Thursday, March 28, 2024

New teachers and staff for junior high, high school

Posted

LIPAN ISD STUDENT REPORTER

Sarah is a junior whose interests include journalism, playing softball, and participating in Student Council and the local 4-H program.

While we welcome our staff and student body back to school this semester, we also greet new faces. From introducing our latest teachers and administrators, to fall sports and clubs, the Lipan campus is buzzing.

Welcoming new faces to our tribe is always exciting. This year, we take in five teachers, two coaches and a new principal. Each of our recent hires has much experience in education and their specific field. For example, High school campus Principal Jonathan Normand is entering his 23rd year in education and Technology/Business Teacher, Michelle Carlson celebrates her 25th year.

HS Life Skills Teacher Amanda Benitez said, “I am a social worker and have extensive background in working with kids in foster care. By doing that I did a lot of things that have helped me become an advocate for kids with special needs.”

With their skill comes the reasons why these educators chose Lipan ISD. “What really excited me about coming here was the demand for success. Not just on the playing field, but in the classroom,” said Coach Garrett Stewart.

Also, HS Softball Coach Heather Reatherford said, “I love the winning environment and how it (Lipan) is so family oriented.” Others associated Lipan with “home,” “reliable” and “competitive.”

Every day, we strive to live with purpose, pride and perseverance, and tackle new goals and dreams with each step we take.

After speaking with the new members of our tribe, many talked about building on our traditions as well as watching their students learn.

“I look forward to continuing and building on the strong Lipan FFA traditions,” said HS Ag Teacher Terry Whitaker. Furthermore, Dr. Normand is excited to mentor the upperclassmen this year and with much experience, bring them a certain preparation for the school/real world transition.

Coach Reatherford discussed her goals for the softball team. “I am looking forward to helping create a great environment for the softball girls. I am looking to give them every ounce of information I know so we can be successful and make a run this year.”

Seeing our students be challenged and grow in the classroom is one of this year’s goals. “To see a student realize they are capable of learning what you are teaching is so personally fulfilling,” said Carlson.

Benitez said that now 80% of what her students are able to do this year is "hands-on,” and they get to interact with the entire campus, which is beneficial to the life skills program as a whole. By bringing all aspects of our mission up a level, we believe our campus will thrive. Both our new and past staff members produce and encourage the “friendly atmosphere” Lipan is known for and we are excited to welcome back and introduce them to the community.

NEW THIS YEAR

Garrett Stewart – HS Boys Cross Country and Track Coach, Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, JH Teacher

Heather Reatherford – HS Girls Softball Coach, Assistant JH Volleyball Coach, JH Teacher

Makenzie Swaim – HS Science and Math

Terry Whitaker – HS Agriculture

Lacie Steed – Elementary Teacher

Amanda Benitez – HS Life Skills

Jonathan Normand – HS Principal

Michelle Carlson – JH and HS Computer