(Story written by Marci Orr)
Mexico School District welcomed 36 new teachers to the district this week. The five-day professional development (PD) included district information, such as special education training, trauma-informed practices, classroom procedures, teacher certification follow-ups, and general welcomes from school administrators. The PD was organized by the district’s two new instructional coaches: Carey Knipfel (elementary coach) and Lara Brunk (secondary coach).
An introduction to the Mexico community was also a big part of the week’s program. Mexico representatives visited with the new staff about voter registration, local education grants, and the retired teachers association. Many businesses visited to sponsor breakfasts and lunches for the new teachers.
The Bulldog educators also became acquainted with the layout of the community by participating in a scavenger hunt to local businesses and popular institutions. The hunt ended at the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce with a school and community Meet & Greet.
All district staff returns on Wednesday, August 16, and school starts on Wednesday, August 23. Parents are encouraged to check their emails regularly for school updates and may also follow the district and building Facebook pages for more information.
List of New Teachers and Building Assignments:
Bowen, Brooke Kindergarten, MELC
Branch, Hanna PE, EF
Daino, Kate Counselor, MHS
Davolt, London Kindergarten, MELC
England, Genae English, MHS
Evans, Heather Music, HAW
French, Katie PE/Health, MHS
Groves, Sidny Science, MHS
Guthrie, Mikala Math, MMS
Hagedorn, Justin Science, MHS
Harris, Jennifer Special Education, MMS
Hawkins, Matt Building Trades, HCC
Holman, Melissa Computers, MMS
Hudson, Rebecca Journalism, MHS
Kaiser, Molly First Grade, EF
Krigbaum, Barb Math, MMS
Loyd, Charmae Science, MMS
Nilges, Lindsey Kindergarten, MELC
Paden, Eric Auto Mechanics, HCC
Parks, Cheyenne Title I, EF
Poehlman, Keri Counselor, HCC
Mattox, Allison Social Worker, Elementary
Nunnelly, Janae Fifth Grade, EF
Ray, DeIla (Dee-I-La, D-e-capital I-l-a) Welding, HCC
Reid, McKenzieSpecial Education, MMS
Sewell, Julie Parents as Teachers, MELC
Scott, DevinPE, MHS
Scheiner, Jennifer Special Education, EF
Schutte, Nicole Kindergarten, MELC
Slater, Latimer Social Studies, MMS
Stephens, Kelsey Special Education, HAW
Stinnett, Emaly Special Education, MHS
Terry, Christina Ag, HCC
Vogel, Marlena Fourth Grade, EF
Warmbrodt, Amanda Fifth Grade, EF
Webber, Amy Fourth Grade, HAW