Five new teachers greet students at South Elementary

As students walk through the doors of South Elementary for their first day of school, the most important factor going through their head is: "I wonder what my teacher is like?"

Those students who will be starting third grade will have a new group of teachers welcoming them. Laura Davis, Jennifer Farmer, Kristy Snipes, Tarah Quinn and Adrienne Raspberry will embark together on their first year of teaching third grade at Kennett.

Laura Davis has experience with the third grade from her four years teaching at Naylor Elementary School.

Farmer

"I taught third, fifth and sixth grades at Naylor," said Davis. "I enjoy teaching and wanted to teach at Kennett for a different atmosphere."

Davis said third grade students are very interested in learning and enjoy coming to school.

"At this age they seem really motivated and want to be here," said Davis.

Quinn

She is looking forward to teaching the new reading program Kennett will be using called Reading First.

"I'm also excited about getting to know all the kids and the other teachers," said Davis.

The wife and mother of an 11-year-old, Davis enjoys crocheting, spending time with her family and their 13 pets.

Raspberry

Kristy Snipes is no stranger to the Kennett area, she has lived here for six years with her husband who is the guidance counselor at Holcolmb.

"I graduated in May of 2004 and this is my first year teaching," said Snipes. "I did however do some teaching at Gideon for a few months."

Snipes said she has always wanted to be a teacher because she enjoys kids and wants to make a difference in their lives.

Snipes

"I want to be their teacher and friend," said Snipes.

First year teachers have many experiences to look forward to and that is what motivates Snipes.

"I'm looking forward to the end of the year to see how much the kids have improved," said Snipes. "I just love knowing that I can get up everyday with a smile on my face because I really enjoy what I'm doing."

In her spare time, Snipes likes to shop, watch movies and walk her dog.

Kennett native, Tarrah Quinn, will begin her first year of teaching with some familiarity of the school.

"I grew up here and I know that this is a good school system," said Quinn, who graduated from Murray State University in December 2003.

Quinn said "I look forward to figuring everything out, even if it takes five years, and getting comfortable with the curriculuum."

"I really like third graders because they still enjoy doing fun things and you can have a good time with them," said Quinn.

Teaching is something she has "always wanted to do and felt that this is where God was leading her."

Quinn got married this May and enjoys reading and going to the movies.

Jennifer Farmer is also in her first year of teaching. The Campbell, Mo. resident recently graduated from Southeast Missouri State University and is certified to teach first through sixth grade.

"I wanted to become a teacher because I love kids," said Farmer. "My own children also inspired me to do so."

Farmer is married and has three children, Zachary, Trenton and Malary.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know the kids in my class," said Farmer. "I'm also excited about the new reading program we are using, I know that the kids will really enjoy it."

When Farmer is away from the classroom, her own children keep her busy.

"All my kids play baseball and softball," said Farmer. "We like to go to Cardinal games as a family, we really love baseball."

Adrienne Raspberry is not new to the district, she was a teacher's aide last year, however this will be her first year teaching third grade.

"I love children," said Raspberry. "Just the the thought of changing their lives is why I love teaching."

Raspberry is also looking forward to teaching the children the new reading program, Reading First, that Kennett schools will be using for the first time.

A Kennett native, Raspberry said she graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in December 2003.

"I am married and have three children," said Raspberry. "I like to attend my children's sporting events and in my spare time I enjoy scrapbooking."

Due to the size of the incoming third grade class, two additional teachers were hired this year. It is likely that two current third grade teachers will move up with the class when the students begin fourth grade.