Middle School Principal Joshua Chase has nominated Ashley Helmer for this month’s Staff Recognition Highlight.
“Hemlock Public School District is very lucky to have a famous singer on our staff. The middle school has one of the Saginaw area’s best-kept singers. Who could I be speaking about? The one and only English Language Arts teacher Ashley Helmer. Ashley was once a musician,” shared Principal Chase.
Mrs. Helmer is in her fourth year teaching at Hemlock Middle School. She teaches 6th and 8th Grade ELA, along with 6th Grade MTSS. She is a very dedicated teacher and contributes to more than just the bare minimum. Mrs. Helmer is also one of the Faculty Advisors to the middle school’s student council.
Principal Chase went on to say, "Mrs. Helmer does a fantastic job daily in our ELA department. Her dedication to education is nothing short of remarkable. She is a valued member of the Middle School staff, and we are blessed to have her!"
Mrs. Helmer has a plethora of experience in many interesting settings. Upon graduation, Mrs. Helmer, along with her husband Chad, moved to New York City. While there, she taught at the New York City Public School District in both West Harlem and Chinatown for six years. Her next opportunity took her to Beaver Island, where she taught for two years. After a short tour in the Saginaw Public School District, she finally landed in her destination here in Hemlock.
Mrs. Helmer said, “I grew up and went to school in a very tight-knit community with pride for the school, and that's exactly what I've found in Hemlock Schools. The students and staff at the middle school are top-notch!”
Helmer received her Bachelors of Arts in Secondary English Education and Master of Education in Principalship, both from Saginaw Valley State University.
Mrs. Helmer grew up in Saginaw and attended school at Carrollton Public Schools. Ashley has been married to her husband Chad for six years, and together they have three kids: Finn, 7, Hudson, 4, and Tilly, 1. They also have a six-month-old Shih Tzu named Link.
When asked about her proudest moment, she had this to say, “Aside from having my awesome children, earning my Master’s Degree in Principalship was my proudest moment.”
She enjoys getting the chance to read for enjoyment, listening to podcasts, and relaxing up north all summer! Her favorite author is Ray Bradbury, and her favorite quote is, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” --Henry Ford
Oh yeah, one last thing. The best-kept secret about Mrs. Helmer… She used to be the lead singer in a rock band! Rock on, Mrs. Helmer!
Thank you for everything you do, Mrs. Helmer! You are a valued staff member here at Hemlock Public Schools.