MCC WELCOMES 5 NEW FACES TO THE HALLS THIS YEAR

With the new school year come several new teachers and one new support staff all eager to build relationships and begin a positive experience: Melissa Sheppard - Replacing long-time school counselor Mary Beech is no small task, but Ms. Sheppard is more than capable. She was bom and raised in the Adrian/Ellsworth area and is really happy and comfortable working in a rural school. Ms. Sheppard earned her bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice from South Dakota State University and is currently finishing her master’s degree through Arkansas State University. For the past several years she has worked as the behavior interventionist and school registrar at a Sioux Falls middle school, and before that time she worked as a sexual abuse victim counselor. Her position at MCC is quite varied and she approaches her tasks with purpose and determination. “I want to advocate and guide students to help them meet their academic, personal and social goals. I want to make an impact, giving students hope and faith. I will cheer them on and never give up!” Ms. Sheppard looks forward to getting to know all of the students in seventh through twelfth grade and provide them whatever kind of support they need for a positive school experience. She has three children of her own and one young grandchild. Though much of her spare time is spent finishing her own school work, she loves time with family, time outdoors and barrel racing.

Grant Harms - Mr. Harms is a native of Hadley and graduated from Murray County Central in 2002. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College (University) in St. Paul. After a year of working in California, he started teaching at Fulda Elementary School, where he taught sixth grade for fourteen years. Now he is pleased to begin teaching sixth grade at West Elementary. “We’ve lived in Slayton for fourteen years and though I had a wonderful experience teaching in Fulda, it’s really fun to work in our home community and teach where my own children attend school.” Mr. Harms and his wife, Summer, have four children: Hadley, Casper, Milo and Daisy and time together is what he likes best when he isn’t teaching. “We love to go for walks, play games, play disc golf and swim at the pool,” he said. “In the winter time we play on the ice rink we build in our backyard.” Building relationships is a key ingredient of teaching for this veteran of the classroom. “I believe when I build relationships with students, staff and the community the learning comes naturally. I’m happy in an elementary classroom where I spend all day with my students and upper elementary especially suits me well.”

MacKenzie DeLong - Fifth grade teacher Ms. DeLong is also an MCC graduate. She is a 2018 alumni who attended Southwest Minnesota State University, earning her degree in elementary education this past December. She worked at West Elementary as a long term and short term substitute and is thrilled to begin her first teaching position also at West. “I always wanted to teach,” she remarked. “My mom, grandpa, aunt and sister-in-law are all teachers and I’ve always loved working with children. It’s so rewarding to watch them learn and grow over the course of the year.” She is most excited to meet her students, and commented that the other teachers have been very helpful to her. “I’ll be teaching reading and vocabulary to all the fifth graders. I know reading isn’t every student’s favorite class, but I hope to make this room an enjoyable place for them to come.” Ms. DeLong also enjoys relaxing with family and friends, and playing golf. Last spring she was an assistant high school softball coach and she is looking forward to another fun season coaching next spring.

Taitum Timm - Ms. Timm is the new Early Childhood Special Education teacher, focusing on students from birth through preschool. For the youngest children she teaches in their home, and at school she teaches in the preschool classrooms. Ms. Timm is a native of Garvin, graduated from Tracy High School and also completed her degree at Southwest State University. Her student teaching was in Lamberton and Murray County Central is her first full time teaching position. “During college one of my field placements was in Sam’s (Wynia) classroom and I really liked this school. Todd Burlingame called me when the position was open and I am so happy to be here. Everyone is so welcoming and the staff really want to work together to be successful.” Ms. Timm loves to paint and she also chooses to spend her free time with her family, including her two cats and dog.

Jason Wischnak - Mr. Wischnak is a seasoned teacher with a few years of life experience as well. He grew up in Vergas, MN and graduated from Perham High School. He attended Southwest Minnesota State University, earning degrees in business administration and political science. For several years he struggled to find the right fit for him, eventually cooking in restaurants, including Lakeside Hideaway in Currie.

But he explained, “When my wife suggested I may be interested in education, something clicked.” In 2018 he completed his Master’s degree in education and taught social studies in Ellsworth for four years. Mr.

Wischnak lives in Balaton with his wife and two sons, and the shorter commute to Slayton was appealing. “When I was working in restaurants I worked with a lot of teenagers and built good relationships with them. I’ve brought this with me to the classroom.”

Jason loves to spend time with his family, especially camping, plus projects around the house and working with wood.