Teaches: Honors CA II and CA IV (will teach forensics next year)
Coaches/sponsors: In charge of literary magazine and assistant debate coach
Background info: Taught at BVNW last year, before lived in Boulder, CO while in graduate school with her husband, undergraduate degree from K State and KU, graduate degree from a school in CO, majored in psychology and women’s studies
Family: Married, has a miniature poodle named Jackson
Favorite color: purple
Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite restaurant: Poco’s
Favorite vacation: Has traveled to Outer Banks every year with family for 30 years
Favorite thing about SW: The people
Interesting fact: “When I was in third grade I ate dinner with all nine of the sitting supreme court justices.”
Hobbies: Reading, singing, playing the piano, working out
What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened to you/in the classroom?
“When I was training for a triathlon I was in a race running and I injured my knee. I haven’t been able to run since and I’ve been told that I will never be able to run again.”
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
“I got a job at an alternative high school. I had no idea that I wanted to work at a high school and then when I worked there I fell in love with working at a high school and decided to become a teacher.”
What would you be if you weren’t a teacher?
“I have lots of attorneys in my family…”
Adam Keda
Teaches: Symphonic orchestra
Background info: Originally from Westland, MI in metro Detroit, was the assistant orchestra director in Dodge City, KS for seven years, has a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s from Teachers College at Columbia University in NYC, both degrees in music education
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite food: Thai– “the spicier the better”
Favorite vacation: “I sunburn easily and I’m afraid of the water so skiing or the dark side of the moon are my go-to vacations”
Favorite thing about SW: “the enthusiasm of parents and students for the Performing Arts”
Interesting fact: “I still have two baby teeth in my mouth that never fell out. I’m guilty of stealing money from a dead man’s wallet.”
Hobbies: Reading, running, hiking, playing the cello, going to concerts, traveling, and eating good food
What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened to you/in the classroom?
“I was a sub for one year so I’ve seen everything from a 3rd grader that told me he communicated with the devil on a regular basis to a school security guard tackle a girl for not giving up her cell phone.”
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
“I love music. My favorite thing about being a teacher is having a positive influence on the lives of young people.”
What would you be if you weren’t a teacher?
“If I weren’t a teacher I would probably be an astronomer or meteorologist.”
Chris Jenson
Teaches: Biology and chemistry–trying to “cram two passions into one lifetime” by full-time teaching SW and part time practicing for KU Med
Coaches/sponsors: Timber Trauma Team
Background info: Dad was in military (pilot) so moved around a lot lived in VA, FL, St. Louis as a kid, went to college at Notre Dame in Indiana, med school in residency in Chicago, pre-med major with emphasis in biology, worked full-time in emergency medicine for eight years, student taught at SW during first year then taught CAPS: foundations in medicine for two years
Family: married with one girl, Taylor four months old “she’s the most favorite thing in my life. I love my daughter.”
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite food: Ice cream
Favorite restaurant: Bristol
Favorite vacation: anywhere warm…Hawaii
Favorite thing about SW: The students that make it up because they’re really supportive and energetic. He loves the teachers he works with and he says its a supportive environment, which makes it fun to come to work.
Interesting fact: Jenson was in the navy reserves and he took off in a plane off of an aircraft carrier. He also once literally bumped into Sandra Bullock in downtown Chicago on Michigan Avenue.
What would you be if you weren’t a teacher?
A full-time physician
Chris Thompson
Teaches: Special Education
Coaches/sponsors: Football
Background info: Went to Emporia State, Rockhurst University, and University of Missouri (KC?), graduate degrees: MBA and master’s in special education, just recently taught at Olathe South and taught technology at Turner High School, been teaching special education for the past 15 years
Family: married with two kids
Favorite color: Yellow and green
Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite restaraunt: Jose Peppers
Favorite vacation: camping in the mountains
Favorite thing about SW: “We’re a new building and a new school. We have the opportunity to develop new traditions that will move into the future. Few schools have that opportunity.”
Interesting fact: Used to work with the Royals in the visiting locker room
Hobbies: Fishing and reading
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
“I enjoy being in the classroom, watching students grow academically and individually. Teaching is like putting together the pieces of a puzzle–developing students’ strengths in the areas they need to grow academically.”
Marilyn Foerster
Teaches: Special Education (Peer Tutoring)
Background info: Originally from St. Louis, went to University of Missouri in Columbia, master’s degree from KU in Home Ec (now called FACS), taught for 23 years in Reytown school district as a special ed teacher and then retired, then starting teaching again, spent two years teaching in the focus room (with Mrs. Claypool or where Mrs. Claypool is now?), teaching for 29 years total
Family: Married with two kids (Jennifer in Chicago and Nick in Lawrence)
Favorite color: Green
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite restaraunt: Waldo Pizza
Favorite vacation: Anywhere with an ocean and a beach
Favorite thing about SW: Everyone helpful and friendly
Interesting fact: Ms. Lawrenz’s mother was her son’s second grade teacher
Hobbies: Reading, shopping, cooking, and exploring KC sights with her husband
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
“I always wanted to be a teacher, even as a little kid.”
