WACO welcomes new staff

WAYLAND — For some teachers, the new school year means more than new students occupying their classrooms, however. With classes starting last Wednesday, WACO welcomed new staff to their ranks.

Abby Shelman—Elementary School Counselor

Abby Shelman is excited to fill the role of elementary school counselor as she returns to the school district from which she graduated.

Following graduation from WACO, Shelman attended the University of Northern Iowa where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in human resources.

“After working a few years, I found myself returning to school to follow my passion of working with kids,” Shelman said. “I attended the University of Iowa and completed their School Counseling master’s program.”

Shelman then split her time working for Pekin and Cardinal Elementary schools for two years. She worked for only Pekin for a time before making her way to WACO Elementary, this year.

“I was excited when the opportunity to come ‘home’ presented itself,” she said. “I am excited to continue helping kids and families closer to home!”

In her new role as the elementary school counselor, Shelman intends to continue letting the question “what is best for the kids,” lead her in teaching and helping kids navigate big feelings.

“I love the opportunity to work with and build relationships with the kids and their families,” Shelman said. “Getting to know each students' interests and joys is one of the best parts of the job. I truly enjoy helping kids understand and navigate emotions. I love when a child uses a strategy that they have been practicing and it helps them stay calm or accomplish a task that was really difficult. It is a skill they can continue to use when they are older!”

Following her first day of school, Shelman continued her tradition to write down any of the positives from the day.

Looking forward, Shelman is excited to participate in Warrior Thursdays by wearing her warrior gear. She also hopes to support her students as she takes in sports and music activities.

“The music program is wonderful and has created incredibly moving concerts,” she said. “There are many kids involved in a variety of activities. It is fun to watch the kids dedicate so much time to their many talents!”

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When Shelman isn’t at school, she spends time with her husband Bryce, their children Mia and Cole, and their dog Lola.

During the summer the family spends much of their time swimming, riding bikes, and exploring local parks. On the weekends, they can often be found enjoying a family movie night complete with popcorn and snacks.

“I am so excited to join the Warrior family as your Elementary School Counselor!” Shelman said. “Reach out if you ever have a need or concern you'd like to talk about.”

Natalie Jones — Junior/Senior High Instructional Strategist I

Natalie Jones started this school year keeping in mind that “every day is a new day,” as she took on the role as the new Instructional Strategist for WACO Junior/Senior High School.

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“One of my mentors had this as her motto and I think it is especially important as a teacher,” she said.

“Everyone has bad days, even myself. We have to learn to not let the past cloud over the present.”

Although, coming to WACO did not carry any negative from the past as Jones expressed her excitement for the opportunity to work with the district.

“I wanted to come to WACO because the community is so invested in the school and the students,” Jones said. “I also like working with older students and seeing them prepare for life beyond school.”

Jones is excited to see students grow throughout the years.

“I have the opportunity to be with students anywhere from 7-12th grade,” she said. “In that time you get to see them grow academically and into a young adult.”

She will do this by creating connections with the students through common interests.

“If you find a connection, you always have something you can come back to,” she said.

As she works with students this year, Jones hopes to encourage them to try the activities that they aren’t quite sure about.

“Being involved helps you with so many things, including meeting new people,” she said. “Everyone has their own thing and you don't know until you try.”

Jones will be right there at school activities as her students step out and try these things, too.

“I like seeing the kids do what they love,” she said.

Growing up not far away in Fairfield, Jones feels right at home in the WACO school district.

After graduating from Central College and pursuing her passion for education, Jones returned to her family farm north of Fairfield with her two labs Harley and Moose. A bonus for Jones is having her parents just around the corner.

Being back on the farm is only natural for Jones who says she spends much of her summer vacations helping out around the family farm by running equipment, hauling water, and cleaning out bins.

“I also enjoy gardening and am attempting to preserve what I can for the winter,” she said.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com