New Semester Brings New Teachers to GES

Natalie Finch has taught at Grapevine Elementary for ten and one-half years.  It is only after a great deal of conversation and consideration that she and her family have determined that now is the time for her to leave the full-time classroom in order to focus more of her time and energy on her family and home.  We are sad to see her go; it is always difficult to replace someone with her talent and commitment as a teacher.  However, we are excited for her and this wonderful opportunity to focus upon her family in ways that she has dreamed for several years.  She will always be considered a Shining GES Star!

As Natalie leaves, we are thrilled to welcome Amy Van Hook to take her place as one of our Kindergarten teachers.  Amy joins us by way of O. C. Taylor Elementary where she has taught first grade for the past 17 years.  The past eight years she has served in a job-share situation that allowed her the freedom and flexibility to give special attention to her own children while remaining a part of the ever-changing world of public education.  Amy is excited to join her two children who already attend GES.  We know that she will be another in our galaxy of Shining Stars!

Christine Keener has worked with the English as a Second Language learners at both Grapevine Elementary and Heritage Elementary for the past several years.  During that time the numbers of students on her case load have increased at both locations, leading the district to consider adding another ESL teacher to the cadre of teachers working throughout GCISD.  Once the decision was made, Christine received word that she would begin serving Heritage Elementary exclusively beginning in January.  We are confident that she will continue her wonderful work at that campus in the years to come!

Kathleen Richmond joins GES as our full-time ESOL specialist.  Kathleen has two children attending GCISD schools.  She worked as an ESL teacher in Dallas ISD for six years before settling in our area and choosing to stay at home with her young children.  As her children entered school she returned to the classroom in a substitute capacity.  Now that her children are in middle school and high school, she is thrilled at the opportunity to return to the classroom full time and reinvest herself in the joy she derives from teaching.  We welcome Kathleen to our staff and know that she will be a blessing to our young Stars!