FACULTY

Teresa Beam Third Grade BACK to District Staff Laura Bruce Social Studies/Cheerleader Sponsor BACK to District Staff Kim Chaney Kindergarten My name is Kim Chaney; I live in Hackett with my husband, Ed and our three children: Trevis, Kayla and Audrie. I graduated from Hartford High School and received my Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith. I volunteer for many youth organizations which include baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football and Girl Scouts. I believe children should have fun while learning and that each child has the right to learn at their own level and pace. "The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught as that every child should be given the wish to learn." - John Lubbock BACK to District Staff Ann Clark High School Math BACK to District Staff Erica Cooper First Grade BACK to District Staff Robin Davis Middle School Math BACK to District Staff Ronnie Denton Careers/PE/Coach/Social Studies BACK to District Staff Charles Douglas English/Social Studies BACK to District Staff Pam Douglas Math/Science/Literacy BACK to District Staff Erica Elmore Third Grade BACK to District Staff Margaret Emberson Federal Programs Coordinator I grew up in Michigan and came to AR to attend college in 1972 where I met my husband, Jim, who is from OK. We have three daughters/son-in-laws and 6 grandchildren. We both graduated from Harding University. Before coming to Hartford, we lived in El Dorado where I taught for 8 years at both Jr. High Schools. I have been at Hartford Schools for 20 years. I started out as a Title I Math teacher and then added to that schedule the responsibility of teaching 7th and 8th grade Math. I then had an opportunity to be a Math Coach, Federal Coordinator, Title I Coordinator, ACSIP Coordinator and Elementary Test Coordinator. As you can see, I now wear many hats. I love helping students and teachers with their math needs. I have enjoyed working with the administration and staff. BACK to District Staff Samantha Geren English/Speech BACK to District Staff Gayle Hall GT & AP Coordinator My name is Gayle Hall. I am married to Sam Hall and live on Poteau Mountain in Howe, OK. My official title is "Gifted and Talented Coordinator/Teacher K-12". I have been working at Hartford for 24 years. I started out teaching in Fort Smith then Russellville. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elem. Ed from Hendrix College in Conway, AR. I have a Masters in Elem. Ed. and a Master’s of Science in Gifted and Talented Ed. from AR Tech University in Russellville. I loved the area when I moved here and decided to stay. Hartford School is a great place to work and the community is filled with great people. My other duties include the "Recycling Program" and the "Spelling Bees." Other programs that I sponsor are included under the heading GT. I may be contacted at school by calling one of the offices (H.S. 639-2239 or Elem. 639-2831). BACK to District Staff Johnny Harp Agriculture BACK to District Staff Valerie Harp Second Grade "Teachers who stop learning have students who stop learning." I truly believe this statement and that is why I currently have a master’s degree plus 15 additional graduate hours. I am a National Board Certified Teacher, a Mentor to both Novice Teachers and those seeking National Board Certification, and a Praxis III Assessor. Being a consultant for Everyday Math allows me to train teachers in other states. I have taught second grade for sixteen years, and one year I taught a second/third split. Teaching is extremely rewarding, and I strive to make learning as much FUN as I possibly can. Along with teaching, I enjoy reading, shopping for bargains, and spending time with my three daughters and two grandchildren. I collect souvenir pennies, Aladdin lamps, and sand. My husband and I are Hartford residents. I LOVE the area and appreciate the support of the local community, it residents, and parents. BACK to District Staff Carolyn Harris P-Sixth Counselor Mrs. Harris started her career in education teaching fourth grade in Putnam City Schools, a district near Oklahoma City, OK. Since then she has taught grades 3-8 and has served as a counselor at Union Christian in Ft. Smith before coming to Hartford. Mrs. Harris calls the University of Oklahoma in Norman and the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, OK her Almae Matres as she received most of her education at OU, but moved to Edmond, OK for the latter. She received her Masters of Educational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, OK and is currently working on another Program of Study in counseling at Arkansas Tech in Russellville, AR. Mrs. Harris lives with her husband in Arkoma, OK. They have a daughter, a son-in-law, and two grandsons living in Ada, OK. Mrs. Harris says she has proudly worked with kids most all of her life whether it be teaching Sunday school or programs in the church where her husband and she have