Knox County R-I School and Community Welcomes New Teachers

   Kim Bair is teaching Middle School and High School Social Studies.  Ms. Bair is a graduate of Scotland County R-I High School, Indian Hills Community College, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Social Studies (5-12) from Buena Vista University.  Ms. Bair comes from a family with two brothers, seven nieces and nephews and is engaged to be married next June.  She lists her interests and hobbies as running, walking, and participating in 5-K’s with her fiancé as well as painting, drawing and scrapbooking.  She states she is looking forward to learning as much as she can in her first year teaching at Knox County R-I and to working with colleagues and students.

   Ben Bradley is teaching Vocational Agriculture at the high school.  Mr. Bradley is a graduate of Adair County R-II High School and is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia.  In his spare time Mr. Bradley farms and enjoys shooting sports.  He looks forward to teaching agriculture in the Knox County community that has a strong agriculture base.

   Lisa Clark is from Macon but moved to Edina when she married David Clark.  They currently reside in rural Edina with two cats and a dog.  Mrs. Clark will be teaching fourth and fifth grade Communication Arts this year.  Mrs. Clark received her education from Moberly Area Community College and Hannibal LaGrange College.  She loves being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.  Mrs. Clark is looking forward to getting to know the students and the staff.  She is excited about watching her students learn and learning from her students.

   Diane Dees is teaching high school Biology and Physics.  Mrs. Dees is married and her husband John is currently serving in the Navy aboard the USS Nimitz.  They have three children, Trevor, Seth, and Arryn who attend school in Palmyra.  Mrs. Dees lists reading and camping as her interests and hobbies.  Mrs. Dees holds a Bachelor in Natural Sciences/Biology from Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, California and a Masters in Education from the University of Phoenix.  She is currently enrolled in the Doctoral Program for Education in Curriculum and Instruction through the University of Phoenix.  Prior to moving to Missouri in 2006, Mrs. Dees taught 7th Grade Life Sciences in Portsmouth, Virginia.  She states she is looking forward to the year at Knox County and learning from students and fellow educators.

   Dani Fromm is the high school guidance counselor/A+ Coordinator.  Mrs. Fromm is a graduate of Central Missouri State University with a degree in Business, Buena Vista University with a degree in Elementary Education and received a Masters in Counseling (K-12) from Morningside College.  Mrs. Fromm has taught fourth grade and has been a school counselor for the past six years.  Mrs. Fromm and her husband, Kevin Fromm, have three children, Meagan, Ali, and Will.  She lists her hobbies and interests as enjoying watching sporting events, swimming, reading, and gardening.  She is looking forward to meeting all of the students and helping them in their career/college choices and is excited to work with the staff at Knox County.

   Jenna Ketchum is teaching third grade and is the Middle School Assistant Softball Coach.  She was married in June and currently resides near Downing.  She is a graduate of Scotland County R-I and Missouri Western State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education with certification in Early Childhood/Special Education.  Her interests and hobbies include cooking, hunting, softball, and being involved with the sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha.  She looks forward to being involved in the community, meeting people, and coaching softball.

   Kristin McAninch is the Preschool teacher.  Ms. McAninch is a graduate of Kirksville High School, received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Methodist University and completed her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Kansas in May.  Ms. McAninch is engaged to be married in November.  She has family ties to Knox County as her mother and her mother’s siblings graduated from Knox County as well as some cousins.  Arts and crafts and reading are activities Ms. McAninch enjoys in her spare time.  She is excited to be in a community rich in family history for her.  She looks forward to interacting with the preschoolers and being a part of the daily discoveries made by each as they explore the world around them.

   Jane Moore is the Reconnecting Youth Coordinator.  Ms. Moore holds an AA Degree from Moberly Area Community College, Bachelor of Science Degree from Kaplan College and MBA from University of Kansas.  Ms. Moore lists her hobbies as boxing, working out, and reading with spare time activities of gardening and horseback riding.  She states she is happy to be at Knox County R-I and is looking forward to getting to know the students and helping them to be successful.

   Cheyrl Newland is the K-12 Vocal Music instructor.  Mrs. Newland received a Bachelor of Music Education from Truman State University and is currently working on a Masters in Education Curriculum and Instruction.  Mrs. Newland and her husband, B.J., have four children, Marie who teaches music near Sedalia, Emily, a college student, Charles, sophomore at Kirksville, and John, an 8th grade student.  She has twenty-five private voice and piano students which does not leave her much spare time.  Mrs. Newland states that she is excited to be following Mrs. JoAnne Layman at Knox County as the school has a good reputation musically.  She is looking forward to getting to know the students and parents and to continuing to build the music program.

   Scott Thrasher is teaching high school Chemistry and Physical Science.  He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Northeast Missouri State University (Truman State).

   Ryan Waters is teaching middle school and high school Physical Education and Health. Mr. Waters holds an Associates degree from Crowder College where he played baseball and graduated from Missouri State with a Bachelor of Science degree.  Mr. Waters loves sports and outdoor activities. In his spare time he likes to go camping and fishing accompanied by cooking out.  Mr. Waters serves in the National Guard and spends one weekend a month drilling.  Mr. Waters spent 15 months in Iraq during Operation Freedom.  He is looking forward to being in the community and working with the kids, teachers, and administration at Knox County as well as coaching.  Mr. Waters is impressed with the way the school district is striving to improve.

   John Weaver is the Middle School/High School Physical Education teacher and is coaching several sports.  Mr. Weaver is a graduate of Clark County High School and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Truman State University.  Mr. Weaver and his wife, Cari, an elementary teacher at LaPlata, are the parents of a 17-month old daughter, Maggie.  His hobbies and interests include hunting, camping, Cardinals games, spending time with family and working out.  Mr. Weaver states he is looking forward to the whole teaching experience, making a positive impact on students and winning!

   Shelley Wood is teaching sixth grade Math and Science and is the Middle School softball coach.  Mrs. Wood holds an AA Degree from North Central Missouri College, Bachelor of Science Degree from Hannibal-LaGrange, and a Master of Education from the University of Phoenix.  Mrs. Wood and her husband, Tim, have three children, Summer, Justin, and Pieper.  Her hobbies include softball and playing with her children.  She is looking forward to coaching softball and getting back into the Knox County community.

   Mark Vaugine is teaching high school Spanish.  Mr. Vaugine holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri State University in Spanish.  He lists his hobbies as music, travel, and reading.  Mr. Vaugine is looking forward to meeting the students and people of Knox County.

Knox County R-I Schools Welcomes New Principal

   Andy Turgeon will wear several hats this year as the new Middle School/High School Principal for Instruction and Curriculum, K-12 Assessment Coordinator, and he will oversee Technology for the district.  Mr. Turgeon holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Hannibal–LaGrange in Secondary Mathematics, a Masters in Education Administration and Specialist in Education Administration from William Woods University.  Mr. Turgeon and his wife, Teresa, have an eight-year son, Beau, and a six- year old daughter, Shelby.  His hobbies and interests include fishing and woodworking.  Mr. Turgeon states that he is looking forward to working with the students, staff and community.