Students, it’s time to sharpen your pencils and dust off your backpacks, as the start of a new school year is rapidly approaching. If you attend classes within Harney County School District No. 3 you’re bound to see some new faces this year.

Slater Elementary School is welcoming Shelley Marshall who will be teaching kindergarten. Marshall grew up in Pendleton, but her husband hails from Burns. When she’s not at school, Marshall can be found riding horses, enjoying outdoor activities, and spending time with her family.

New first-grade teacher Morgan Howes said she’s looking forward to working with staff and students at Slater Elementary. She grew up in Elgin and enjoys watersports, playing softball and basketball, hiking, and going on adventures.

Randi Johnson will teach second grade at Slater this year. She grew up on ranches in Nevada, California, and Oregon, before moving to Harney County in 2013.

When asked what she’s looking forward to this year, Johnson said “giving back to the community that has supported me.”

Her hobbies include reading, writing, sewing, and dancing.

Joshua Weible will be another new face at Slater this year. The fourth-grade teacher hails from Kane’ohe, Hawaii and attended school at George Fox University in Newberg. He likes to swim, go on rigorous hikes, and play soccer and ultimate Frisbee.

He said, “I am excited to officially teach my first year!”

Susann Thomas is teaching fifth grade at Slater this year. Thomas was raised in Florida, but lived in Bend before moving to Harney County. She said she looks forward to getting to know the community and enjoys reading and knitting in her spare time.

Slater is also welcoming a new office assistant — Coleen Allen of Hines. This job will be a change of pace for Allen who is a mobile notary/signing agent and owner of a storage unit facility. Allen said she looks forward to learning about the position and working with children. Her interests include hiking and caring for dogs and chickens.

Janine O’Del will get all of Slater’s students singing and learning about music this year. Although she’s originally from Salem, O’Del has lived in Prairie City for the past 16 years. When she isn’t teaching or admiring Eastern Oregon’s beauty, O’Del can be found crocheting, sewing, baking, or writing.

Sue Kovar will be serving delicious food in Slater’s cafeteria. Kovar was born in Portland, but she came to Burns 10 years ago. She’s a history buff with an affinity for arts and architecture. Kovar is especially interested in local history and redeveloping main street.

Myranda McFetridge of Enterprise is the new agriculture/elective teacher at Hines Middle School (HMS). McFetridge said she’s looking forward to teaching and inspiring students both inside and outside the classroom. When she’s not at school, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors. Her hobbies include hunting, horseback riding, and photography.

Andrew Young will be another new face at HMS. The sixth-grade social studies teacher said he looks forward to working with the kids and getting to know the community. Young, who hails from Oakland, listed athletics, hunting, fishing, and hiking as his interests.

Ray LaFrance is teaching sixth-grade science/STEM and eighth-grade algebra at HMS. He is originally from Boston, but moved to Harney County from Portland. When asked what he is looking forward to this year, he said “everything.” LaFrance’s hobbies include archery, shooting, and operating a ham radio.

Tyson Dee Blackburn is teaching seventh- and eighth-grade science at HMS. He grew up in Stanfield, but most recently lived in the Hermiston/Pendleton area. His hobbies include running, biking, rock climbing, hiking, playing basketball, snowboarding, writing, woodworking, and playing with his sons.

Harney County’s own Dani Gregg is teaching English, journalism, and leadership at HMS this year.

“I am looking forward to meeting and working with all of the middle school staff and getting to know the personalities of my students,” Gregg said. “I can’t wait to see all the memories we make and how much we all grow.”

Gregg and her family raise cattle and hay and participate in rodeo competitions. Gregg also likes to read in her spare time.

Luisa Lowry is joining HMS as a special services teacher. She grew up near Jordan Valley and recently taught in Caldwell, Idaho.

“I am looking forward to being in a more rural community again,” she said. “I love teaching and small-town communities.”

Lowry’s interests include gardening, baking, and hanging out with her friends.

Burns High School (BHS) is welcoming Emily Kokesh as the new art and leadership teacher. She grew up in Portland, but moved to Harney County from Prairie City. In addition to growing the school’s art and leadership programs, Kokesh hopes to engage with the community, local art center, and local lacrosse program. Her hobbies include painting, printmaking, and playing lacrosse.

Philip Kurkinen will work throughout the district as a speech-language pathologist (SLP). He is from Corbett, which is in the Columbia River Gorge. Kurkinen said he looks forward to making new friends and creating the district’s new speech department. When he’s not working, Kurkinen enjoys gardening, drawing, and raising his four children.

Lisa Tiller will work throughout the district as an SLP assistant. She and her husband, Scott, grew up in Burns and returned to the area in 2004. Tiller said she’s very excited to begin her new adventure at Harney County School District No. 3. She is an autism/special needs advocate; mother of three sons; and grandmother of three grandsons. Tiller’s son, Jaden, is a sophomore, and his sports schedule keeps her on the go.

Mandi Whitehead, who grew up in Crane, will be teaching mechanics at Oregon Youth Authority’s Monroe School this year.

She said, “I’m looking forward to working with the youth and the community.”

When she isn’t working, Whitehead likes to make jewelry and spend time with her kids.

Jeff Lillebo is joining Monroe School as the social studies and physical education teacher. He grew up in Southern Oregon, but lived in Portland before moving to Harney County.

“I love it here,” he said.

Lillebo is a nationally licensed soccer coach, and he plays the game in his spare time. However, he said his favorite hobby is racing motocross.