been youth ministers for many years. BACK to District Staff Dawn Hawkins Fifth Grade My name is Dawn Hawkins. I have been teaching at Hartford Elementary for three years and I am loving every minute of it. The working relationships between the staff members is excellent. I am forty-two years old, have a twenty-one year old son, Wes, and a grandson, Kobe, who is almost two. My husband, Ralph, and I live in Spiro, Oklahoma with two dogs, Beavis and Shadow, and a cat, Skippy. I have wanted to be a teacher my whole life and have been very fortunate to have found a working home here at Hartford. BACK to District Staff Joe Hays Science/Coach BACK to District Staff Benjamin Hickman K-12 Art BACK to District Staff Matthew Hominick 7-12 English BACK to District Staff Dale Horine Math/K-12 Music BACK to District Staff Cynthia Hubbs Kindergarten-Twelfth Librarian I am from Fort Smith, Arkansas and a graduate of Ola High School. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and a Masters in Library Science from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. I have taught kindergarten and English as a Second Language in China as well as library classes. I have been with the Hartford District since 2007. A little about me.. My Family: I’m married with 2 children My Hobbies: I enjoy geocaching, hiking and reading. My Favorite Book or Author: Favorite authors include Dee Henderson, James Herriot, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, L. M. Montgomery and G. K. Chesterton. Professional Organizations and Memberships: Arkansas Association of Instructional Media, Arkansas Reading Association, Arkansas Library Association, American Library Association, and American Association of School Librarians. BACK to District Staff Wendy James Fifth Grade My name is Wendy James. I am married to Brandon James of 14 ½ years and we have three terrific boys, Tyler (12), Brennan (10), and Jaden (7). In my spare time I enjoy playing with my boys, chasing their sports all over the place, reading (when I can), cooking with my husband and mowing the lawn. I graduated college with my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville in May, 2003. In August 2007, I moved my career to Hartford Public Schools, where I teach 5th grade Math, Science, and Social Studies. I absolutely love Hartford. We are so fortunate to have a district that allows teachers to teach. We learn through hands on activities, teacher instruction and guided practice, and independent investigations. Within the 5th grade, Mrs. Hawkins and I work together to ensure that all the standards are covered and that the children have fun learning it. We often times combine classes to allow for the students to work whole group through science labs, poetry reads, group presentations and also individual project presentations. We have fun learning; exactly the way learning is meant to be. BACK to District Staff Donna Knight Special Education I live in Poteau OK, and have taught for 14 yrs, 6 of those at Hartford High School. I have 3 grown sons, and 3 granddaughters. I grew up in California and moved to OK once I graduated from High School. I have attended NSU, OU, and U of A. BACK to District Staff Melissa Lunsford Business Mrs. Lunsford is the Business Education Instructor. She teaches Keyboarding, Computer Business Applications, Desktop Publishing, Multimedia, Economics, and Sport and Entertainment Marketing. She has a Bachelor Degree in Business Education from Arkansas Tech University. She began her teaching career at Hartford High School August 2008. Prior to this, she was employed 13 years with the Arkansas Department of Human Services as a Child Care Eligibility Specialist and Family Support Specialist III. She has been married to Steve Lunsford for 25 years. They have one son, Brandon. BACK to District Staff Katie Michael Kindergarten BACK to District Staff David Morris ALE/Coach I live in Mansfield with my wife and 4 children. I graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. I also received endorsements to teach science. I began my teaching career in Bokchito, OK in 1998 at Rock Creek Public Schools teaching middle school science, and coaching softball. I left education to return to the oilfield with Halliburton where I was fortunate enough to be transferred to Arkansas. I began teaching at Hartford in 2009. I teach Alternative Learning and coach baseball and football. BACK to District Staff Robin Morris Fourth Grade My name is Robin Morris, my family and I live in Mansfield. I have been married for 22 years to David Morris and we have four wonderful kids, Kyle (16), David (12), Kristina (11), and Malaree (3). I graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State College, in Durant, Oklahoma, with a Bachelor’s in Education in May, 1993. I started my teaching career August, 1994 at Red Oak Public School teaching 4th grade. In August, 1996, I moved to 1st grade and started coaching 5th - 6th and 7th - 8th softball