​​Elmer Curry was born on March 23, 1871 in Delaware, Ohio. He lived in a log house on South Street with his mother Julia and his father George. His dad worked as a minister at The Second Baptist Church on Ross Street, which had a great impact on his future career in education. African-Americans that were freed from slavery were not permitted to an equal education that would have helped them to live a better life. Elmer was interested in helping solve that situation through education.
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While attending Delaware City Schools at the age of 17 years old, Elmer rented a kitchen shed for 50 cents per month to start his own school for African-Americans. His school was called The Place of Knowledge for Old and Young. It was located at 19 Davis Street in Delaware, Ohio. The tuition was 25 cents per week and his first student was a 50 year old man who was a day laborer. After attending Michael College and graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University, he went on to become the first African-American teacher at the desegregated Delaware City Schools. 

In 1889 moved to Urbana, Ohio and founded the Curry Normal and Industrial Institute. His school had a traditional education, which focused on reading, writing, and math.  It also taught trade school skills, such as nursing, caretaking, farming, printing, and clothes making. The building still stands today and is located at 325 East Water Street.

Dr. Curry passed away June 19th, 1930, in Springfield and was buried at Oakdale Cemetery in Urbana, Ohio. There were over 2,000 students who attended the various Curry Schools. Dr. Elmer Curry’s story illustrates activist African-Americans from Ohio utilizing the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments in an attempt to better the lives of African-Americans.

“We saw an article that London Middle School had participated in the #Whyyoumatter campaign and wanted to incorporate that idea into our larger project,” said McKenzie Lamb, a counselor at Urbana Junior High School. “Some of the messages are heartfelt, some are funny, but all are touching in their unique way and we hope that seeing the pictures displayed in our building serves as a reminder to our students that they are worthy. Their stories matter. They matter.”

This “Why You Matter” project is part of a bigger project of 6th grade art teacher Mandy Parker and Lamb, who presented the idea of completing a Project Based Learning (PBL) activity on stigmas related to mental health.

Parker said the larger project, Stomping Out Stigma, dives into the negative perceptions of mental health challenges. Students created a variety of projects depicting the negatives that society labels mental health.

The project was planned to be set up and viewed as if you were in a museum.

Due to COVID-19, the event has to be virtual.

“We have a video coming out of the art installation created,” said Parker.

“The overall response from staff and students (down to the elementary level) has been awesome,” said Parker. “The kids are curious and love reading them. This would have been great for the entire district to be involved in.”
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The “why you matter” display was set up on Nov. 10 and will be removed over Christmas break.

By Chelsea Bray- Elle A. Design

It takes a big heart to teach little minds. Teachers are such an inspiration to us all and how can we ever thank them for all they do? These are challenging times, and our education systems have been quick to act creatively and out of passion. Also, within the past 9 months, the definition of a teacher has changed drastically as some parents have become teachers and homes have become classrooms. If you are wondering how you can thank your teachers, be sure to check out our top 5 gift suggestions to put a smile on your teachers face and make them feel appreciated.

​Teabaggers Coffee, Tea & Wine Cafe – Urbana – Open Monday-Friday 9:05-3, Saturday 9:05-2
 
Is your teacher a coffee or wine lover? If so, you’re in luck! Teabaggers, right here in Urbana, offers a wide variety of gourmet teas and coffee, wines, mugs, t-shirts, and more! Gift cards are also available so your teacher can pick out their perfect gift. Stop into this beautiful family-owned business – and while you’re at it, treat yourself to an amazing lavender lemonade! Check out their Facebook page to see their drink and lunch specials!
 

Ethel's Flower's & Gift Shop – Urbana – Open Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-2
 
There’s no better time of year to show your teacher appreciation than fall! Ethel’s has a wide variety of fall florals, décor, and yummy goodies. Give them a call and place an order over the phone for delivery to your teacher, right at their desk. Add a box of Marie’s Candies for the perfect gift combo. Check out their website to see all of their beautiful arrangements.
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Bello Salon – Urbana – Open by Appointment
 
Give the gift of pampering and relaxation. For the teacher who puts all of their students’ needs in front of their own, let’s give back. A Bello Salon gift certificate gives your teacher the choice of message therapy, hair styling, hair products, lashes, waxing, and more! Check out their facebook page and stop in to purchase a gift certificate for the person who has had such a positive impact on your life.

Let's Eat Cake – Urbana: Open Wednesday & Saturday 10-5, Thursday 10-6, Friday 9-6
 
Looking for a “sweet” way to show your teacher how much you appreciate them? Look no further than Let’s Eat Cake on Scioto Street. From cakes to cookies, brownies to cupcakes, they have all of the favorite flavors to satisfy a sweet tooth. Check out their facebook page and website and pick out the perfect treat for your teachers!

Schuler’s Bakery – Urbana – Open Sunday-Monday 6-8
 
Teachers are magical and so are Schuler’s Bakery donuts! Surprise your favorite teacher with donuts and coffee to start their day. Give them a call or stop in to pick out a few of their fan favorites, which are sure to be a hit with your teacher and class.
 
We want to say “Thank You” from the bottom of our hearts to all of our local teachers and parents, whether in-person, distance learning or homeschooling. You amaze and inspire us daily! 

From Urbana Daily Citizen
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Mercy Health has launched a series of video podcasts focused on helping teachers, parents and students navigate the “new normal” during this uncertain time.

In this four-episode series, behavioral health professionals offer insight and guidance and share their own stories about sending students back to school. The podcasts aim to give parents, teachers and administrators tools to help them and their students adjust to returning to the classroom during a pandemic.

The podcasts feature Dr. Carson Felkel, director of Behavioral Health for Bon Secours Mercy Health, and Dr. Aimee Drescher, a clinical psychologist with Mercy Health. The episodes focus on normalizing anxiety, working with children, CDC guideline reminders, tips on talking with children and when to contact a professional.

“This year has been brought challenges unlike any we have ever experienced into our homes and schools. We want to make sure our communities know that they are not alone and that Mercy Health is here to help,” Dr. Felkel said. “Our mission is to care for the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and through conversation and guidance, we hope to ease our communities back into school.” Mercy Health is making the podcasts available to area school districts for distribution and also posting them on the Mercy Health blog at blog.mercy.com/ for use by all. The first video is available at blog.mercy.
com/coronavirus- covid-19-school-stress-video/.


It covers stress and normalizing anxiety during this back-toschool season and also provides tips on how to implement self-care into your routine and different ways to help your family cope during this time.

“Our communities and our schools have shown a strength while working through what it means to send our children – who which we hold most dear – back to school,” Dr. Drescher said. “It is our hope to let our school leaders, parents and teachers know that the anxiety they feel is normal and offer tips on how to adjust.”