Our new business essentials teacher, Mrs. Breckenridge, has been teaching math for 22 years before she became our business essentials teacher. Mrs. Breckenridge has loved teaching business this year because it has allowed her to include her personal experience. She said,” I have really enjoyed teaching business essentials this year because it has given me an opportunity to include my personal experience in life as a consumer and a small business owner. I especially like the curriculum of this course, which makes it fun to teach.” She also said she enjoys teaching a new grade level after teaching sixth grade for many years. “I really enjoy teaching 8th graders because they have another year of maturity, which helps them listen, learn, and complete assignments. 8th graders rock in my opinion!”
Our new secretary, Mrs. Bailey, has not taught at any other schools, but she was the Owner/Director of two different preschools in California. Mrs. Bailey has loved being a secretary this year because it is fast-paced.” I do enjoy what I am doing. It is fast-paced, and the days are full.” She also said she enjoyed meeting the staff and students. “The staff and students are my favorite part of course! Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful as I learn all my new skills.”`
Officer Rivera is the new security officer for Washburn Rural Middle School. Prior to joining WRMS, Rivera spent 5 years in the Marine Corps, 1 year as a corrections officer at Shawnee County Adult Detention Center, 6 years as a sergeant at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex, and 3 years on patrol in Valley Falls. For the last 6 months, Rivera has also been a K9 officer. So far, Rivera has enjoyed his time here at WRMS. He feels the staff has treated him well, and the students are opening up and starting to accept him being here. “I enjoy the daily interaction with students; there is always something new happening daily,” said Mr. Rivera.
Ms.LaRue is our new 7th-grade social studies teacher on the Voyagers team. This is her first year teaching, and LaRue says, “I love our students and building relationships with them.” LaRue loves making connections and working with the kids. LaRue said, “I love teaching social studies because it encourages kids to notice themes and patterns in the lives of themselves and others. It empowers students to think critically about the world.” Even though this is LaRue’s first year teaching, she’s already getting so close to the students and staff and enjoying her time at WRMS. Welcoming new teachers to Washburn Rural Middle School.
Ms. Montgomery is WRMS’s new 7th grade science teacher for the Comet team. Montgomery has been teaching for 9 years in Nebraska teaching high school biology, antimony, and physiology. Montgomery said “I love teaching science because it helps students look at the world in a new way. It’s not just about facts—it’s about asking questions, noticing patterns, and figuring out how things work. Watching students start to think critically and make connections is really exciting.” Montgomery’s favorite part of WRMS is the family-like atmosphere and how dedicated the rest of the teachers and students are.
We are so lucky to have these new faculty members who have joined WRMS this year.
