THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 19, 1995 TAG: 9502170231
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JODY R. SNIDER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
ELLEN ROUNTREE KNOWS all about first-graders.
She's had 13 years of teaching that age group - and learning all about them as ``their parent away from home.''
She said, ``Discovery is what they love most. When you see someone unlock words that you don't think they know as a first-grader, it's so rewarding.''
They ``set their own limits, which are limitless.''
A teacher at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Rountree said teachers set the standard and guide children at that age. It takes ``a lot of time, patience and loads of energy.''
Rountree said first-graders have to be taught to respect and listen to each other and that they are sharing time, ideas and values.
When she isn't inspiring young minds in the academic setting, she often is found on the sidelines, rooting for son Glenn, who plays football for Clemson University; or daughter Heather, who plays field hockey at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. Sons Jermey and Chad attend Virginia Tech.
Name: Ellen Koogler Rountree.
What brought you to Suffolk? Marriage to a hometown boy.
Hometown: Bridgewater, Va.
Birthdate: June 30, 1949.
Occupation: First grade teacher.
Marital status: Married 24 years this month.
Children: Glenn, who plays football for Clemson University; Jermey and Chad, who attend Virginia Tech; and Heather, a student at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.
Favorite movie: ``Gone With the Wind.''
Favorite magazine: Farm Woman Early American Life.
A book you wish everyone would read: The Bible. It gives you faith to dream, strength to make dreams come true and compassion to care for others.
Favorite night out on the town: An evening at the Crystal Pistol with my family after a Clemson football WIN!
Favorite bar or restaurant: The King's Arms Tavern.
Favorite food and drink: Crab and hot tea. I'm the only person I know who stashes Lipton tea bags in case I run out.
Few people know . . . that I milked a cow named Bobby Sue.
What's the best thing about yourself? I love children. And I love cooking for and helping other people.
Worst habit: Piling the trash can too high.
First thing in the morning: Alarm roulette! I turn off the first three alarms.
Pets: A peacock, a turkey and a few cats.
Hobbies: Cooking and sewing.
Ideal vacation: I love to go to the top of the mountain, where I went as a child. There are fir trees for miles and miles.
Pet peeve: Gossip and people who take advantage of others.
First job: Waitress, during college.
Worst job: I feel very fortunate to have taught in some of the best schools. However, I do hate to iron ruffled curtains.
Of what achievements are you most proud? I am proudest of my long, happy marriage, four children, and the opportunity to help children maximize their potential.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``She cared.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Ellen Rountree is a ``parent away from home'' to first-graders at
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. She has found that guiding children that
age takes ``a lot of time, patience and loads of energy.''
by CNB