Three teachers join the middle school team

WAITSBURG-Waitsburg's middle school teachers, Dan Nechodom and Elizabeth Jagelski, welcome three new certified teachers, Kelsey Grimes, Charissa Hodges, and Kira Waggoner, to Preston Hall. This week, all have been busy getting their classrooms ready for students.

Kelsey Grimes relocated to Waitsburg to teach sixth grade. She moved from California, where she last taught at Peralta Elementary School in Jurupa, California. This semester will begin Grimes' third year working in education. She previously taught at Peralta Elementary in Jurupa, California.

She said her goal for the year is for students to build a life-long love of learning through games and hands-on projects.

Chrissa Hodges acknowledges that she has been a lifelong student. She was a teaching assistant and a tutor during her college years.

Joining the Waitsburg Middle School staff, Hodges' first year as a certified teacher will be teaching science. She said her goal for the school year is to instill curiosity and a love for learning in her students.

Hodges lives in Walla Walla with her daughter, son, two cats, and a dog.

"I am excited to be a part of the Waitsburg Community and look forward to knowing and meeting all of you," added Hodges.

Kira (Boggs) Waggoner graduated from Dayton High School in 2020. She did her student teaching in the Waitsburg School District and received a bachelor's degree in 2022. She is currently working on her master's degree in business administration.

As a first-year teacher, she will tackle seventh- and eighth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) and History. Boggs said she will work to build strong relationships with the students. "I want to create an environment where they are comfortable and have the support needed to reach their full potential," said Boggs.