Teacher Feature

TEACHER FEATURE 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.

Q: What have you enjoyed about Southwest since working here? A: My number one has definitely been the friendliness of the staff. Everyone has a very welcoming nature.

Q: Can you share some fun facts about yourself? A: My favorite television show is “Parks and Rec,” and my dad’s actual name is Ron Swanson. I was on the Steve Harvey show. My family has fostered seventy three kids over a span of seven years. I’ve written for different national publications while I was staying home with my kids: Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, CBS News and The Today Show.

RACHEL HILLSTEAD Special Education

MORGAN RONDEAU Special Education

Q: What have you enjoyed about Southwest since working here? A: Everyone here is so nice and welcoming.

Q: Can you share some fun facts about yourself? A:This is my ninth year teaching. I have always taught middle school, so this is my first year teaching high school. My first eight years, I taught at Harmony Middle School in Blue Valley. I graduated with my undergraduate and Masters degrees from KU. Go Jayhawks! My husband and I have been married for seven years and we have two little boys. Dr. Pepper is life.

NANCY HERERRA FACS

Q: What have you enjoyed about Southwest since working here? A: The administration, office staff and co-teachers here at BVSW. I feel so welcomed.

Q: Can you share some fun facts about yourself? A: I love being a teacher, cooking, snow skiing, boating, and traveling in my spare time with my family. I also own a parrot named Barney and two dogs.

LIUAN YANG World Language

Q: What have you enjoyed about Southwest since working here? A: I really enjoy the Southwest culture as a school, as well as a workplace. Everyone is super welcoming and easy to approach. I have received so much help from my wonderful colleagues during the past month.

Q: Can you share some fun facts about yourself? A: Four years ago, I was attending college in China. I did a one-year study abroad at KU, and I remember hearing about the Blue Valley district from some local friends who attended BV. At the end of my exchange program, I did not expect that I would return to the U.S., and four years later I’m back in Kansas and BV as a teacher. I guess it’s kind of interesting how unpredictable life is.

CARLEY GRAFECCA Visual Arts

Q: What have you enjoyed about Southwest since working here? A: I am having a great time working at Southwest so far; I couldn’t have asked for a better first year teaching. The staff are incredibly welcoming and the students are so kind. I feel like I am at home working here.

Q: Can you share some fun facts about yourself? A: I have a dog named Archie who is my world (he’s a mini golden-

doodle). I graduated from KU in May. ROCK CHALK!

HALEY SLADE Computer Science and Business

Q: What have you enjoyed about Southwest since working here? A: What I’ve enjoyed most is how welcoming it’s been. I feel like I’m part of a family. The atmosphere is amazing already. I can’t wait to see how awesome it is during a normal school year. Q: Can you share some fun facts about yourself?

A: I am obsessed with giraffes. I played volleyball in college and I’m the varsity assistant coach at SW. I love to cook and bake. I have a 2-year-old Pomsky named Grace. I drink Coca-Cola every morning like it’s coffee.