Ten teachers join Iola-Scandinavia schools

By Holly Neumann

With the 2015-16 school year underway, Iola-Scandinavia has welcomed 10 new staff members to the district.

“We are really excited to have this group of talented new teachers joining us,” said District Administrator David Dyb. “They will be a great addition to our staff.”

Joining the staff are Danielle Lokken, Caitlin Young, Kari Schwartz, Megan Driebel, Jordan Sisson, Dustin Buntrock, Jamie Jones, Cassandra Bonick, Jacob Martin and Hollee Netys.

Jones and Driebel are both graduates of Iola-Scandinavia and happy to be back in the district.

“I am looking forward to being closer to family and being a part of the community,” said Jones, who will be teaching art, for grades 7-12.

“I am really excited to be here,” said Driebel. “When i started grad school, the goal i set for myself was to be in Iola. I did not know when or if it would happen, I just knew that this was what I always wanted.”

Driebel will be the new guidance counselor at the elementary school.

Bonick and Lokken will be joining the math department.

Bonick is a student teacher who will be teaching geometry, algebra 2 and algebra 1 for eighth graders.

“I am looking forward to working with the faculty and staff in order to learn as much as I can about developing my skills,” said Bonick. “I love my content area and hope to share my energy with my students.”

Lokken will be teaching eighth grade math in addition to seventh grade English.

“I am originally from Oshkosh and am looking forward to getting to know the students, staff and community,” she said.

Buntrock and Sisson are both graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Buntrock will be teaching seventh grade science, chemistry and physical science, while Sisson will be serving as a long term substitute.

“The faculty and staff have such a positive attitude,” said Buntrock. “I am looking forward to working with them. I think I will bring a lot of enthusiasm to the school, although there is no shortage of it here already.”

“I am excited about getting to know my students and staff during my stay here,” added Sisson. “I am committed to my students’ success. My goal is to build a classroom environment that encourages student engagement and growth.”

Schwartz, who attended both UW-Stevens Point and UW-Oshkosh, will be the new librarian and LMC director.

“I am looking forward to working with the staff and students,” she said.

With an undergraduate degree in instrumental music education, Schwartz hopes to become involved with music department events.

Martin will be replacing Janice Lehr in grades 5-12 instrumental music education.

Growing up in the Elkhart Lake community, Martin looks forward to meeting and working with the staff, students and community.

“This is a very small community that offers extraordinary opportunities because of the people that call it home,” said Martin. “I am dedicated to continuing traditions and excellence that my predecessor gave to this program.”

Netys will be filling the position of early education aide for the year.

“I love this community and am involved in all it has to offer,” said Netys. “It is not only amazing to watch the growth in my own children but also to see the positive impact the school, community and kids have on each other.”

Sara Anderson, middle school and high school principal, noted that the new staff has already become involved.

“They have already taken part in several activities hosted by the district including the ed tech two-day training, a day working with their mentors, and four days of professional development,” said Anderson. “I am very excited about the knowledge and skills they bring to our district. They have already made a positive impact and I look forward to working with them as they grow professionally as members of our school community.”