and basketball. In August of 2000 - May, 2004, I starting teaching 1st grade at Grant Public School, from August, 2004 - May, 2006, I taught 6th grade at Wilburton Public School. Then in September, 2007 I started my teaching career at Hartford Elementary teaching 4th grade. BACK to District Staff Amber Reed Special Education My name is Amber Reed and I have been married to my husband James for 10 years. We have a 7 year old daughter named Rebekah. I have a Boston Terrier named Bubbles and a cat named Theodore or I guess I should say Rebekah has them. I graduated from Mansfield High School in 1998 and graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelors in Secondary History Education. Not being a coach lead me to my true calling Special Education. I teach K-6 Special Education and wouldn't dream of teaching anything else. I love the everyday accomplishments of all my students. When I am not at work I love to fish (not big fish just anything that will bite), riding 4 wheelers, working in the garden, and taking care of my chickens. And of course I love spending time with my family and friends. BACK to District Staff Gladys Rink Seventh-Twelfth Counselor I grew up in Texas in a Christian home with Mom, Dad, 6 brothers and 3 sisters. My husband, D. Chris Rink and I have 4 sons, and by the end of 2010, will have 8 grandchildren. I earned a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Arkansas Tech and a Master of Education with first major in Instructional Technology and second major in Counseling from Arkansas Tech. My teaching certifications include 7-12 English, Journalism and Oral Communications, as well as Library Media P-12 and Guidance & Counseling P-12. I enjoy reading, playing piano, and listening to jazz and classical music. BACK to District Staff Martha Traylor Family & Consumer Science I attended and graduated from Pottsville High School. For my college career I attended and graduated from State College of Arkansas (now University of Central Arkansas) with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. I have taught here at Hartford all my teaching career. I have one son who recently graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a degree in Agri Business. My husband teaches social studies at Mansfield High School. BACK to District Staff Mandy VanVekoven Fourth Grade I graduated from University of Arkansas - Ft. Smith. I have a daughter, Hannah, and live in Poteau, Oklahoma. BACK to District Staff Adrianne Ware Kindergarten-Sixth PE/EAST I am from Greenwood, AR and I graduated from Arkansas Tech in 2007. I love playing sports and watching sports on TV. My favorite station is ESPN. I referee junior high and high school volleyball in the fall. I am not married and I do not have any children. BACK to District Staff Leisa Williams Pre-K BACK to District Staff LeAnn Tiffee-Wilson Special Education I have been with Hartford Schools for 23 years. I taught in Poteau Schools for 2 years. I graduated in 1980 from Wister High School. I graduated from Carl Albert Junior College in 1981 with my Associates. I then worked for Poteau Headstart and drove to Northeastern State College to receive my Bachelor's Degree in 1983 with 12 hrs. towards a Master's. I live in Monroe, Ok with my son John Paul Wilson. He is an 8th grader and has gone to Hartford since Kindergarten. I also bring with me my grandkids Philip and Monica Rangel whom have both been here since Pre-School. One has gone 3yrs. and the other 5yrs. This year I also have my nephew Jaxon King going here who attended pre-school here previously. I have a daughter who has graduated from nursing school and works for Heavener Nursing Home, my son-in-law is employed by OK Foods. I have enjoyed teaching here. I love my students and love to see the progress they make each year. I started out teaching in the Resource Room K-6 grade for 16 years, the next 7 was in the 7-12 grades Self-contained classroom. I work with wonderful people. I have a great Para who is very dedicated to our students. We love working with our students and watching them grow. We are looking forward to a new building next year. It will be sad to see the old one go, but we will enjoy the new technology that the new building will provide. I hope to enjoy the new building and working with students for another 23 years. BACK to District Staff Donna Woodhull Sixth Grade My name is Donna Woodhull and I am the sixth grade Language Arts (Reading, Writing, English, and Spelling) teacher. I have lived in Hartford my entire life. I graduated from Hartford High School in 1985. I then attended Arkansas Tech University where I received my K-6 Elementary degree. I was hired at Hartford in 1988-89 and have never worked at another school. This is HOME! You could say maroon and grey runs deep in me. I have since been working on my Reading -Specialist degree at Harding University. I truly love my job. I think when you are passionate about something it shows. It is my desire as a teacher to make a difference. I want to help every child that walks into my room not on grade level, to walk out at the end of the year with that accomplished. In addition to that, I have high expectations for every child to grow as a reader. In years past, I think reading teacher s have taught the skill to read not the love or will to read. That’s what I want to do. I want to help put that book in a child’s hand that they just can’t put down. If they ever start reading, then they will begin to improve in so many other areas. Writing (what I call the inking of their thinking) improves, vocabulary is strengthened, and grammar usage improves. So to me reading is the key to success! BACK to District Staff

