feature / the standard / oct. 2020 | 5
TEACHER FE AT U R E
New staff members share about themselves and reflect on the school year so far
SARAH DOLENCE Mathematics
Q: What have you enjoyed about Southwest since working here? A: I love my co-workers in the math department. The department is a really tight group, and they were really welcoming to me when I came to Southwest. I love how we plan out lessons together and are always making decisions that are in the best interest of our students. [Principal Scott] Roberts always tells us that at Southwest, “we take care of kids,” and I really see that in the attitudes of the staff. It’s great to work in a school that is really centered around its students. Q: Can you share some fun facts about yourself? A: This is my second Blue Valley school – before, I worked at Blue Valley Northwest. I was really excited to get to come to Southwest this year. I am originally from Laramie, Wyoming, and I came to Kansas when I went to KU where I got my degree in mathematics. I have a dog named Mason Bean and he is basically a human; he doesn’t act like a dog at all. I have a partner named Ben who also works for Blue Valley; he’s an eighth grade ELA teacher at Prairie Star Middle School. I enjoy working out and lifting weights because it helps me manage my stress, and in the spring when all the gyms shut down, I started running and now I’m obsessed.
JORDAN FOOTE Performing Arts Q: What have you enjoyed about Southwest since working here? A: I am really excited about my students. Although it has been a little more challenging getting to know them over Zoom, I look forward to working with them this semester. Southwest is an amazing school, and the theatre facilities are fantastic. Q: Can you share some fun facts about yourself? A: I grew up in the area and I am a Blue Valley High School graduate. I just moved from Tampa, Florida, where my family has been living the last seven years. I worked as a professional actor at various local Tampa theatre companies. My wife is a professional photographer, I have two daughters and we have two rescue dogs. I’m a KU grad and a big Jayhawks fan. I am a former student of [Dan] Schmidt, and it is so important to me to continue his legacy by leading a theatre department that creates consistently great work.
