by Peyton Hove, GHS Blue Ink
Since February 22 Garretson High School has gone without a permanent study hall teacher. The retired Mr. Furness filled the temporary shoes for over a month, and now GHS finally found a new staff member, Mrs. Costello.
Mrs. Costello joined the GHS crew on April 1, and is enjoying every second. While talking to Mrs. Costello, she shared her personal life, the learning curves, and her excitement to be a part of the Garretson School district.
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself.
A: I am from Sioux Falls and I graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2000 and then went to SouthEast Tech in Sioux Falls. I was previously a job coach at a behavioral program at a school in Sioux Falls. My husband Jason and I moved to Garretson about 3 years ago. We have three boys, a 6th grader Jacoby, a 4th grader Chase, and pre-K Grady. I love camping, football, and watching my boys play sports. My favorite movie is either “Shawshank Redemption” or “You’ve Got Mail.”
Q: Why did you decide to become the new study hall teacher?
A: I decided to become the new study hall teacher because I wanted to be a bigger part of the community and the school district. I worked in the Sioux Falls school district for 10 years so I wanted to come to a smaller school, so I can have a more close-knit relationship and get to know more people than I could in a bigger setting.
Q: Where were you before?
A: I was in a behavioral program in Sioux Falls. I was a job coach, so I got to take kids out in the community and work with them in the community. I was housed out of a school in Sioux Falls.
Q: What are some comparisons and contrasts between small and big schools?
A: The small schools I feel like there is a lot more of a relationship setting, you get to know more people on a personal level as far as their interest and what they like to do and there is more to talk about. In a bigger school there might be more opportunities and other things kids can be involved in, but they are both equally great.
Q: What are your favorite things about the job so far? A: Getting to know everybody has been a lot of fun. Also being a part of prom for once, something I wasn’t a part of in Sioux Falls, and being with my kids here in Garret-son. Everyone has been super helpful, especially the students.
Q: What other duties are you planning on fulfilling?
A: I plan on talking over on prom, student council, and concession stands, which I’m very excited for all. And any other things that arise and sound like fun, I totally want to be involved in.
“I love her,” said eighth grader Macy Rotert.
“She is pretty nice and she lets us do our own thing so I really like that,” said sophomore Carson Clark.
“I love her, she is just chill and doesn’t bother us,” said junior Maren Bonte.
Mrs. Costello will be a great new addition to GHS. While adoring students rave about her, Mrs. Costello will continue to help students prosper and provide a safe place for them to study or relax. So make sure to stop by and welcome Mrs. Costello to GHS.
