A warm welcome to all

Lola Grap, Reporter|October 7, 2019

  • Ms. Katie Decker, math
      • Ms. Katie Decker taught at Mazzuchelli for 10 years. She started with 6th grade social studies, then 6th grade math, 8th grade math, then back to 6th grade math. She also was involved with Personalized Learning at Mazzuchelli.
    • How are you liking Wahlert thus far?
      • “I am really enjoying Wahlert so far. I enjoy seeing students that I have taught in past years grow up.”
  • Ms. Joan Soppe, art
      • Ms. Soppe has been a practicing artist for the past 30 years. She got her undergrad from Clarke College. She is originally from Cedar Rapids and went to Regis High School. She has triplet daughters in the 5th grade enrolled in a dual language immersion program.
    • What has Wahlert been like for you so far?
      • “So far, so good. Since I am only here every other day, I have a lot to learn from Wahlert. I teach modified choice-based art, giving a lot of options to intro to art students. I have no complaints. Wahlert has a great sense of community. Everybody is so welcoming, especially Ms. Conlon, who I often work with. I am happy to be a part of the Wahlert community.”
  • Mrs. Haley Martin, English
      • Mrs. Martin moved to Dubuque three years ago. She taught high school English for 10 years in the Chicago area and College English for the last three years. Mrs. Martin also has three children, ages 2, 4, and 7.
    • What do you like about Wahlert so far?
      • “My experience at Wahlert so far has been good. I love meeting the students and having so many kind and helpful people around. I can tell that relationships matter a lot to students, which is why I love high school.”
  • Ms. Heather Trees, English
      • Ms. Trees went to Northwestern University and got her Master’s degree in journalism. She also has done broadcast journalism for ABC News in Iowa and California after college. Mrs. Trees then became a stay-at-home mom, and the St. Anthony librarian. She went back to school for two years at Clarke to become a teacher at Hempstead, Mazzuchelli, and now, Wahlert.
  • Mr. David Bechard, instrumental music
      • Mr. Bechard grew up in Michigan and went to Central Michigan University. He taught in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and taught band in Minnesota.
    • How is band doing so far?
      • “It’s great so far. The band is huge, 33 students, and they are making really good sounds and music. I am really excited.”
    • How are you liking the students?
      • “The students have been great. I am getting along really well while having fun.”
  • Mrs. Norma Fernandez, Spanish
      • Mrs. Fernandez teaches Spanish along with Mrs. Olivera.
      • She is only here on O days.