Goessel USD 411 welcomes new teachers years ago
Goessel USD 411 welcomed new teachers Mike Connell, Donna O'Neill, and Christy Pickerill this school year.
Hoch Publishing Company asked the new teachers questions about their backgrounds and future plans. Here are their responses.
Mike Connell
Mike Connell will begin his 42nd year of teaching and his first as the 5-12 instrumental music teacher in the Goessel school district.
He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Sterling College. Previously Connell taught music for 25 years at USD 408 Marion-Florence.
Connell and wife Cheryl live in Marion, and have two grown daughters and three grandchildren.
Though he's still getting acquainted with the school district staff and student, Connell knows Goessel's reputation and expectations for a quality music program.
"I truly expect to have a great year," Connell said.
Donna O'Neill
Donna O'Neill and her husband Shane are returning to Marion County to be closer to Shane's parents who live in Peabody.
O'Neill holds bachelor's and master's of science degrees in biology from Central Missouri State University, now known as University of Central Missouri. She currently is enrolled in the transition to teaching program at Wichita State University, taking six credit hours this fall in graduate education courses.
She teaches two general science classes, two biology classes, two physics classes, and a chemistry class at the high school.
Donna and Shane have two children — Brianna, 4, and Nathaniel, 2.
"I am very lab-oriented and am looking forward to doing many fun lab activities with my students," O'Neill said. "I'll do my best to pass on my enthusiasm for science and my interest in our world while I continue to take courses at WSU to improve my teaching."
The O'Neill family resides in Goessel and they look forward to being members of the Goessel community.
Christy Pickerill
Christy Pickerill is beginning her second year of her teaching career.
She is a graduate of Hesston College and Tabor College with a bachelor of arts degree in mathematical sciences and secondary education.
Pickerill's teaching assignment this year is algebra I and II, geometry, and advanced mathematics at GHS. She also will be the junior class sponsor.
One of 10 children in her family, Pickerill recently married Travis Pickerill and they reside in Hesston.
Pickerill said she appreciated the "great student teaching experience and preparation for this job from Hillsboro math teacher Sharon Loewen.
