Fleming Schools welcomes five new teachers

The 2024-25 school year is off and running and as students returned to the classroom in August, five new staff members joined the list of Fleming faculty members who welcomed them back.

New staff members include Ashley Steward, Junior High English and Elementary Physical Education; Sheila McCabe, Junior High and High School Science; Gentry Etl, First Grade; Nate Japp, Construction Trades; and Bethany Nicolet, School Counselor.

Fleming students in grades fourth through 12th returned for the fall semester on Aug. 14 and those in kindergarten through third grade began on Aug. 16.

To keep up-to-date with Fleming school activities and happenings, follow Fleming Wildcat Chat on Facebook or visit https://www.flemingschools.org.

Gentry Etl

Gentry Etl recently moved to northeastern Colorado with her very soon-to-be husband and in doing so, pursed a first grade position at Fleming Schools. She comes with experience in elementary education, specifically the kindergarten classroom.

Etl is originally from Tryon, Neb. and after graduating high school attended the University of Nebraska-Kearney where she earned degrees in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. After college, she taught in Stapleton, Neb. Etl is currently pursuing a Master's degree from UNK and plans to graduate in December.

"I have always wanted to be a teacher. I use to play school at home during the summer with my cousins. I was always helping the teacher grade papers, organizing or whatever else the teacher wanted help with," Etl said. "My second grade teacher was my inspiration to be a teacher and what kind of teacher I want to be. I love watching the students grow and when the 'lightbulb' goes off. I love being there for those students that need the extra love and attention."

Her recent move landed her in Procter where she lives with her fiancé Kyle near his family's farm.

"I will be getting married on Sept. 7 and I will officially be Mrs. Etl," she said. "We live north of Proctor next to his parents and grandparents and we have two dogs that we would do anything for."

In her free time, Etl said she loves being outside on the farm, mowing and spending time with her dogs.

"I love teaching and I have heard nothing but good things about Fleming. I can't wait to build relationships with my students and their families," she said.

Ashley Steward

Teaching English and PE in Fleming is a full circle moment for Ashley Steward, lifelong Fleming resident and Wildcat alum.

Steward crew up in Fleming and after high school earned a degree in Elementary Education from Colorado Christian University.

"Returning to this community as a teacher feels like a natural and fulfilling step in my journey," she said. "My decision to pursue teaching came from a desire to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. I find great satisfaction in discovering what inspires each student and helping them connect with their learning in a personal way. The most rewarding aspect of teaching is knowing that I can be a positive and memorable influence in a student's educational experience.

Steward and her husband are third-general owners of Schlenz Builders, a local company that recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. They live in Sterling with their two sons, Easton and Tristan, and golden retriever, Jasper.

"Our family is deeply rooted in this community and we value being actively involved in local life," she added. "Returning to Fleming has always been a goal of mine because of the strong connection I feel with this community. While I've taught a range of subjects, I'm particularly drawn to teaching English and engaging with middle school students. This age group is dynamic and full of potential and I'm eager to be part of their educational journey."

When not at school or busy with her children, she enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking and reading.

Steward said she is most looking forward to building meaningful connection with students and contributing to the positive atmosphere of Fleming Schools.

"I'm also looking forward to working with the wonderful staff to help our students achieve their best. Go Wildcats!"

Bethany Nicolet

Fleming School Counselor Bethany Nicolet also joins the staff as a Wildcat graduate. The Fleming native went on to receive her Special Education Degreed from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and her Social Work Master's Degree from Western New Mexico University.

"I had wanted to be a teacher since I was in elementary school. I always really loved school and learning," Nicolet said. "My grandmother and mother are also teachers and inspired me to continue the family tradition! My favorite part about teaching is making connections and helping people reach their full potential."

Nicolet now lives in Fleming with her husband, Bryon, and their three kids, ages 12, 10 and six, and two dogs. In her spare time, she likes to play volleyball, read and hike. She also likes to spend time with her family.

"I grew up in Fleming and always loved the community and people," she added. "I'm looking forward to coaching and teaching lessons. I was out of the classroom for a couple of years and really missed it."

Sheila McCabe

McCabe takes over the science classroom with a degree in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Before that, she grew up in Sterling and graduated from Caliche High School. She obtained an Associate's Degree from Northeastern Junior College in Sterling and then advance to Boulder where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Astrophysics.

"I have always found joy in sharing my passion for science with others. Fostering an environment where science feels accessible and attainable to all my students is the ultimate goal in teaching," she said.

She said having grown up in northeastern Colorado, she is hoping to give back through science enrichment and inspire students to reach for the stars through her instruction in the science classroom with students in grades sixth through 12th.

McCabe has a three-year-old daughter and two, fluffy cats. She enjoys crocheting, reading, stargazing and hiking.

"I am most looking forward to developing as a teacher and helping my students succeed," said McCabe.

Nate Japp

Nate Japp takes the reigns as teacher of Fleming's Construction Trades program. The program, in its first year, will teach students the stills needed to enter the carpentry industry including all phases of residential home construction including foundation preparation, framing, electrical, plumbing and finish work.

Japp said he became interested in the teaching position when he received a call about the possibility of adding the program to the Fleming High School schedule.

"I was like heck, I might be interested in teaching it. One thing led to another and here I am," he said. "I love working with the kids and teaching something that I love."

Japp grew up in Sterling and holds 25 years' worth of construction experience. His teaching degree, he said, comes from the experience he's received in the 20 plus years of working for Japp Construction.

Japp and his wife, Jessica, have three sons, Nolan, Pierson and Easton. Jessica, a long-time teacher, is in her first year at Haxtun Schools teaching fifth grade. The family also has three dogs and a host of other animals on their family farm. If he does get free time, Japp said he enjoys fishing but mostly he just likes to spend time with his family.

"I am looking forward to a new experience and hopefully teaching something that will be useful in the kids future," Japp said.