Maryellen Mason Culpepper
Teacher Helps Parents

The Virginian-Pilot
Sunday, January 31, 1993
Section: SUFFOLK SUN, Page: 03
Jody R. Snider

It's tough being a parent today, according to Maryellen Mason Culpepper. And Culpepper, Suffolk Chapter 1 Parent Resource specialist, wants to make it easier for parents with school-age children.

While the main thrust of the Chapter 1 program is to help students who have fallen behind in reading and math skills, it's Culpepper's job to help with parenting skills.

Culpepper said there are 27 Chapter 1 teachers and about 1,100 students in the Suffolk program.

After 37 years of teaching, about the last 20 as a Chapter 1 teacher, Culpepper traded her classroom credentials for the office, where she plans programs for parents.

Some of those programs include: ``Eating Well On a Tight Budget'' or ``Parenting Teenagers.''

``I don't see the children anymore, and I really missed that,'' she said. ``I kept going back to school to visit. I still go back and read to them,'' she said.

But Culpepper, 56, said she finally considers herself weaned from the classroom, and enjoys planning the parent programs.

Once the programs are set, Culpepper takes her show on the road, to local churches, school auditoriums - any place that makes it convenient for parents to attend.

``A lot of parents need suggestions,'' she said. ``There's an awful lot to be learned that some parents need to be reminded of.''

Since November, 10 meetings have been held for parents of school-agers.

Culpepper said the meetings are an important source of education for some parents.

``A parent is the child's first teacher, and the most loved teacher,'' Culpepper said. ``All parents don't always realize that. But parents are always teaching whether they know it or not. Children model their parents,'' she said.

Culpepper said if she could get into the homes of students and change any one thing, it would probably be to increase the amount of time parents spend reading to their children.

``I'd also want to be sure each child had the adequate resources needed,'' she said. ``Children love to be read to. They like to feel wanted and appreciated. Those are the kinds of things that teachers and parents do for children.''

Name: Maryellen Mason Culpepper.

What brought you to Suffolk? When my children were school age, I decided to go back to work. A friend suggested that I interview with Nansemond County Schools. I taught fourth grade at Chuckatuck Elementary School, and I've been in the school system since.

Hometown: Portsmouth.
Birthdate: Dec. 5, 1936.
Nickname: None.
Marital Status: Divorced.
Children: Cindi, 33; Gary, 32, Steven, 30, Daryl, 24. Also, one grandson Derek, 9.

Occupation: I have been in education since 1957, when I taught second grade at James Hurst Elementary School in Portsmouth. I stayed home for six years with my children and then came to Suffolk. I am the Chapter 1 Parent Resource Specialist with Suffolk Public Schools.

Favorite movies: ``City Slickers'' and ``Prince of Tides.''
Favorite magazine: Money and National Geographic Travel.
A book you wish everyone would read: Kahlil Gibran's ``The Prophet.''

Favorite night out on the town: A quiet dinner and an evening of dancing with that special friend.

Favorite bar or restaurant: One of the nicest places I have found is The Trellis in Williamsburg. The food, service and atmosphere are all outstanding.

Favorite food and drink: All kinds of fruit and lemonade.

Few people know . . . that I used to be a music teacher at Oakland and Chuckatuck elementary schools.

What's the best thing about yourself? I am frequently told that I have a smile for everyone I meet. Bringing a smile to someone else is the best thing I can do.

Worst habit: Regretfully, I enjoy driving fast. I see many others who seem to enjoy the same bad habit. I guess I'm not alone.

First thing in the morning: After waking on work days, I lie in bed and listen to the news and weather. Then I do some floor exercises and shower.

Pets: Tonya, a white Lhasa Apso, was my best friend for 19 years. She is gone now, but since I am seldom home, I am not looking for another pet.

Hobbies: I enjoy exercising, singing, playing the piano and going to the theater.

Ideal vacation: Spending several nights away from home with a best friend is something I always look forward to.

Pet peeve: Employees who chew gum while dealing with the public.

First job: When I was a junior at Woodrow Wilson High School, I worked at Sears Roebuck (across the street from the school) during the Christmas rush selling ladies ready-to-wear and made $1.35 an hour.

Worst job: When I was a senior in high school, I got a job working at The Famous in the office helping file accounts. I thought I was helping when I rearranged the alphabetical order of the accounts. Soon I found myself licking and stuffing envelopes.

What achievements are you most proud of? First of all, my wonderful family. Secondly, I feel proud or happy or honored that many of the students I have taught over the years come up to me on the street or in stores and say, ``Aren't you Mrs. Culpepper?'' Then I get hugs and kisses and thanks as they proceed to tell me who they are and how I helped them.

What would you like on your epitaph? ``She loved, she cared and she made a difference.''

Culpepper Ancestry. The identity of Maryellen Mason Culpepper's former husband is not known to Culpepper Connections! If you know who he is, and possibly the identity of his parents, please let let us know.