by Autumn Genzler,
GHS Blue Ink
Continuing school, you're still probably seeing a whole lot of new people, and you may have no clue who they are. While you may have gotten to know a few of the new students as you sit with them in class, there may be some new teachers you have yet to meet.
In the second part of the Blue Ink’s feature on new staff members, the elementary and specials teachers were interviewed: Mrs. Denae Bass (DB) the new 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Taylor Schweitzer (TS) the new vocal music teacher, and Ms. Tori Hanson (TH) the new 3rd grade teacher.
Q: Where did you grow up?
TH: I grew up in a small town called Hurley, South Dakota.
TS: Mobridge, South Dakota
DB: Ackley, Iowa
Q: What college did you graduate from?
TH: Univeristy of South Dakota
TS: Northern State University
DB: Southwest Minnesota State University
Q: Why did you choose Garretson?
TH: Because I like the small community and everybody’s been super friendly and welcoming.
TS: My husband works here, my sister-in-law works here, my brother-in-law Ramsey goes to school here, so yeah lots of family and it’s where we live.
DB: It’s similar to towns I’ve taught in before. I like the small town and the smaller schools.
Q: What made you choose the grade that you teach?
TH: I like little kids, I like working with younger students and watching their minds grow and I feel like there’s a lot of growth that happens in 3rd grade.
TS: I’ve always grown up loving music, I had a really awesome elementary music teacher that inspired me to do elementary music and then I’ve been doing elementary for the past 4 years, this is my first year doing MS/HS.
DB: I just like the early childhood so I’m able teach PRE-K through 2nd grade so it’s like the younger groups of ages and they’re still excited to learn.
Q: Would you choose a different subject or different grade than the one you teach?
TH: 1st grade.
TS: History.
DB: High school social studies.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
TH: I like the paint, I like to go hiking, I like to be with my family, and I like to play basketball.
TS: Hiking, walking our 2 dogs, I’m learning to play the guitar, I’m going back to school for music therapy right now, and I like doing hot yoga.
DB: Going to sporting events, watching movies, I like to go shopping, and I’m usually chasing after my kids a lot.
Q: What animal would you be and why?
TH: I would be a hippopotamus because they can eat whatever they want and people don’t judge them.
TS: I’d like to be a corgi, cause I love my corgi. She’s kind of sassy and I can be kind of sassy too.
DB: Anything that can lay around all the time and take naps.
Q: Did you play any sports in school?
TH: I did. I played volleyball, softball, cross country, basketball, and track.
TS: I did basketball and volleyball in high school.
DB: In high school I played volleyball, basketball, softball, and track. Then in high school I also played basketball and softball.
Q: What food would you eat if it was the only thing you could eat?
TH: Anything potatoes.
TS: Peanut butter.
DB: pizza.
Q: If you were stuck on an island what 3 things would you bring?
TH: My dog, cause I need some company, my blanket, and my sister.
TS: my dogs, peanut butter, and some good books to read.
DB: A book, a flashlight, and something to eat.
