From the desk of Angie Baker
Mountain View Elementary School
S907 King Springs Road
Johnson City, Tennessee 37601
423-434-5260
bakera@jcschools.org

From Performer to Pen Pal

 
            About 15 years ago, my late husband Frank and I went to see Eddie Miles perform a show in Pigeon Forge, TN.  Everyone thinks that I am the biggest Elvis Fan, but truly Frank was the “Elvisologist.” He had seen Elvis perform several times and was amazed at how well Eddie portrayed the music.  After that, we were able to catch several shows over the years which were always entertaining and great fun.

             Soon thereafter, I began teaching Kindergarten and First Grade in a Title I school that places emphasis on the visual and performing arts.  My team teacher, Ms. Karen Seaver came up with the idea of doing a musical performance based on Elvis’ music.  Quickly, we realized that this music served as a vehicle for learning across the curriculum.  We could read the lyrics and practice our sight words, phonemic awareness, rhyming words, figurative language and grammar skills.  We could do math by graphing our favorite songs or the instruments we heard.  Our state came to life as we studied about the other famous people that had lived or still do live in our home state of Tennessee.  We learned to read a recipe and make fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches.  Our performance was attended by parents, our school friends and administrators.  Our show was so popular with the community, we decided to continue our musical performances and learning through music.

            Three years ago, at the 30^th anniversary of Elvis’ death, we decided to again use Elvis music as our learning path.  Shortly, after we made this decision, we saw in the newspaper where Eddie Miles was going to be at the Paramount Theater in Bristol, which is just a short distance from our home.  Karen and I went to the show and I decided beforehand that I would ask Eddie to be our class pen pal. I figured I had nothing to lose except a few printed postcards and less than $5.00 in stamps.  I waited patiently at the end of the autograph line and very nervously asked Eddie if he would be our pen pal by mailing us a postcard once a month.  I was surprised at how willingly he agreed to help.

             I don’t think Eddie realized or even still realizes the impact he has made and continues to make on the lives of our students.  Each month, he faithfully sees that the postcard arrives.  On it he has written where he has been to perform, what he is reading and offers words of encouragement.  He even came to visit our school at the beginning of our pen pal relationship.  We have continued to see Eddie perform.  At the end of the autograph line, I present him with school work or drawings from the children.  He writes them short notes of encouragement and sends them his autograph.  They work very hard to impress him with their work.

             Eddie was unable, due to scheduling conflicts, to visit our school this year.  However, after his November show in Pigeon Forge, he patiently met with Michael and David Poole.  These two brothers were serving as our class representatives.  Michael was in my first grade class last year and David is in my Kindergarten class this year. Their parents Allen and Cindy Poole brought the boys to see the show.  We video taped them meeting Eddie.  (Of course, the children all call him “Mr. Eddie.)  Eddie sang for them and read to them and reminded them to read everyday and do their homework.  We brought the video back to class and have watched it several times because our class works hard and we want Mr. Eddie to always be proud of us.

            It is hard to express the gratitude we feel.  So Many People rush by little children and do not see the need of positive role models or value what these little folks have to offer our future.  Eddie has graciously served my students as an exemplary role model and we are proud he is a part of our educational community.

Sincerely,

 Angie Baker

 “The Man” of the hour Eddie Miles with teacher Angie Baker
and students David and Michael Poole.

 Let’s tune up this guitar!!

 Eddie is singing to the children about a “Chocolate Ice Cream Cone.”
This is a song Eddie's mother sang to him, and the class learned the words.

Press the Play Button to hear Eddie sing.

 Ms. Helen Broyles looks on while Eddie checks some homework!!!
He also encourages reading so the boys can become much smarter.

Guitar signing---details to follow.