New teachers welcomed by local businesses at luncheon

New teachers to the Newton Community School District and the Newton Christian School were welcomed at a luncheon hosted by the members of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Wednesday. The event was at the DMACC Newton Campus with lunch provided by Moo’s BBQ.

Chamber Executive Director Craig Light opened with a word of welcome to all of those in attendance.

“We’re so fortunate to have each and every one of you involved in educating and developing our youth, our children, our future neighbors, business owners and community leaders,” Light said.

Mary Patterson, dean of students at the Newton Christian School, led an invocation before lunch was served. The Gold Apple Sponsors, which include Buena Vista University, Capstone Behavioral Health, The Dental Practice and First Newton National Bank, each spoke and gave a word of welcome as well as how they participate in the community.

Before an introduction of each of the new teachers, Bob Callaghan, Newton Superintendent, spoke about the community support that Newton has and gave thanks to the school board members and the sponsors of the event. Then each principal in the district, as well as Patterson for Newton Christian, introduced the new teachers in their schools.

New to the Newton Christian School are Lisa Davis, Jean Ibbotson, Anna Lockridge and Jackie Taylor. Starting at the Newton Community School District are Kara Avis, Kristel Bylo, Shannon Clark, Riley Gallagher, Mike Kremer, Molly Kremer, Brooke Kuker, Andrew Kuker, Meggan Machin, Ashley Owens, Kaitlyn Peters, Amy Rau, Brian Springer, Tyler Stewart and Katie Wallace.

Newton School Board Representative Sheri Benson spoke about the direction the school board hopes to go and the goals they have for this school year.

“What we want to do first is 80 to 85 percent of our students meeting core curriculum standards ... Second, we believe it very important to interact with our parents and our community ... (Third) encourage a happy, healthy, positive learning environment for our students and our teachers ... Finally, the school district is committed to having highly qualified staff and supporting that through technology and what other resources are necessary to make that happen,” Benson said. She also stated that everybody needs to be a learner, that none of us know it all.

Also speaking at the event were Newton PTA Vice President Deana Gast and City Administrator Bob Knabel. Callaghan and Light made closing comments and thank yous also giving the new teachers a complementary gift from members of the chamber.

Contact Staff Writer Jamee A. Pierson at (641) 792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com.