With the start of every school year, comes new teachers and staff as well. Beginning a new school year can be just as stressful for the teachers as it is for the students, especially if they’re new to the district. This year, students welcomed more than a dozen new staff members to the district.

“I’ve definitely enjoyed my experience so far, I love that the students are willing to jump into anything,” new photojournalism teacher Jennifer Nance said.  “I mean I gave them a project on the first day of school and they just went with it.  The students have been really great. I mean I’ve been a teacher before but every school has different rules and regulations. The students here are always ready to help out and make sure I feel welcomed.”

From new cafeteria managers to new coaches and teachers, every student has been affected. To set themselves up for the best year possible, many students simply wiped the slate clear of any expectations for their new teachers.

“Getting a new teacher was hard, because I loved my Mrs. Gilbreath,” sophomore Hannah Warrick said.  “She was a fantastic teacher.  But on the other hand, I’m excited to see what Mrs. Willis has in store for us. I can already tell its going to be a great year.”

Several of the new teachers and coaches are finding that not only do the colors red and black suit them, but that the school is pleasantly different from their previous schools in how tightly knit the district is. Teachers are able to have a more personal relationship with their students and be a part of a community closer than most.

“I taught at Pearce in Richardson last year, but this year is different. Lovejoy is a much closer community than any school I’ve ever seen, and it’s definitely smaller than my last school. I’ve been welcomed to Lovejoy with open arms,” new studio dance teacher Jennifer Willis said. “People are so warm and friendly here. Every student I’ve had has been completely open minded, which I really love about Lovejoy. Teaching is what I love to do no matter where I am, but the Lovejoy community has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of.”

This year’s new staff members are:

• Vindhya Devalla
• Jasen Eairheart
• Dirk Horst
• Jvett Kemp
• Jennifer Nance
• Jackie Palovik
• Kristen Pereira
• Addison Snyder
• Elena Stuffel
• Jason Taylor
• Randy Trevino
• Lindsay Weaver
• Jennifer Willis