Six new teachers take places in classrooms at Haxtun

School is back in session and activities are in full swing this fall as Haxtun students return to the classroom for the 2022-23 school year. This year brought on six new teachers in the elementary, junior high and high school buildings including Becky Williams, Ashley McFadden, Dana Davis, Jeanna Clark, Tracy Kennedy and Don Myers. The group of new teachers have been at school for the past few weeks prepping for the return of students and now have classrooms full of students where learning is in progress.

Becky Williams

Becky Williams joins the Haxtun staff as this year's elementary special education teacher. Williams grew up in Sterling and currently lives in Fleming with her husband, Lance, and the couple's two daughters, Kayti and Danni. Along with Williams, her two daughters have also joined the Haxtun School system this fall.

Williams graduated from Sterling High School and attended Northeaster Junior College in Sterling. She later earned her teaching degree from Colorado Christian University. Along with a degree in elementary education, she also is endorsed in special education.

"I chose to be a teacher because I've always loved learning and was always inspired by my own teachers. The kids I work with are a big inspiration," she said. "It is always heartwarming to see a child have that a-ha moment or make progress, whether it be academically or socially. The best thing about being a teacher is getting to learn and grow with children. Every day is a new day!"

In her free time, Williams and her family enjoy bowling, spending time at the lake and playing games.

"I enjoy reading and all things creative," Williams added. The Williams family also includes one dog.

Williams said the decision to pursue a career in Haxtun came to further her education and to grow as a teacher.

"I am looking forward to getting to know a new group of kids as well as gaining new knowledge as a teacher," said Williams. "I know there are many great things about Haxtun Schools."

Ashley McFadden

New secondary math teacher Ashley McFadden is no newcomer to Haxtun as the Bulldog alum joins the School District she attended growing up. McFadden steps in the role as a junior high and high school math teacher this year.

McFadden graduated from Haxtun High School and later earned her Bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. She went on to receive her Master's in curriculum and instruction through Colorado Christian University.

"I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I can remember, but I chose to become a teacher because of my junior high English teacher Mrs. Boerner," said McFadden. "She was a huge inspiration to me and who I am as a teacher. In my classroom I am inspired to help each and every student. My students are the biggest reason as to why I teach."

McFadden said she has a number of hobbies, including mathematics, as well as gardening, baking and cooking, hiking, camping, fishing and reading. She and her cat, Aurora, joins her family in Haxtun that remain in the area including her parents, grandparents and extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

"I decided to pursue a career in Haxtun because I not only wanted to teach in the school district that I grew up in, but I wanted to be able to give back to the community as it has given to me," she said.

McFadden will be teaching seventh, eighth and high school Algebra 1 students this year.

"I am most looking forward to working with some of my teachers I grew up with having taught me in school. I am also looking forward to teaching in the school district I grew up in," she added. "I want to thank everyone for welcoming me back to the school district."

Jeanna Clark

Jeanna Clark is no newcomer to Haxtun Schools but for the first time, she heads up her own elementary classroom. Clark is one of two first grade teachers this school year; she teaches first grade along with second year Haxtun teacher Christie Toops.

Clark grew up in eastern Washington and began her degree at the University of Washington. She is currently finishing her bachelor's degree with CSU global while studying organizational leadership. She is on track to finish this coming summer with plans to enter the alternative teacher pathway program. The ALT program allows school districts to hire individuals to serve as teacher while completing the necessary teacher preparation based on the Colorado Teacher Quality Standards.

Before taking over one of the first grade classrooms, Clark served as a para-professional in the District for several years.

"I love helping and guiding students to learn to their full potential," Clark said. "The best part is helping them discover the way that they learn best. My mom was a teacher and watching her in the classroom inspired me to do the same."

Clark lives in Crook with her two daughters, Victoria, age 7, and Isabella, age 12; both of the Clark girls attend school in Haxtun. The family also includes a mini Aussie named Louie.

In her spare time, Clark said the she and her family enjoy spending time together at the lake and doing anything outdoors. She personally likes to read and draw.

"I love the strong community and how welcoming everyone is," Clark said about Haxtun. "I am looking forward to working with all of the amazing kids and staff."

Dana Davis

Dana Davis returns to Haxtun Schools, this year as one of two third grade teachers in the elementary end. Davis spent time at the District as a para-professional before returning as a teacher in her own classroom. She teaches third along with Amanda Ridlen.

Davis grew up in Sterling and attended Northeastern Junior College. She served as a para-professional for 12 years before returning to school to earn her elementary education degree from Grand Canyon University.

"I enjoyed my time as a para-professional and wanted to pursue my love of teaching even farther," Davis said. "My students inspire me every day by bringing their experiences and interests into the classroom. My favorite aspect of being a teacher is helping students reach their full potential."

Davis has lived in Haxtun for almost 22 years along with her husband, Tommy, and the couple's three children: Andrew, Brooklyn and Ryan. Andrew, now in the United States Navy, and Brooklyn are both Haxtun High School graduates. Ryan is a sophomore in Haxtun this year. The Davis family also includes a cat and dog who are like family, too.

In her free time, Davis said she enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys gardening and singing in her church praise band.

"I love Haxtun because it is an inviting and caring community. The school is awesome. We have great administration, great staff and terrific kids," Davis said. "I cannot wait for those moments when a student realizes his/her talents and potential. Although I was not born in Haxtun, I am a Bulldog at heart!"

Don Myers

New to the high school staff this year is science teacher Don Myers. Don and his wife Debbie both join the Haxtun District; Debbie serves as the Business Manager. Don brings with him over 30 years' experience in the classroom.

Don grew up in both Brighton and Cedaredge and earned degrees from Mesa College and the University of Northern Colorado. His degrees include animal science and physical education. He has spent the last three decades teaching in rural schools in eastern Colorado while also coaching football, basketball, baseball and track.

"I started teaching wanting to coach high school athletics but am now wanting to teach science with less coaching," he said. "I think the best thing about being a teacher is seeing students gain confidence and grow into young adults."

Don and Debbie, along with their youngest daughter, Rebekeah, recently joined the Haxtun community and school district. Rebekeah is in the third grade this year. The couple also have two older children; Sarah, who is married and lives in Delta, and Elijah, who attends South Dakota State University.

When he's not in the classroom, Don said he enjoys being with family and friends and hunting and fishing when time allows.

"I am looking forward to the larger classes than I have had at the previous schools I have taught at," he said.

Tracy Kennedy

Tracy Kennedy also joins the staff in the high school building, this year taking over language arts. She recently moved to Haxtun with her husband, Stan Kennedy, who teaches high school math in Haxtun.

Kennedy moved to Colorado with her family when she was a teenager after growing up in Dodge City, Kan. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in education from Adams State University.

"Educating our children shapes our future and it is exciting to be a part of that future," Kennedy said of entering the education field.

Kennedy and her husband, Stan, enjoy hiking in the mountains, reading and traveling. They also support and visit their three daughters who live in Greeley. The Kennedy family also includes a dog, Charlie, and kitty, Gremlin.

"Moving to the small town of Haxtun was an easy choice. The quiet of a small town is a type of tranquility that cannot be found in cities and on the front range," she said. "However, the citizens of Haxtun are the best part. They have been very welcoming and I look forward to getting to know them all better."

Kennedy said she is looking forward to building relationships with her students, colleagues and the Haxtun community.