Salem, Virginia. Both ladies love teaching children and enjoy those “aha moments.” Miss Van Luven states that “a lot of my family members are teachers.” She has been working with children since she was fourteen years old. Mrs. Price commented, “I love helping kids learn.” Mrs. Karen Bradley is currently a long-term sub in the third fifth-grade classroom.
Mrs. Bradley retired from Craig County public schools. She and her husband Barry live in New Castle. During her spare time, Mrs. Bradley enjoys reading and quilting.
Mrs. Price and her husband Todd live in the Oriskany area. They bought the property twelve years ago and built a log cabin six years ago when they retired. Todd is a retired Fairfax County paramedic and firefighter. They also have a son named Josh that resides in Front Royal. Mrs. Price is no longer retired, and this marks her second year at McCleary. They have a goofy dog named Bandit that lives with them. In her spare time, Mrs. Price enjoys reading.
Miss Van Luven was born in Fauquier County, Virginia and moved to Salem in 2006. She graduated from Salem High School and received a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Radford University. She has a daughter named Makenna that is two years old. They have two dogs, Harlan and Bentley. Miss Van Luven loves country music. She also enjoys fishing, kayaking, and at home movies with her family.
Miss Van Luven commented, “I love how easy it is to build relationships with the students and faculty members. We are a very small community, and it’s wonderful to enjoy time with everyone. It is really easy to find things in common with my students!” Mrs. Price added, “I have worked in many different schools, both as a regular teacher and substitute teacher. There is no other school like our school. Being a small school there is a sense of community that I have never seen anywhere else. The kids here are fun to work with, respectful and considerate. I get such a kick out of seeing students at this school helping each other out and being kind to each other.”
Mrs. Price enjoys driving in this beautiful surrounding areas and exploring new places while listening to heavy metal rock and roll. Miss Van Luven has jumped off cliffs in Jamaica and skydived in Orange, Virginia.
-Submitted by Andrea Jennings
