Compiled by Kathryn Schiliro
Photo by Angelina Bellebuono

On Wednesday, the county's school-aged children packed up their bookbags, left their homes and took to the bus (or car, or their own two feet) to begin another school year. They were greeted by many familiar faces, but also some that were unfamiliar.
There are ten teachers new to the Morgan County School System this year and, dear readers, we'd like to help in making introductions.

morgan county primary school

Jill Adams will spend her Mondays and Tuesdays as the primary school's nurse and will continue substituting for other nurses in the school system. She has a bachelor's degree in Nursing from Rochester College.
• What's your favorite cafeteria food? Grilled cheese
• What three things are essential to your classroom? Band-Aids, ice packs and love!

Bobbi Hart will teach Pre-K at the primary school this year. She has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood from Georgia College & State University.
• What are you most excited about teaching students? I love teaching my students to read. It is so exciting to take part in children's first ah-ha moments when they sound out their first words.
• What's your favorite cafeteria food? I love cold, sweet tea.
• What three things are essential to your classroom? Smiles, songs, and lots of paint

Heather Huff will teach first grade this year. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and a master's degree from Georgia Southwestern State University.
• What are you most excited about teaching students? I love the fact that I can have an impact on beginning readers. I plan to help my students realize that reading is fun.
• What's your favorite cafeteria food? Oh, pizza, of course!
• What three things are essential to your classroom? Technology, books, and happy kids!

Jill Zamudio is teaching Kindergarten this year. She has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.
• What are you most excited about teaching students? As a Kindergarten teacher, I am looking forward to teaching students how to read and enjoy it!
• What's your favorite cafeteria food? No comment!
• What three things are essential to your classroom? Post-it Notes, computer and a good night's sleep!

morgan county middle school

Crystal Brooks will serve as a counselor at the middle school, working with students whose last names begin with "N" through "Z," though she hopes to work with all students in some capacity, she says. She has a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Georgia and a master's degree in Professional Counseling also from UGA.
• What are you most excited about teaching students? Though I will not be working with students on a specific academic subject, I look forward to working with students on many levels. I want to aid students in being the best that they can be! I look forward to building relationships and advocating for the students at MCMS.
• What's your favorite cafeteria food? Pizza!
• What three things are essential to your classroom? Though I do not have a classroom, I find that confidentiality, respect and caring are all essential.

Dusty Sidwell will teach sixth grade Language Arts this year. He has a bachelor's degree in Special Education from Georgia College & State University.
• What are you most excited about teaching students? I am very excited about writing. I enjoy writing and look forward to helping the students put their creativity on paper.
• What's your favorite cafeteria food? Pizza
• What three things are essential to your classroom? Positive attitude, hard work and always smile!

Kristen Steele will be teaching eighth grade Mathematics at the middle school this year. She has a bachelor's degree in Journalism and a master's degree in Special Education, both from Georgia College & State University.
• What are you most excited about teaching students? I really enjoy teaching Algebra.
• What's your favorite cafeteria food? Nachos
• What three things are essential to your classroom? Respect, motivation and open minds

morgan county high school

Jamie C. Atkinson will teach Physical Science at the high school this year. He has a BBA in Finance from Georgia Southern University, an MEd in Science Education from the University of Georgia and is in the process of completing an AAS in Emergency Management from the Community College of the Air Force.
• What are you most excited about teaching students? I really enjoy discussing the fundamentals of Physics, such as Newton's Laws, because it allows me to incorporate math and many real world examples into my instruction. I am in the Air National Guard, and it usually is nice to be able to show how physical science principles are utilized every day in the military.
• What's your favorite cafeteria food? A good ol' hamburger
• What three things are essential to your classroom? Discipline, an open mind, and a desire to learn about the world in which we live

Jeffrey Rowser will be the band director beginning this year and will also teach guitar and team teach at the middle school. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in Music Education, both from Auburn University. ("The same school that God attended!!!" Rowser writes.)
• What are you most excited about teaching students? I am thrilled to be teaching marching band, symphonic and jazz band at MCHS. I look forward to continuing an already refined, musically talented band.
• What's your favorite cafeteria food? I love the Thanksgiving meal each year! Cranberry sauce is my best friend!!!!
• What three things are essential to your classroom? My classroom needs the 3"M"s: Music, musicians and me!!!!

Michelle "Mikki" Ward is teaching ninth grade Biology this year. She has bachelor's and master's degrees, both in Education from Georgia College & State University.
• What are you most excited about teaching students? I am really excited about all of it!
• What's your favorite cafeteria food? I try not to eat in the cafeteria, but when I do, it is usually for the desserts.
• What three things are essential to your classroom? An open mind, organization and the willingness to participate

Printed in the August 11, 2011 edition.