There’s always something new at the start of the school year: friends, classes, cool clothes, and much more. This fall, in addition to the normal changes, the Mettawee Community School (MCS) introduces two new members to its staff.
“All of us at Mettawee are thrilled to welcome Lauren Knipes and Brad Curtis into our larger school community,” says MCS Principal Brooke DeBonis. “Both Lauren and Brad bring an energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to our kids that will resonate naturally with our Mettawee family.”
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher: Lauren Knipes
The lack of wheels set Lauren Knipes on a new career path. “In my last year of college, I needed an internship to complete my degree in Human Development and Family Science,” says Knipes. “Because I didn’t own a car, I was assigned to a Pre-K program on campus. The moment I walked into the class of three and four year olds, I knew this was where I was meant to be!”
After college, Knipes pursued her new dream through her work at the Bennington Early Childhood Center, by first earning her Vermont education certificate and then serving at the Center for five years. During COVID, Knipes worked briefly at a Pod-School serving a few students of mixed aged groups, before settling into a Pre-K teaching position at the Currier Memorial School in Danby.
“I loved my three years at Currier,” says Knipes. “It’s a special place, but Mettawee has always been my dream job. Living in Granville, I’ve always heard good things about the school and its focus on community and family. I’m so happy to be here.”
Dream Vacation: A week on a lake in Maine with my husband and 8 year old yellow lab named Dozer.
Favorite Food: Steak dinner
Favorite Sports Team: No team, but I love to watch golf.
Favorite Movie: “Princess Bride” (“I’ve seen it hundreds of times.")
Favorite Musician/Musical Group: Mumford & Sons.
Custodian: Brad Curtis
The prospect of working in a building with over 100 elementary school students will feel a bit like home for Mettawee’s new Custodian, Brad Curtis. “I’m the father of four children, ages eight, six, four, and two,” said Curtis, with a Cheshire grin. “I can get the job done in the midst of structured chaos.”
Curtis, a life long resident of Salem, New York, joined the Marines after high school for a four year stint, 2008-12, that included two tours overseas with the final stop in Afghanistan. “I wanted to defend my country and serve with the best,” he said. “Joining the Marines was the best decision for me. I made friends for life and it gave me a sense of purpose. That's why I am here today.”
In his new assignment at Mettawee, Curtis is tasked with maintaining a safe, clean environment for students and staff. “Keeping the school operating smoothly for these kids makes this a position of purpose for me,” said Curtis. “I just want to do a good job for everyone here.”
Dream Vacation: Bow hunting in Pike County, Illinois
Favorite Food: Teriyaki Steak
Favorite Sports Team: Atlanta Braves (“For as long as I can remember.”)
Favorite Movie: “Days of Thunder”
Favorite Musician/Musical Group: George Strait
(Photo above: Mettawee Principal Brooke DeBonis (center) welcomes new staff members Pre-kindergarten Teacher Lauren Snipes (left) and Custodian Brad Curtis to the school.)
New Mettawee Pre-K Teacher Lauren Knipes sits in her classroom reading tent: “… Mettawee has always been my dream job.”
New Mettawee Custodian Brad Curtis: “I just want to do a good job for everyone here.”