• Mrs. Levis
     
    Who is Mrs. Levis?
     
     
    Educational Background
     
    I am beginning my 34th year of teaching. Although I graduated from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio (1989) with a Bachelor's Degree and certifications in Elementary and Special Education, and began my teaching career in Ohio, the past 29 years have been right here in Lower Dauphin. 7th and 8th grade learning support, 4th grade, and 5th grade are the levels of students I have taught in addition to 6th grade. I have a Master's Degree in Teaching and Curriculum from Penn State University, and I am certified as a Reading Specialist as well.
     
    I teach social studies for the East Team. There are four main units explored throughout the year:  JA BizTown-Economics, United States Government, North America, and South America. We introduce the 5 themes of geography as well. It is my goal for you to want to learn about the world around you, so we will periodically discuss current events related to our units of study. Take pride in being a citizen of the United States, but be accepting of others who may think and learn differently than you.
     
    It is possible that your schedule will include me for homeroom and social studies. We will get to know each other well as we begin the year as strangers but end the year as LD family.
     
    Beyond the regular school day, I am a coordinator for our new teachers and staff throughout the district. We meet with Lower Dauphin's new employees monthly to help build success in and out of school. It is my hope that you find an activity you enjoy here at school. There is a lot of research suggesting that participation in a school activity builds friendships and helps improve grades. Make it a goal to get involved in your new school in some way this year.   
     
     
    Personal Information
     
    After the school day ends, I become a full-time mother of four boys: Collin Shae, Ethan Clae, Dylan Trae, and Brennen Jae.
    Collin graduated from Kutztown University, majoring in math. He moved to Chicago in June 2022 to begin his first job as an actuary. His favorite activities include running, bicycling, playing volleyball, Spike Ball, and basketball, and reading. He also has a cat named Lincoln, who is communicative and mischievous.
     
    Ethan graduated from West Virginia University in December 2023 as a Sigma Nu fraternity member. Beginning in June 2024, he began working in supply chain management at Nvent in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed an internship during summer 2023 with JLG in Shippensburg, PA. He loved college life but finds the "city vibe" in Cleveland to be entertaining and fun. He enjoys traveling, "thrifting," and listening to music; you can often hear him humming a tune.
     
    Dylan graduated from Cumberland Valley High School in June 2023 and currently attends West Chester University. When he is not working at Palumbo's Pizza, he can be found at a local gym working out with his neighborhood friends or watching movies. Being a day camp counselor in Carlisle this summer was eye-opening for him. 
     
    Brennen is my 18-year-old who graduated from CV this past June. Playing volleyball for our high school was a sport he didn't try until he was a 9th grade student. He continues to improve and compete at a high level. He loves to cook and lift weights at a local gym too. YouTube videos often give him ideas for building obstacle courses in the backyard for mountain biking. Kayaking is another hobby, and he recently built a fire pit area in our backyard. Trade school is in his future.
     
    In addition to my children, I am the proud "mom" of a 15-year-old morkie, maltese and yorkie mix, named Lola Mae. She provides our home with lots of laughs as she loves to steal the boys' socks or eat their breakfasts if they leave the table for even a few seconds! She weighs less than 9 pounds but finds herself in some kind of trouble every single day. 
     
    My husband and I find that our days pass by very quickly, but we enjoy every minute. This fall we will celebrate our 26th wedding anniversary.
      
    My friends and students have described me as highly organized, positive, strict, loud, fun, and energetic. I enjoy walking, visiting the YMCA for weight training, listening to music, watching reality TV, game shows and HGTV, watching and playing sports, traveling, and reading. I hope that you will get to know me as the year moves along.
     
    Favorite Things image
     
    Additional favorites:
    Food: Chinese or Mexican
    Color: Lime green
    Movie: Monsters Inc. or Toy Story
    TV Show: Chicago Med, Fire, and PD or HGTV
    Store: Target or Staples
    Dessert: Chocolate ANYTHING!
    Place: Any place I haven't visited
     
    I look forward to learning all about you and your family.

    Welcome to middle school.  Have a great year!