What's New at School?

DAYTON–The local High School was hit with a great loss of staff after the past school year; including English, Spanish, History, Business, Digital Art, Music, and Physical Education teachers, as well as the advisors for FBLA, ASB, and Youth and Government. Student athletes of the Dayton-Waitsburg Wolfpack also suffered the loss of both the head and assistant Girls Basketball coaches.

The English program was taken over this year by new teacher Jessica Howard, however due to personal reasons Mrs. Howard had to leave Dayton High School. Now, English is being split among newcomer Gary Eastvedt, and returning teachers Kristen Frankie, and Brenda Henderson. Mr. Eastvedt joined DHS staff this year, beginning as a temporary Physical Education teacher, as well as being placed in the high school Learning Center. Now, Eastvedt has taken on both Math and English classes as well.

Melanie Morgan, previously a substitute in the district, has now taken over the World History and Geography class, as well as teaching 8th grade Introduction to Agriculture, and becoming the new Senior Class advisor. All Agriculture classes are usually taught by Ag. Teacher, and FFA Advisor Jennifer Crane, who is now in her second year at DHS. However, this year Ms. Crane has decided to take on the role of advising the student body council, now teaching the Leadership elective, and leaving Intro. to Ag. to Ms. Morgan.

For many years, the Business and Digital Art electives, and other related classes, have been taught by one teacher. Because of this, the loss of one teacher created a huge need, which has been filled by new teacher Sonny Mundell. Mundell has filled the position, bringing with him a fresh artistic perspective for his students.

Language teachers are among some of the hardest to come by. In the loss of a very experienced Spanish teacher, DHS has resorted to an unconventional, but effective solution. The Spanish 1 course is now being taught by online means, and assisted by Melaine Morgan, and Spanish 2 is now the duty of long-time teacher Kristine Warren.

Other new staff include the K-12 Music teacher Amy Gillick, who has already done a wonderful job managing the small, but talented high school band. The school is also joined this year by Ajay McNarland, filling the need for a Physical Education teacher. Jeanne Walter is also new this year to teach Math, and has already begun a new club called the Robotics Club which has begun competing.

The Youth and Government club was unable to find a staff member to lead their group, however, community member Angie Whaley has now stepped in, and will soon begin meeting with the group.

The Dayton-Waitsburg Girls basketball program lost their beloved coaches last year. After a long process of searching for new coaches, the Boys Basketball Coach Roy Ramirez has decided to coach both teams with Carly Benavides as assist girls’ coach.

The various changes in staff have greatly disrupted the consistent surroundings that Dayton High Schoolers have grown accustom. Like most change, it has created some disturbances in routines and atmosphere among the occupants, but with time new routines will immerge, and we are hoping in positive productive ways.