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USD 398 adds new faces

Staff writer

Students in Peabody-Burns schools will see several new faces this year, as USD 398 has hired seven new faculty members for the 2012-13 school year.

Cindy Sattler

Cindy Sattler will be a familiar face to some as she returns to the Peabody-Burns district as sixth- and seventh-grade math instructor and facilitator for the project-based learning program at PBHS.

Sattler graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in math education. She taught first in the Peabody-Burns district and then in the Wichita district.

Sattler is married. She and her husband, Scott, live in Newton and she will commute to Peabody. She has grandchildren in the district.

“I am so excited to be back in this district and working with these students,” she said. “I am anxious to see the kids fulfill the potential of project based learning and I hope to ensure that the sixth- and seventh-graders are one step closer to high school math.”

Travis Schafer

New fourth-grade teacher, Travis Schafer, comes to Peabody-Burns Elementary School from Western Plains Elementary in the Ransom district where he taught second and third grades.

He also taught physical education, was head coach for the girls’ basketball team, and helped coach the boys’ basketball team.

Schafer grew up in Galva and attended Tabor College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. He lives in Marion.

“I am very excited about the opportunity that has been presented to me. I love the small town family atmosphere of the Peabody-Burns district,” he said. “I would like to bring a positive influence to the students, school, and communities.”

Jenny Hurst

Another familiar face on the district faculty will be Peabody resident, Jenny Hurst.

She will serve as the multi-tiered system of support coordinator and the head of the Student Improvement Team. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from Wichita State University and is enrolled there in a master’s program in special education.

Hurst and her husband, Michael, are the parents of a 3-year old son, Aiden, and a 6-week old daughter, Ava.

Hurst previously taught third and fourth grade for three years in the Andover district.

As MTSS coordinator, she will work with students in small groups to improve their math and reading skills and testing them to evaluate their progress.

“I want to help the students continue to improve their reading and math skills,” she said.

Brenda Tofteland

USD 398 Board of Education re-established an elementary school vocal music program this past spring. Filling the instructor’s position is Brenda Tofteland, an experienced music teacher with a bachelor’s degree from Minot State University in North Dakota.

Tofteland has spent 20 years as an elementary classroom teacher and a vocal music teacher in schools in North Dakota, California, Oklahoma, Montana, and most recently at Norwich.

Her husband, Douglas, is the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Newton. They have three married children and six grandchildren ages 5 and younger.

“I am looking forward to a great year,” she said. “My desire is to help students discover the joy of music through listening, singing, movement, and playing instruments.”

Katie Fooshee

A licensed social worker with a bachelor’s degree in family studies and human services from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in social work from Wichita State University, this will be Fooshee’s first experience as a school social worker.

Fooshee did intern work with Communities in Schools in Wichita and at a day school working with students with mental illnesses and behavioral issues.

Fooshee’s job description with the Peabody-Burns district will include career development, assisting students with class schedules, preparing for college, and ensuring their educational needs are met.

“I look forward to meeting and getting to know the students,” she said. “I also look forward to getting to know my colleagues better and serving the Peabody and Burns communities together.”

Fooshee said she enjoys the outdoors and being active. “Family is very important to me and I enjoy baking, cooking, drawing, and reading.” She will commute to Peabody from her home in Derby.

Steven Wilson

Steven Wilson is a first-year teacher from El Dorado who will teach all the instrumental music students as well as junior high and high school vocal music.

He has a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and did his student teaching at Remington High School.

Wilson is co-director of the El Dorado Municipal Band, an organization open to instrumental musicians from high school age to senior citizens. The group has about 70 members.

While at Wichita State, Wilson was a member of Shocker Sound, the WSU pep band, and the WSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble. The pep band traveled to the 2011 National Invitational Tournament championship and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble performed at Carnegie Hall.

He was also a member of Kansas European Ambassadors of Music in 2007 and traveled to seven countries with the group.

“I hope to maintain the traditions of the past, while building the students’ knowledge and love for music,” he said.

Wilson is living in El Dorado, but will soon move to Peabody.

Ryan Panko

Ryan Panko, a native of Burr, Neb., will teach vocational education at Peabody-Burns High School and serve as FFA adviser.

Panko graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. He taught one year at LaCrosse High School in LaCrosse.

At PBHS he also will serve as assistant high school football coach and assistant junior high track coach.

Panko has a daughter, Emma, who is 6 and is a first grader in Syracuse, Neb.

“I hope to increase enrollment in the agriculture education program and in FFA,” he said. “I’m hoping we are very competitive in every FFA competition we attend. I also want to emphasize the three-circle model of agriculture education.”

Panko is living in Peabody.

Last modified Aug. 30, 2012

 

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