Seventh Grade

For core classes, seventh grade is split into two teams, red and gold. Each team includes a teacher for English Language Arts (ELA), Math, Science, and Social Studies, as well as a Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1).

Lauren Mellott

Lauren Mellott ~ ELA

My name is Lauren Mellott. I graduated from EIU in 2020 with a degree in Middle Level Education. I live in Charleston with my dog, Teddi, and am looking forward to another great year!

Julia Beabout

Julia Beabout ~ Math

HI, I am Ms. Beabout and I am excited to be part of the 7th grade red team this year! I am thrilled to be your math teacher! It will be a year full of learning and exploring the best part of your day, math. I have spent the last five years teaching sixth grade and I just graduated from EIU with my masters degree. I have two daughters, who attended Charleston Schools, and five grandkids. I am looking forward to helping you become an awesome mathematician this year!

Jessica Stranz

Jessica Stranz ~ Science

Welcome to the 7th Grade Red Team!  Charleston Middle School is such an amazing school!  We welcome your student with open arms and huge smiles!

 I am a Charleston native.  I graduated from CHS in 2000 and EIU in 2004 with a degree in elementary education and a middle school endorsement.  I've been involved in education all of my 20 years since graduating EIU. I have taught in the Casey-Westfield District (4th and 5th grade) and now CUSD #1 (Jefferson Elementary and CMS).

My husband and I are high school sweethearts.  We have twins (1 boy and 1 girl) who attend CHS.  We are big CHS soccer fans! Go Trojans! My family loves to travel.  We also love our pets so much!  Family means everything.

In my room, we have fun while learning.  You never know what you'll walk into.  My goal is for students to come in and know they are in a safe place. I am teaching in the same classroom that I learned in 30 years ago.  Full circle!  My former students all hold a very special place in my heart. 

Dalton Veach

Dalton Veach ~ Social Studies

Hi! Welcome to 7 Red Social Studies! This will be year 3 for me at CMS. I graduated from Indiana State University with a bachelors in social studies education and a minor in Spanish. I am currently working on my masters degree in history. I have 3 cats and enjoy travelling and DIY projects!

MR. VEACH'S SOCIAL STUDIES WEBPAGE

Lexi Claerhout

Lexi Claerhout ~ LBS1

Hi! I am from Elmwood, but I came to Eastern Illinois University in 2018 where I got my undergraduate degree and my master's. This is my third-year teaching at Charleston Middle School. I love to read and spend time with my dog, Vesper!

Chloe Pitts

Chloe Pitts ~ LBS1


Molly Bickford

Molly Bickford ~ ELA

Doug Kanouse

Doug Kanouse ~ Math

Hello! My name is Doug Kanouse (rhymes with house or mouse). I am a 7th Grade math teacher at Charleston Middle School. Outside of CMS, I teach part-time at Lakeland College. My hobbies include movie-watching, playing board/rpg games, and watching sports.

Esther Lutz

Esther Lutz ~ Science

Michael Pitcher

Michael Pitcher ~ Social Studies

Hello, my name is Michael E. Pitcher. I started teaching at Charleston Middle School in 2019. I started my career in education in 2007 after graduating from EIU. I grew up on a farm in Cumberland County until moving to Charleston in 2007. I have taught 4th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade in Paris, Casey, and Charleston. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education and a Master's of Science in Educational Leadership with a Principal Endorsement and an Evaluation License. I am a huge sports fan, Go Cubs. I love cooking, music concerts, adventure, and even Star Wars. I am an extrovert who loves history! Let's learn about the past together, so we can make a better future, TOGETHER!

Mr. Pitcher's Social Studies Page

Danielle Rook

Danielle Rook ~ LBS1

Mark Williams

Mark Williams ~ LBS1