News : New VS teachers begin orientation today

Jeff Mangold, Melissa Heeren, Megan Hesson, Tony Islas, RaeAnne Mason, Tami Tomkins, Sarah Bernhard.

Becky Lutgen will handle HR responsibilities for VS and other districts.

New VSMS instructors: Jeff Mangold, ELP; Tami Tomkins, LMC; Lindsay Gallo, 8th grade science.

New Tilford teachers include Kim Newton, 2nd grade; and Tracy Rodman, 3rd grade.

New Shellsburg teachers: Rachael Bauer, Michelle Wedemeyer, Jennifer Svoboda and Lucas Sears.

While many students will be attending a new building when school starts next Monday, Aug. 24, this is also a time for many teachers to become familiar with their new school.

Orientation for Vinton-Shellsburg's new teachers is taking place today. Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock welcomed them at 8 a.m. this morning, and began a day-long session of sharing information about the community and the schools.

New instructors include Tony Islas, who will be the assistant principal at VS High School as well as the director of the Alternative High School. Two other new instructors will join Mr. Islas at the alternative school in the old West building. RaeAnne Mason will teach social studies and math. Sarah Bernhard will also be teaching a variety of courses.

At Tilford, Kim Newton will be the new 2nd grade teacher; Tracy Rodman will teach third grade students.

Two new Middle School instructors will also be working at the high school. Jeff Mangold will lead the ELP (Expanded Learning Program, formerly known as Talented and Gifted, for grades 6-12. Tami Tomkins will work in the library/media center at both VSMS and VSHS. Lindsey Gallo also joins the VSMS staff, as an 8th grade science teacher.

At Shellsburg, Jennifer Rublack Svoboda, a 2003 Vinton-Shellsburg graduate, will teach special ed and Title 1. Rachael Bauer will teach 4th grade. Michelle Wedemeyer will teach special ed. Lucas Sears will teach physical education; he is also is an assistant coach with the VS high school football team.

Megan Hesson was the assistant FFA advisor last year; she will be a math teacher at VSHS this year.

Also joining the teachers at orientation is Becky Lutgen. The VS alum will be handling HR responsibilities.

See a video of the new teachers introducing themselves HERE.