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New teachers join district

With the 2014-15 school year underway, the Iola-Scandinavia School District has welcomed new members to their staff.

New to the elementary school are Nicole Commons, Brittney Kastens and Jon Berg.

“Brittney Kastens, Nikki Commons and Jon Berg are welcome additions to our staff,” said Elementary Principal Tess Wojcik. “They have already made positive contributions to our school community during the first month.”

“Brittney is familiar with and helping us work with our new Curriculum Companion program,” said Wojcik. “She also volunteers on the literacy leadership team.”

“Nikki is becoming familiar with the various individual plans for her students and has made a welcoming place for her students,” she said. “And Jon is visible to students throughout the day from greeting students as the buses roll in to saying goodbye at the end of the day.”

“All three fit in well with the rest of the staff,” said Wojcik. “We are happy to have them here.”

Berg will be teaching elementary physical education.

“I’m excited to be a part of a great school district,” said Berg. “I look forward to creating positive relationships with staff, students, parents and community members.”

“I will be a role model each day for my students,” he said. “I will also bring creativity for my lessons/activities for my students to keep them interested in the activities.”

“I am excited and enthusiastic about joining a great program,” said Commons, who will be teaching elementary special education.

“I am excited to meet all my new students and get to work with them,” she said. “I am also excited about being part of a school district that appreciates and wants to see the each student do their best and continue to grow.”

New to 3rd grade will be Brittney Kastens.

“This is my second year teaching full time,” said Kastens. “I’m looking forward to making amazing memories with the kids. I bring determination to make each child feel special, understood and loved. “

“I’m also excited to learn and grow as an educator, as I have so many knowledgeable role models within the Iola-Scandinavia School District,” she said.

High school vacancies were filled by Angela Steingraber, Renee Reuter and Kaitlin Spierings.

Spierings, a Rosholt native, is in her 4th year of teaching high school science.

“I taught for three years in Ripon,” said Spierings. “I’m excited about teaching in a small district closer to home. I can’t wait to get to know all my students and show them some exciting things about science.”

Spierings sees her experience in extensive use of technology in the laboratory setting, applied knowledge of science through the farm and personal connection to the community and small schools, as her biggest assets.

Steingraber, will be teaching 9-12th grade English.

“I have a passion for teaching, dedication to my students, and a love for English,” she said. “I am looking forward to getting to know all the students and staff at Iola-Scandinavia and watching my students grow in their education.”

Renee Reuter will be teaching physical education and health.

“I am excited to be in Iola and getting to know my students, the school community and the community itself,” said Reuter. “I look forward to working with them and sharing my passion for leading a healthy active lifestyle.”

“I am very pleased with the experiences and talents the new staff bring to our district,” said District Administrator David Dyb. “We are very fortunate to have found these high quality individuals to fill the instructional needs in our classrooms. We have had a very positive start to the school year.”

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