Spotlight

Dr. Brad Newton, Principal, DMS

"I want to help students become successful, especially those students who face additional challenges such as those who have limited access to educational resources, those with special needs, and students living in poverty."

- Dr. Brad Newton, Principal

Magda White, Assistant Principal, DMS

"Cesar Chávez once said, "Sí se puede!"—"It can be done" or "Yes you can." I believe every child can learn, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that helps grow the next generation of thinkers and leaders, making a lasting impact on our world."

- Magda White, Assistant Principal

Beth Hellebrand, Robotics and Scholars Bowl Teacher, DMS

"Having a job where I empower students to explore ideas, collaborate, make mistakes, and learn is incredible. Seeing their pride when concepts click and ideas become reality is so rewarding. Teaching perseverance and witnessing success is why I do this. It's the best job."

- Beth Hellebrand, Robotics/Scholars Bowl Teacher

Tristan Ziannis, Decatur Middle School Teacher

"I chose to become a teacher because I want to be a part of student's stories. I want kids to learn and grow in every aspect of their lives."

- Tristan Ziannis

Noah Armstrong, Decatur Middle School, Teacher

"I had teachers who developed relationships with me in my school experience. They helped me develop my outlook and my approach to live."

- Noah Armstrong

Kennedy O'Connor, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"I like to let my students know that failure is not permanent. We all fail but it's what we do after the failure what really matters!"

- Kennedy O'Connor

Julie Massey, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"I want my students to learn and be loved."

- Julie Massey

Joshua "Colby" Moon, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"I was inspired to become an educator in order to have the opportunity to positively impact our youth."

- Joshua "Colby" Moon

Cameron Bates, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"Throughout my life I have always had great teachers who made an impact in my life as well as others. I became an educator to give back to the world and make a positive impact in students lives."

- Cameron Bates

Abbey Haraway, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"I will ensure that all of my students know they are loved and valued both inside and outside of my room."

- Abbey Haraway

Laura Green Nelson, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"I was inspired to become an educator because of the amazing teachers who inspired me throughout my childhood education."

- Laura Green Nelson

Ashlyn Corbin, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"My goal is to make sure all of my students grow and learn using high quality tiered instruction."

- Ashlyn Corbin

Destiny Elkins, Teacher, Decatur Middle School

"My goal is for this school year is for each of my students to show growth in their knowledge regarding math while also learning how to productively contribute to their community."

- Destiny Elkins