Drexel welcomes new teachers

By STACY RICE,
Managing Editor
The 2009-2010 school year begins for Drexel R-IV students on Friday, August 21st. Some things have changed: increased meal pricing, cell phone use, updated handbooks and new teachers. That’s right... new teachers. There are four new faces instructing the youth this year. All four come to Drexel with several years of previous teaching experiences.
Nathan Danneman, a 1997 graduate of Rockwood Summit High School, will be enhancing the educational opportunities of the district as the new K-12 Physical Education and Health and Weight Training Instructor.
A newlywed, Danneman and his wife of one month, Tabitha, reside in Drexel. Tabitha works as a Registered Nurse. He grew up in St, Louis, MO and received his bachelor of science degree in Physical Education at Missouri Valley College at Marshall, MO.
Danneman began his student teaching career at Marshall High School in 2002. He continued there until 2003 when he transferred to Richmond R-16 High School in Richmond, MO until 2009. He was the recipient of the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year award in 2004.
“I want to have the same impact on kids that my teachers and coaches had on me,” says Danneman, when asked why he became a teacher. He enjoys hunting and fishing and hanging out with his wife. Danneman will not only be seen in the gym but also on the field. He will be an assistant varsity football coach this year and coach for girls track. He really is looking forward to the start of the football season.
Doug Schibi of Olathe, KS grew up in Parsons, KS and graduated from St. Paul High School in St. Paul, KS. He will instruct students in Special Education at Drexel R-IV.
Schibi received his degree in Physical Education with a minor in Special Education from Pittsburg State University. He completed his student teaching at Labette County High School. From January 2007 to June 2008, he started teaching Strength Training and Physical Education at Colby High School in Colby, KS. From there he went on to substitute teach for the Olathe School District.
Schibi looks forward to the small town atmosphere that Drexel has to offer, not to mention the great staff he will be working with and the kids. “I have always been around great teachers and coaches that were tremendous role models and good influences,” says Schibi. “Success from the past drew me toward teaching.”
In his free time Schibi enjoys fishing, working out and staying fit. He stays active by participating in various types of sports. He will join Danneman on the football field as the other assistant varsity coach and later move to assistant coaching of the junior high boys basketball team and as assistant coach to the baseball team in the spring.
Lindsay Harvey of Tonganoxie, KS grew up in Olathe, KS and attended Olathe East High School. She joins the local teaching staff as the new....
Read the complete story in the August 20th edition.
PHOTO: Drexel R-IV welcomes four to the teaching staff for the 2009-2010 school year. From top left to right: Doug Schibi, Lindsay Harvey, Nathan Danneman and Chris Kliewer. Photo by Stacy Rice