Published: August 18, 2008 10:10 am         

MeMe’s Fun and Learn welcomes new kindergarten teacher Shimmel

Aug. 25 will be the first day of class for MeMe’s Fun and Learn for the 2008-09 school year.

Greeting arriving parents and children will be kindergarten teacher Darla Bassham Shimmel.

Shimmel was born in Weatherford was raised in Millsap. After graduating from Graham Christian Academy High School in Graham, she moved to Crown Point, Ind., to attend Hyles-Anderson College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

Shimmel has taught and worked with all ages from as young as 1 year old to teaching students at the college level. She has taught at Christian schools as well as public schools. The 2008-09 school year will be her 21st year of teaching.

Shimmel and husband Bill have celebrated 22 years of marriage. They have two daughters. This fall Kayla will start her college education attending Trinity Baptist Bible College in Arlington, Texas. Michelle will start her second high school year. Bill Shimmel is employed by Hanson Brick in its lab. The family lives in Millsap.

“I am so blessed and thankful for my wonderful family. I am thankful for the opportunity to continue doing what I love best and that is working with little children,” said Darla Shimmel. “Especially teaching the A Beka Christian-based curriculum and using phonics to teach beginners to read. This builds a foundation for learning that leads to excellence. Watching them grow and learn in character and academically is so exciting. Being a part of their daily lives, being a foundation builder is so rewarding.”

“We know Mrs. Shimmel has the experience, education, knowledge and love needed to provide an excellent nurtured education for your pre-K and kindergarten children,” said Director Deana Parkhill. “We want the children to have a balance with education, Christian training and nurturing that will help them in their future education socially, spiritually, and academically. We know they will receive this daily from Mrs. Shimmel and everyone at MeMe’s Fun and Learn. We are blessed to have Mrs. Shimmel join our team.”

MeMe’s Fun and Learn enrolls children ages 12 months through 5 years and is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. all year, five days a week, excluding scheduled holidays. The center teaches A Beka Curriculum and Phonics. Two meals and two snacks are provided daily. Mrs. Shimmel’s pre-K and kindergarten class is four students away from closing with 11 currently enrolled. Once full there will be a waiting list for that class.

Enrollment is still open for ages 12 months through 5 years.

For more information call (940) 325-7775 or visit the center at 10 S. Swanson Road, Mineral Wells. Ask for Parkhill or supervisor Shirley Edwards.