• BIOGRAPHY
     
       
     
         My name is Merri VanAusdol.  This is my 15th year teaching at Whitehall Elementary School.  Previously, I taught at Gallatin Gateway School, near Bozeman, for 12 years.  I have taught kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, Title I, and Physical Education.  I am a graduate from Montana State University (Go BOBCATS) with a degree in Elementary Education.
         My husband and I have two daughters, Brittney and Rachel. Brittney graduated from Whitehall High School in 2010. She was very involved in basketball, volleyball, piano, and high school rodeo. Rachel graduated from Whitehall High School in 2012. She was involved in volleyball, singing, and high school rodeo.  Both of our daughters have graduated from Montana State Univeristy.  Brittney is now in her 4th year medical school and Rachel in her second year vet school.   
          We lived in Whitehall for eleven years, and enjoyed our time in this community.  When our youngest graduated from Whitehall, we moved back home to Bozeman to be closer to family. When I'm not at the school, I enjoy working in my yard and garden and I'm actively involved with my family and our horses. I am also an avid NFL Football fan!  GO PACKERS!
     
     
     
     
    MY THOUGHTS ON EDUCATION   
     
     
         I believe in providing a warm, caring learning environment where my students feel welcomed, safe, and accepted.  Every child is unique and has his/her own special way of learning.  By providing different avenues for student success, I try to instill a love of learning into each and everyone of my students.  I want them to be proud of themselves, take ownership of their learning, and enjoy coming to school each and every day.  Step into my class and you will see smiling faces, hear cheerful laughs, and observe children learning.
     
     
     
    FAVORITES
     
    We all have our "favorites" of everything and here are a few of mine:
    1. My favorite color is yellow.
    2. My favorite holiday is Christmas.
    3. My favorite number is 3.
    4. My favorite food is pizza.
    5. My favorite author is Roald Dahl.