Riva Sharples | Editor
Approximately, 370 students in grades preschool through 12th returned to school in the Alcester-Hudson School District this week.
Leading them are more than 55 returning faculty and staff, along with seven new faces and two who have switched roles this year.
The start of the school year is always an exciting time, says A-H Superintendent Tim Rhead.
“Although the start of the school year is in the fall, it feels more like springtime,” says Rhead. “This is a chance for a new start and new outlook on school. Everyone comes in excited to start a new year and has big hopes for the year as well. I love to see that excitement on everyone’s face as the new year begins!”
Rhead is proud to have a majority of faculty and staff returning to the building.
“I believe consistency is important,” he said. “Having no major changes can be a very powerful message.”
New staff this year include Logan Serck, an Alcester-Hudson alumnus, who will be teaching Junior High Math, Science, and Technology. This is Serck’s first teaching job after graduating from Dakota Wesleyan University in May, where he played four years of college football.
“I am excited to join the A-H staff because there are a lot of familiar faces and people here who I know I can lean on for help/advice,” Serck said. “Alcester- Hudson has always been a place I have been very proud of and it makes me very excited knowing I get the opportunity to help our students within the district feel the same way as I did.”
In addition to teaching, Serck will be helping coach Junior High football this year and may help with other sports as needed. During college, he coached four years of wrestling for the Hanson County School District.
Another new staff member joining the A-H team is Jovelyn Bullo, who will be teaching High School Science.
Local hair stylist Amanda Ericson, who runs Mane Attraction in Alcester, is joining the Library part-time as a paraprofessional. She will continue to operate her salon with reduced hours to accommodate for her time at the school.
Taking on the role of band director and 5-12 band instructor at Alcester-Hudson is Eric Quaschnink. Also joining the staff as one-on-one paraprofessionals are Heather Hongslo and Melissa Coenen.
Returning staff who are taking on new roles include Katie Anderson, the Head Cook at the school, and Mitchell Johnson, who is transitioning into the role of Technology Coordinator and Dean of Students. Johnson will continue to serve as Athletic Director and will teach a couple of math classes as well.