What would you be if you weren’t a teacher?
“A famous cook on the Food Network.”
Catherine Tubbesing
Teaches: Honors French IV
Coaches/sponsors: hopes to help out with French Club and FHS
Background info: “I was born in Madison, WI. I went to Whitewater High School, the University of Notre Dame for undergrad, and UMKC for my master’s in French Lit. My two areas of study (and certification to teach) are French and Psychology. Prior to SW, I was at BVNW, and prior to that, SMEast. I have taught 13 years.”
Family: “I have been married 25 years, and we have a wonderful son Carter who is 14. He has a mini-dachshund named Sunshine.”
Favorite color: Purple
Favorite food: Chocolate
Favorite restaurant: Cafe Provence
Favorite vacation: “France…of course.”
Favorite thing about SW : “My colleagues and my students”
Interesting fact: “My first language was French because my mother was a native of France, and she spoke all French to me when I was young. I even had a French accent in my English.”
Hobbies: Running and traveling
What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened to you/in the classroom?
“A stingray tried to eat my finger”
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
“Both of my parents were teachers and when I tried it I found I loved it. What I like best about teaching is the interaction with students.”
What would you be if you weren’t a teacher?
“I might be a psychologist”
Staci Lowe
Teaches: Physical education and personal fitness
Coaches: Track and Field (head coach)
Background info: Originally from Chase, Kansas, went to Johnson County comm college & Kansas State University, has a KSU-BS in Family Studies and Human Services, w/ an emphasis in Early Childhood Education, added a physical education & Health endorsement to teaching certificate through Baker University, has subbed in the district for three years, before that taught PE/Health at Bonner Springs High school for 10 years, 15 years in different types of education…early childhood and secondary ed
Family: Married to Randy Lowe football coach at BVSW, wrestling coach at BVW and PE teacher Pleasant Ridge Middle—-three kids: Briana 11 years, Brooks 8 years, Brynn Lowe 6 years
Favorite color: Purple (maybe)
Favorite restaurant: Cheddar’s or Outback
Favorite vacation: “We just went to Disney World for the first time this summer, it was a lot of fun”
Favorite thing about SW: “All the great people here”
Interesting facts: Was an athlete in college, has run a marathon and just competed in first triathlon
Hobbies: Exercising and spending time with family
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
“I loved working with children and kids, building relationships with kids, and seeing students develop an interest in fitness and their health.”
What would you be if you weren’t a teacher?
Personal trainer
Liz Camacho
Teaches: Spanish II
Background info: Originally from Overland Park, has BA degrees from KU and UMKC, majored in Spanish, Journalism, Foreign Language Education with an emphasis in Spanish, before BVSW was in Madrid, Spain teaching English for the Spanish Ministry of Education and before that 3 years at Shawnee Mission South HS, been teaching for four years
Family: Just recently married (Miguel) and has one stepdaughter (Lizzy, 6)
Favorite colors: Blue and black
Favorite foods: stuffed crust pizza, anything fried or chocolate
Favorite restaurant: “I love La Bodega-a Spanish Restaurant & Mestizo-a “fancy” Mexican Restaurant in Park Place. Great salsa”
Favorite vacation: “I love Mexico, Spain & Italy. All beautiful, fun and with fantastic sight-seeing opportunities and beaches.”
Favorite thing about SW: “the extremely nice and respectful students”
Interesting facts: “I guess I resigned from a school I loved, got a job in Spain and moved to Madrid last year. The educational system is quite a bit different. Students and teachers did pretty much whatever they wanted, and it was okay. It was tough adapting to such a different culture, but I’m glad I did it. I LIVE to travel but before I get to the airport and on the airplane I have mini panic attacks. It’s crazy.”
Hobbies: Boxing/kickboxing, going to dinner with friends, watching movies, salsa dancing at Madrigal with husband
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
“I found out through tutoring esl students, I had a passion for teaching and I was good at it. I also am passionate about my subject matter, Spanish. I also wanted to make a difference. I had a teacher that inspired me and I thought I could do the same. It’s never boring.”
What would you be if you weren’t a teacher?
“I first started out as a dance performance major at OCU. I was planning all my life to be a dancer and had I not injured my back and hip so badly, I would still want to dedicate my life to dance and theater.”
