Meet the new teachers at NR-S, Part II

On Thursday, Aug. 22, students were once again filing into New Rockford-Sheyenne School, marking the end of summer break and kicking off yet another year of learning.

In the days since, many of those students have been getting to know the district's seven new teachers.

Last week, we introduced three, and in this edition we highlight the other four.

Ellen Lagunzad is the district's new high school English teacher. She is originally from the city of Manila in the Philippines, where she said she's proud to have grown up as the middle child raised by her widowed mother.

She has a bachelor's degree in English education from Philippine Normal University, and her alma mater is the National Center for Teacher Education in her home country.

Lagunzad previously worked in Edmore Public School before it closed, and now she's glad to be at New Rockford-Sheyenne. She said she also appreciates how welcoming the school is to Filipino teachers.

When asked what philosophy she abides by in her teaching, Lagunzad said, "I always believe that everyone has the capacity to be successful in life if they work hard, trust life's process, and show kindness to others."

"I am excited to meet my students and share meaningful memories with them," she said.

Meanwhile, students will be getting to know Genesis Ang as well, another teacher originally from the Philippines.

Ang will be teaching middle school science this year, as well as some science electives in high school and a 9th grade science class.

Like Lagunzad, Ang has a bachelor's degree from the Philippine Normal University, and she previously taught at the Edmore Public School.

Ang's degree is in general science, and she is currently working on her thesis for her master's degree in science education with a specialization in integrated science.

"I found out that NR-S was seeking a science teacher from a colleague," said Ang. "This happened a week after it was announced that Edmore Public School, where I previously worked, would be closing. When I mentioned the science teacher position, my former principal said NR-S would be her first choice for me to work in."

Her approach to teaching at NR-S includes creating a safe, engaging and productive learning environment that promotes critical thinking and hands-on experience.

"I had a terrific time and learned a lot during my first year in Edmore," she said. "As I start my second year in NR-S, I can't wait to share these experiences – including those from my years as a science teacher – and have a ton more with my students and the school community."

Joining Laurel Westby in the NR-S music department this year is Linda Lies.

A native of Hope, N.D., Lies will be teaching middle school and high school band and choir.

Having been a Sunday school music director and member of a contemporary band for over a decade, Lies said that music is "very much a part of me," and said that she's excited to continue giving students at NR-S an opportunity to enjoy music.

"If someone wants to sing and play, they should have that opportunity," Lies said. "That's the reason I'm there."

Lies and her husband, Joe, each have two children, and together they have nine grandchildren. She is a graduate of Valley City State University, with a degree in business. She spent 30 years working in local and state government.

Now she's focused on music, and Lies said she looks forward to "seeing the enjoyment in the students as they are singing and learning more about music."

Joining Lies as a new teacher this year is Dalton Walls, the district's new tech and engineering teacher for grades 7-12.

Walls is a native of Ashtabula, Ohio, where he graduated from high school before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in forensic investigations from Keiser University in Florida.

Currently, he's also attending graduate school to obtain a master's degree in information technology with a concentration in cybersecurity.

Walls said he believes it's his "mission and desire" to teach the next generation of students with the skills and lessons they'll need after graduation.

"The philosophy I abide by is See one, Do one, Teach one," said Walls. "I have learned so much over the course of my life and I want to pass some of that knowledge on to the students.

"I'm just looking forward to making a positive impact on at least one student's life," he added.