Frazer Students, Staff and Community Welcome New Faces

When school started for Frazer School students, teachers and staff back in August, returning students saw new faces grace the hallways and classrooms. The school welcomed Sydney Hersom in the library, Shannon Knowlton in first grade, Jessie Walker in kindergarten, Alex Hinchcliff in high school English, Doug Williams in Tech Ed, Andy Schiedermayer, who returned as the part-time school counselor after retiring last year, Greg Rodriguez in eighth grade, Taylor Olson in elementary computer, Tanner Olson in physical education and Michelle Tade in business.

Between all 10 new staff members, there is a range of experience, number of years teaching as well as life experience outside of Montana. This year is Hinchcliff's first year teaching and utilizing her Montana license however she has teaching experience with English as a second language in France. She chose Frazer due to the support offered as a new teacher by superintendent Melanie Blount-Cole and principal Sonya Smoker-St. Marks. "The administration of the school offered the support I was looking for as a new teacher and Frazer sounded like a nice school to start my career," she told the Courier.

Rodriguez previously taught in Clovis, Calif., and made the move to Montana and Frazer school after seeing an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children. "I love to teach. There never is one thing for me. I saw an opportunity to make a difference and try something new and I pounced on it," said Rodriguez. One thing he is most looking forward to this year is surviving his first year in Montana and the winter weather that is experienced in the area.

Knowlton on the other hand has been teaching for 19 years and chose Frazer after being ready for a change of pace. "I love the community and support the Frazer administration and staff provide," explains Knowlton. She credits her mother as her inspiration for teaching as well as the wonder and excitement she sees in her students."I am also enjoying watching my daughter play sports for the Frazer Bearcubs this year," explained Knowlton.

Williams is another first year teacher. He chose Frazer after meeting a teacher at a job fair in Bozeman and liked what she presented. "I like to see kids build and see their projects come together," Williams explained. "I am most looking forward to seeing what the kids produce at the end of each semester as far as welding and wood projects go."

Schiedermayer returned back to Frazer this year as a part-time counselor after retiring last year after 14 years in Alaska and 16 years in Montana. "The year is going really well. The atmosphere is great and returning students are involved in their sports and school activities," explained Schiedermayer. "Juniors and seniors have been looking into colleges and scholarships and they attended the MPSEOC college fair at Glasgow High School last month." he choose education as a career field due to the chance and ability to positively affect hundreds of students for the betterment of society's future. "As any teacher can tell you, it is so satisfying to witness the growth of each individual student and to know that you have been a seminal part of that development toward his and her beneficial maturation," he stated.

As the school year progresses, it's clear these new and returning faces will have an impact on the lives of students, fellow faculty and the community as they continue to build the future.