In a classroom at Erwin High School, lessons about self-care are going far beyond the basics. Thanks to teacher Heather Ross and weekly volunteers Tyler Plemmons and Kim Plemmons, students are gaining confidence, life skills, and meaningful connections through a hands-on unit called “Taking Care of Me.”
The classroom segment focuses on everyday personal care skills, including proper hand and face washing, hair care and styling, nail care, dental hygiene, and overall wellness. Ms. Ross said the goal is to help students build independence while also creating positive experiences that make them feel valued and supported.
To make the experience even more meaningful, Ms. Ross provided each student with their own personal care items to use throughout the class. Students received supplies tailored to the lessons, allowing them to practice healthy habits with tools they could call their own. The gesture created excitement while reinforcing the importance of self-care and personal responsibility.
For Tyler Plemmons, a local hair stylist and Erwin High alum, volunteering in the classroom started with teaching students about hair care and styling. It quickly became something much deeper.
Alongside his mother, who represents District 6 on the Buncombe County Board of Education, Tyler works directly with students during the class’s self-care stations, helping them learn practical grooming skills while also building trust and friendships. What began as a one-time opportunity turned into an ongoing commitment, with the pair continuing to volunteer in the classroom each week.
Students eagerly participate in each activity, from practicing hygiene routines to learning new ways to style and care for their hair. Over time, the weekly visits have helped create genuine bonds between the volunteers and the students.
Beyond the lessons themselves, students connect with Tyler and Kim through conversations, laughter, and encouragement. Tyler’s time in the classroom has become about more than teaching technique, it is about helping students feel confident, comfortable, and cared for.
Ross said the continued involvement of Tyler and Kim has made a lasting impact on the classroom experience.
Their dedication has helped create an atmosphere where students feel supported, respected, and celebrated. What began as a lesson about hygiene and self-care has evolved into something even more meaningful: a reminder that compassion and consistency can leave a lasting impression.
Through every weekly visit, smile, and shared moment, the classroom has become more than a learning space. It is a place where students can grow in confidence, learn important life skills, and know there are people in their community who genuinely care about them.
