Teachers:

Mrs. Sandy Kurtz:
I have taught elementary children for many years. I have taught kindergarten, Title I Reading (first and second grades), third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. I am a graduate of DeKalb High School and Hanover College. I have a Master of Science degree in elementary education from IUSB.

My husband and I are the parents of three grown sons. My hobbies include reading, knitting, gardening, and scrapbooking. My family and I have traveled extensively around the United States. I am delighted to have the opportunity to teach at Nappanee Elementary.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email me at skurtz@wanee.org.

Miss Anita Ward:
I have been teaching children for many years. I've learned from and have enjoyed teaching primary age and intermediate age children, (grades 1, 2, and 5). Other teaching experiences included teaching ESL to students ranging in age from 6-16. All students are unique and all have provided me insight into continually growing as a teacher. But, nothing quite compares to watching a student grow and learn, both academically and socially!

I earned by B.S. degree from Indiana University, my M.A.E. degree from Ball State University and have completed other post-grad work. Most recently, I have completed courses to enhance the teaching of language arts, by implementing a Literacy Collaborative Framework into my classroom.

Through that framework, all academic areas, reading, writing, spelling, math, social studies, science, health, etc. can be incorporated into a day that makes sense to a child! I try to make our classroom an environment for the children to feel safe and also one that nurtures an excitement to learn! Nappanee Elementary is a wonderful place to teach! We have a great faculty, eager students and supportive families that all help ensure the best possible education for our children!

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email me at award@wanee.org.

Mrs. Susan Roberts:

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email me at sroberts@wanee.org.

Mrs. Mary Slabaugh:
My name is Mary Slabaugh and I feel privileged and blessed to be able to teach at Nappanee Elementary. I worked as a teaching assistant for several years here before entering college at IU South Bend to get my elementary education degree. It’s wonderful to be back! NES has an exceptional staff and a warm, friendly environment which makes learning and working enjoyable for both students and adults.

I live in Nappanee with my husband, Lamar, on a small farm south of town. We have three children, all in college, so we’re experiencing an empty nest. I’m thankful for my 24 fifth graders to help divert my attention away from a quiet home. Some of my favorite pass-times are traveling, helping at church, and reading. I am passionate about books and hope to share some of my excitement about reading with my students.

My purpose as a teacher is to create a safe and positive atmosphere where students feel cared for and valued. I am confident that in this environment students will embrace curiosity and develop a love for learning. If students leave my classroom motivated to do their best, accept and respect their peers, and dare to take chances academically, emotionally, and socially, I will have done my job.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email me at mslabaugh@wanee.org.