New elementary teachers 2017-18

Brooke Miller is joining our 1st grade team this year. Mrs. Miller student taught and substituted for 2 maternity leaves in our school during the 2017-18 school year. She graduated from Southwest Baptist University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in May of 2018. Mrs. Miller was named “Outstanding Elementary Education Graduate” at SBU. She and her husband, Hans, reside in El Dorado Springs.

Ashley Friar is returning to El Dorado Springs with her husband, Logan, and son, Harrison, and will teach 2nd grade this year. Mrs. Friar taught first grade in our school before moving from the area in 2013. Mrs. Friar graduated from the University of Central Missouri with her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Welcome back, Mrs. Friar!

Kaitlyn Norman is joining the elementary staff as our guidance counselor. Miss Norman completed her counseling internship in our school during the spring of last year. She recently graduated from Harding University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a Master’s/Ed. S., in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling.

Ashley McKinney is joining our staff as the new speech pathologist. Mrs. McKinney received her Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology from Rockhurst University in Kansas City. She has recently served as a speech pathologist in the Nevada School District. Mrs. McKinney resides in Harwood with her husband, Joel, and their two children.

In addition to these new hires the following teaching assignments will change this year:

Michele Leonard is moving from speech to the K-2 special education classroom.

Melanie Richardson is moving from 3rd grade to teach the 3-4 special education class.

Suzanne Ridgway is moving from 3rd grade to teach 4th grade.

Kala Kenney is moving from 4th grade to teach 3rd grade.

Erika Murry is returning to 2nd grade after teaching 1st grade last year.