Hartland Schools Person of the Month for March

By Hartland Schools

Peggy Storey has been living and teaching in Hartland for 23 years. She began her career here in a split position between Village and Round Elementary as a special education teacher. The following year she moved to Farms Middle School and then to Hartland Middle School when it opened.

Peggy received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Central Michigan University and received certificates in Special Education for the cognitively impaired from Columbus College in Georgia, and for the emotionally impaired and Teacher Consultant from Central Michigan.

Peggy is married to David and they recently celebrated their 40th anniversary! Both of their sons, Scott & Steven, graduated from Hartland High School and are now teachers – Scott at Lakes Elementary and Hartland Middle School, and Steven in DeWitt. Peggy’s three grandchildren, Easton, Jack and Anthony, also currently attend or will soon attend Hartland Schools.

Most memorable moments: (“G” rated)
“I have worked with so many wonderful people and enjoyed so many students, that every year is different and special! However, I am most appreciative of the opportunity I was given to create a program called Experience Based Career Education (EBCE). Years ago, Jan Sifferman was my principal at Farms Middle School.

As a principal, Jan had the desire to reach ALL students in a variety of ways. With support from Jan and the School Board, we created EBCE, a career and leadership class that allows students to take what they have learned in school and apply those skills to running student businesses and leadership programs. EBCE focuses on students accepting responsibility for their choices, building leadership, running craft, jewelry and candy businesses, selling concessions at middle school athletic events, dances and other activities, working in the cafeteria, running school-wide locker clean-outs and a variety of other opportunities. Students also work closely with community agencies to offer positive educational programs such as “Kick Butts Day”, “Smart Moves, Smart Choices”, “Those Who Host Lose The Most” and others.

The amazing work of these students has earned them several awards, including the “Rising Star Award” from the Michigan Association of School Boards, the “Outstanding Workforce Development Program” from the Livingston County Workforce Development Council, and the “Golden Apple Award” from the Michigan Education Association.”

Why are you are still here?
“Having taught in several states and numerous school districts, my husband and I knew that when we came to Hartland, we had found our “home”. This was the type of school district I was proud to teach in and raise a family in! Hartland absolutely is a premier “School of Choice” in Michigan! The support I have received from Jan Sifferman, Steve Livingway and several assistant principals has allowed me to be the best teacher I can.

The enthusiasm and creativity of my fellow staff members has encouraged me to continue to grow as a teacher and to appreciate the changes we can make as a group!

It is impossible to count the number of past students that have come back to say thanks for believing in them and teaching them that each and every choice they make will affect the rest of their lives.”

Positive thoughts about Hartland Consolidated Schools:
“I don’t know of any other school district where the School Board, superintendent, principals, teachers and parents are as supportive of ALL STUDENTS and continually strive to create programs and opportunities for students to succeed in and out of school in an ever-changing society. Hartland has the vision to think “outside the box” and give students much more than the “basics”.

Regardless of the many federal and state changes and demands, Hartland continues to look at the “entire child” and to provide options for students to grow physically, academically, socially and emotionally.

There is no better job than teaching – supporting and encouraging students to be proud, successful and responsible for their own lives!”