Get to know Hillbrook librarian, animal lover, and chicken aficionado Helen Dowty.
P.S. Did you know that Helen wrote a book based on one of our Hillbrook chickens called, “Eleanor the Extraordinary Chicken”?
What strikes you most about the students at Hillbrook?
What strikes me most about the students at Hillbrook is their sincere sense of community at school and outside of school. I honestly hold much hope for the future knowing these children will one day be taking care of this planet. No matter what they decide to do on their own as an adult, I am confident they will keep space in their lives to be concerned and generous citizens. We are in good hands.
When you think about the students at Hillbrook, what’s the one thing that stands out to you?
The one thing that stands out most to me is how Hillbrook children run everywhere. As a child in school, we were always told, “Walk! No running!” We would actually get in trouble if we ran on the pavement. Children love to run. They run because they want to, not because they have to. I love that! It still makes me smile when they run everywhere.
What is your favorite unit or project?
I am torn between 2-3 of my top favorites. One favorite lesson is a class read of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” At the end of the unit, we make chocolate. I know it is a student favorite, too. My favorite author visit each year is with Mr. Dan Gutman, author of the Baseball Card Adventure series. After reading one of his books with the class, we meet him via Skype and each student gets to ask him a question. Mr. Gutman is hilarious, and I like anything that makes me laugh!
What made you choose to teach at Hillbrook?
The week I decided to work at Hillbrook, I had 3 job offers. All good offers – two at universities, walking distance to my home. It was my mother who said, “Choose Hillbrook.” She said, “You love teaching. You will be happiest there.” The minute I walked on campus and I saw the Tower, I knew she was right. Thanks, Mom!
What are you most looking forward to at Hillbrook in the next few months?
I always enjoy Grandparents and Special Friends Day. It warms my heart to see families together having fun. Down the road, I look forward to the cheers and fun of the Regatta. What our students can make from duct tape that can be piloted and raced in water never stops impressing me.
What are the last place you visited and the last books you read?
My most recent vacation was with my husband. We went to Australia to visit our daughter. She is a veterinarian there. My most recent reads are “Educated” by Tara Westover and “Where The Crawdads Sing,” by Delia Owens. We hope you loved getting to know Ms. Dowty! Don’t forget to visit her in the Hillbrook Reading Room, nestled in the Hillbrook Tower she loved so much during her first visit to the school.
