PE & Exploratory
All seventh and eighth grade students have PE/Health/Fitness and an Exploratory class each day. Eighth grade students are scheduled for PE/Exploratory in the morning, and seventh grade students attend in the afternoon. Exploratory classes rotate each quarter and include Art, Music, Computer Skills, and CTE (Careers & Technology Education). Band and Chorus are offered daily for interested students.
In addition, the Media Center is a busy hub for students and staff, with our Media Specialist helping both teachers and students utilize technology.
Daniel Bennett ~ PE/Health/Fitness
Lydia Miller ~ PE/Health/Fitness
Hello! This is my first year in the Charleston School District. I went to Arthur High School. I attended Eastern Illinois University studying physical education and receiving both undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field. I also received a master's degree in educational administration from Grand Canyon University. This will be my 20th year teaching physical education and I will be coaching volleyball at both CHS and CMS. I am excited to join the CMS team!
Corbin Schwable ~ PE/Health/Fitness
Mr. Schwable is originally from Freeburg, Illinois. He ran cross country and track at Eastern Illinois University and graduated with a Physical Education and Health degree in December 2022. He started teaching at Charleston Middle School in January 2023 and he is the boy's cross-country coach and assistant track coach at the middle school.
Darbie Thompson ~ Art
Hi! I'm the 7th and 8th grade art teacher. I received my BFA from SIU Carbondale and will have my master's in art education from EIU this fall. I started teaching art in 2017 and have worked in the district since 2019.
Kelby Adams ~ Computer Skills
Finding a balance between being a teacher, a mother to 2 young boys, a mother to 3 fur-babies, a wife, and doing all the things I love. I handle it by letting go of what I can’t control and focusing on what I can – food for thought.
Kim Sherwood ~ Careers & Applied Technology (CTE)
My mission is to effectively serve my family, school and community to the best of my ability at the time. Originally from the Pittsburgh area, I attended Charleston schools and participated in band, track and volleyball along the way. EIU was a great choice to continue my education (and track career) for my science, teaching and administrative degrees. After coaching for a few years I began teaching 7th science at CMS in 2001 and transitioned to the new CTE class in 2021. I enjoy my family (husband and 2 girls), pets, good friends, yummy food and playing games. I'm excited for the new school year and growing with your student.
Michael Mellott ~ Music & Chorus
Dan Brickner ~ Band
I will be teaching 5th/6th grade band and co-teaching 7th/8th grade band. I have two degrees from Eastern Illinois University, in Music Performance and Music Education. This will be my first year in the Charleston School District after spending the last two years teaching high school band in Robinson and I am so excited to teach band and be closer to my wife and 2 cats!
John Wengerski ~ Band
Mary Ann Crome ~ Media Specialist
Hello! I am so excited to share the newly remodeled CMS Media Center with our students and staff opening this school year. Attending Eastern Illinois University to receive my Bachelors in Education introduced me to the Charleston community, where I have spent 30 years in education beginning at Jefferson Elementary as a 6th grade teacher, receiving my Masters from EIU, teaching 7th grade Social Studies at CMS and transitioning to Media Specialist 3 years ago. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading (of course), and hobbies such as crafting, organizing and decorating.