New faces, new school year at H-M-S

Several new teachers greeted students at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn last Friday when they entered their classrooms for the 2024-25 school year.

Seven instructors joined the H-M-S staff roster this year. Though some have a few years of teaching under their belts, others in the group are logging their first semester this fall.

Haley Bonin is the new fourth grade teacher. She recently graduated from Buena Vista University with an Elementary Education License and Special Education Endorsment.

Bonin was born and raised on a farm near Spencer, where she attended school and participated in many activities like soccer, cheerleading, archery and 4-H. In June she married her husband, Cj.

"I am looking forward to the culture of the school and growing my strengths as a classroom teacher," she said.

When she's not teaching, Bonin enjoys reading, working out, traveling with her husband, and spending time with family and friends.

Jeremiah Delzer is the new elementary and high school special education teacher. He is also the head coach for football and girls' track at the high school.

Delzer has previous classroom experience at West Marshall and Bondurant-Farrar, where he taught social studies. He received his degree at Northwestern College.

Delzer has enjoyed getting to know the H-M-S community over the summer.

"The people have been awesome," he said. "Everyone that I have met has been great and wants to have success for our kids, their programs, and their academics. I can't wait to see what our kids can accomplish."

Delzer is originally from Scottsbluff, Neb. In his free time, he likes cheering on the Miami Dolphins, Nashville Predators and Nebraska Cornhuskers. He enjoys anything sports related, including playing golf and pickleball with his friends and family.

Delzer and his wife, Reegan, reside in Sanborn.

Maria Lusia F. Correa is the new Spanish/ESL teacher. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in English from Gran Colombia University and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Spanish As a Foreign Language at Isabel I University.

"I'm ready to blend my passion for languages into a vibrant teaching experience," she said.

Correa is from Bogotá, Colombia. She is the oldest of three children, and her adventures have taken her across the globe to a variety of locations.

"I'm thrilled to be here and am eager to share my experiences with a new community," she said.

Correa has several goals for her classroom this year.

"My goal is to create academically engaging learning experiences through an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity and kindness," she said. "I am committed to sharing my passion for language learning."

In her free time, Correa enjoys thrifting, shopping, discovering new neighborhoods and finding hidden gems, watching romance and comedy gems, and savoring her downtime.

Katie Francis is the new 5-12 family consumer science (FCS) teacher. She is a graduate of South Dakota State University, where she earned a degree in Family Consumer Science Education with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies.

A native of Andover, S.D., Francis logged previous classroom experience teaching FCS in Sioux Falls after college. She recently moved to the Sheldon area with her husband, Kyle, to be closer to family.

"I am excited to return to the close-knit, small-town environment like I grew up in," she said. "I value the deep community connections that flourish in towns like Hartley – something I feel is hard to find in larger cities."

When she's not in the classroom, Francis enjoys spending time with her family and friends golfing, camping, watching movies, and exploring new dining spots.

Olivia Grooters is the new ag teacher and FFA advisor at the high school. She is an H-M-S alumnus and recently graduated from Buena Vista University.

Grooters grew up on her family's cattle farm outside of Sanborn. She was heavily involved in agriculture as

a youth, showing cattle and also starting her own cow/calf herd.

"I am looking forward to building relationships and creating success within the FFA program," she said.

In her free time, Grooters enjoys showing cattle, spending time with her family and working on the farm.

Gracie Lode is the new first grade teacher. She graduated from Sheldon High School in 2019 and later the University of Northern Iowa, where she studied elementary education and literacy education.

Prior to coming to H-M-S, Lode taught kindergarten in Brandon, S.D. She recently moved back to her hometown with her husband, Tyler.

"We are grateful to be back in the northwest Iowa area so close to family and friends," she said.

Lode said she's excited to get acquainted with the staff and students at H-M-S.

"H-M-S welcomed me with open arms while I student taught here in the spring of 2023 and I am so happy to officially be a part of the team," she said.

Lode enjoys reading, going for walks, and spending time with family and friends in her free time.

Brittney Ponte is the new 5/6 science teacher. After she's done student teaching in October, Ponte will graduate from BVU with her degree in K-6 Education and Reading Endorsement.

Ponte is a Hartley native and graduated from H-M-S in 2013. She still lives in the City With a Heart with her two kids, Elliot and Nora.

Ponte started working as an associate at H-M-S seven years ago and took the opportunity to get her teaching degree through the TPRA grant offered through the district.

"I am looking forward to continuing to grow in my career in education at H-M-S," she said.

Ponte enjoys spending time with her kids, reading and watching movies when she's not busy with school.