New staff -- different jobs at Hume school

Nevada Daily Mail

Five new educators will join Hume School District R-8 when its new school year starts next week.

Kirk Hart has moved to the principal's office this fall, a change from teaching fourth and fifth grades last year. In addition to his duties as principal he will also teach two sixth grade classes.

"I want to help children do their best," Hart said. "Hume is unique. This place really is family. The moment I walked in I was welcomed."

Before Hart came to Hume in 2009, he taught and was principal in elementary schools in Kansas.

He said he has taught in large, medium and small schools. "My goal for the children is to improve every day. I want them to do better today than yesterday," he said. "I try to do that in my own life."

After 27 years in education, Hart said funding is a challenge. "We can do a lot without a lot of money," he said. "We've got innovative teachers who can make things do with a little. I wouldn't want to work without challenges."

He added his father taught for 30 years and his sister teaches in Fort Scott, Kan.

In addition to a new principal, Hume will have a new assistant principal, Scott Morrison.

"Hume is my hometown," Morrison said. "I know this place. This is my town. This is where I want to be."

Morrison graduated with a Bachelors degree from Pittsburg State Univers-ity in 2001 and a Masters degree from William Woods University in 2009.

He taught physical education at Hume for 13 years, coached baseball and basketball for 11 years, and is also Hume's athletic director.

"As a coach, I'm big on fitness and wellness," he said. "I enjoy coaching, and I've played sports all my life."

Morrison will continue to teach a PE class, as well as coach girls basketball and junior high track.

"I really enjoy Hume," he said "I've been 26 years in this school, 13 as a student and 13 as an educator."

Heather Klingaman joins Hume as the new food service director.

"I enjoy making sure the kids get the proper nutrition and they like what they eat," she said. "You want to make it an enjoyable meal for the kids."

Klinga-man graduated from Missouri Southern State University in May with a bachelors degree in criminal justice.

"I worked three years as a cook in the Nevada schools," she said. "I was trying to find a job in the criminal justice field, but I had my son early, so I came here. I think I'm going to enjoy it. It's pretty fast paced, but once you get into a rhythm you can do it."

Nona Larsen will join the Hume faculty teaching art.

"I love sparking the students' imagination and creativity," Larsen said. "I hope that will carry over into their adult life so that they are aware of their environment, improve it and beautify America."

A graduate of Pittsburg State University, Larsen taught high school level art for 15 years.

"I came to Hume because it's closer to home, Fort Scott," she said. "I'm looking forward to the small school atmosphere. I've bought a new pair of cowboy boots to fit in."

Jaleana Thompson, of Bronaugh, will teach eighth through 12th grade English and also work part-time as a counselor.

"I've always wanted to make a difference in students' lives," Thompson said. "I would really like to help them get career skills, get into college and apply for appropriate scholarships."

Thomp-son graduated from Pittsburg State University in 2012 with a bachelors degree in psychology and English education. She student taught at Jayhawk-Linn High School in Mound City, Kan.

"I lived here for the last seven years, and I know a lot of the students," she said. "Since it's a small school, you really have a lot more one-on-one contact with the students. I'm looking forward to a successful year."