SUPPORT STAFF

Nanette Adair Instructional Aide/Transportation BACK to District Staff Nancy Barnes Food Service BACK to District Staff Gretchen Bascue Instructional Aide My name is Gretchen Bascue. I have been married to Billy Jack Bascue for 33 years. Billy Jack was on the Board of Education for 10 years. I attended Hartford School for 6 years. We have 3 children whom all graduated from Hartford High School. Tisha has a Bachelors degree in Biology and is employed at Sparks. Sam went to college for 2 years and currently drives a fork lift. Matt is employed by Whirlpool and is in the Army National Guards and was deployed for a year doing a tour in IRAQ before returning home. We have 5 grandchildren and 1 one the way. We have several extended grandkids we claim. I have been with Hartford Schools for the past 15 years. I worked with Mrs. Nellie Wright in the Self-Contained classroom for 8 years. I currently work with LeAnn Wilson in the High School 7-12th Self-Contained/Resource Room. I enjoy my job. I love working with the students and seeing the progress they make each year. The greatest part is to get to be there to watch them graduate, it's like watching one of your own children. BACK to District Staff Billie Blanchard Cafeteria BACK to District Staff Jan Blicharz Instructional Aide/Transportation BACK to District Staff Susie Bolton Kindergarten-Twelfth APSCN Coordinator BACK to District Staff Rheta Brown Superintendent's Secretary BACK to District Staff Bobby Chick Maintenance Supervisor BACK to District Staff Jason Chick Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor/Transportation BACK to District Staff Bonnie Cravey Food Service Supervisor BACK to District Staff Missie Denton Special Education Aide BACK to District Staff Alex Gossett Technology Coordinator BACK to District Staff Kathleen Harbottle Pre-School Aide BACK to District Staff Tom Harris Bus Driver BACK to District Staff Gene Hester Bus Driver BACK to District Staff John Hunt Kindergarten-Twelfth Library Aide BACK to District Staff Mark Kirkendall Custodian BACK to District Staff Lynn Lee Distance Learning Facilitator/Yearbook I am the Distance Learning Facilitator for Hartford High School. I have been the Yearbook Sponsor since 1995. I grew up in California and have lived in Arkansas since 1984. I received a degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University. I am married to David Lee and have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. BACK to District Staff Amanda McBride Transportation BACK to District Staff Clarissa McCutcheon Instructional Aide BACK to District Staff Marilyn McMillion Custodian BACK to District Staff Angie Michael Treasurer/Bookkeeper BACK to District Staff Melissa Raines Pre-K Aide BACK to District Staff Margaret Strunk Food Service BACK to District Staff Carl Sweeten Custodian BACK to District Staff Marilyn Teague RN I graduated from Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis, TN obtaining my RN in 1984. Since, I have worked in a variety of health care settings, being with the Hartford School District as full-time, on-site nurse since 2009. I am originally from the Memphis area. I have been married since 1989. My husband is from Louisiana. We have three daughters. Our family relocated to this area in 1995. All three daughters started Kindergarten at Hartford Elementary. One graduated from Hartford High in 2009, and two are still in high school. I am committed to keeping Hartford School District healthy and safe. Visit the health room on our website for updated district health news. BACK to District Staff Dawn Whitten ISS I am a former graduate of Hartford High School. I moved to Dallas, Texas after finishing high school and worked for an IT company for 25 years. I resigned from that company and moved back to Hartford to be closer to family. I have three children and we currently reside in Hartford. BACK to District Staff Teresa Wooten P-Sixth Secretary My name is Teresa Wooten. I am married to James Wooten. I have 3 children, 3 grandkids, and 3 granddogs. I graduated from Hartford High School in 1979. I have been employed with Hartford Schools for 17 years. This is a wonderful school and a great place to work. Go Hartford Hustlers!!!! BACK to District Staff