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From L-R: Sarah Ayling, Savannah Bennett, Kelly Weil, Nicki Henshaw, Becca Birch, and Maggie Thompson are joining Harney County School District No. 3.

Once again, it’s almost time for students to wake up early, grab their backpacks, and head back to school.

The start of a new school year is rapidly approaching, and you’ll see some new faces working for Harney County School District No. 3 within the next week.

First grade teacher Becca Birch will be a new face at Slater Elementary School this year.

A native of Nevada, Birch was born in Gardnervill and met her husband in Reno. The couple first moved to Burns in 2014, but they spent the last six years in Laramie, Wyo. Birch said they are happy to be back home in Burns!

When she isn’t working, Birch enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, ranching, camping, and hunting. She has two kids, Andi Jo (4) and Eli James (2). 

Birch added that teaching is her passion!

New second grade teacher Kelly Weil said she’s looking forward to being back in her home town.

Weil said she loves teaching students, and she’s especially excited to teach second grade at Slater Elementary, which is where she attended grade school.

In her free time, Weil enjoys reading, sports, camping, hiking, and being with friends and family.

Sarah Ayling is the new fifth grade teacher at Slater Elementary. She grew up in Burns and will be teaching next door to the classroom where she attended fifth grade. 

When asked what she’s looking forward to this year, Ayling said, “Learning, growing, and getting to know the staff.” 

She enjoys quilting and gardening in her free time.

Savannah Bennett is the new English language arts/writing teacher at Hines Middle School. 

She is joining us from Roseburg, and said she’s looking forward to serving Harney County’s youth.

When she isn’t in the classroom, Bennett enjoys exploring, fishing, traveling, and camping.   

New student development specialist, Nicki Henshaw, can be found working mostly at Slater Elementary and a little bit at Hines Middle School this year.

No stranger to the area, Henshaw grew up in Bend and graduated from Crane Union High School.

She said she’s looking forward to being an added resource for the kids of Harney County.

In her free time, Henshaw enjoys traveling and watching her kids play sports.

This year, Harney County School District No. 3 will also have a new counselor serving Slater Elementary, Hines Middle School, and Burns High School.

Maggie Thompson, who was born and raised in Burns, said she’s looking forward to being in the schools full time and forming relationships with the students and teachers.

In her free time, Thompson enjoys golf, coaching, and spending time with her family.

Please join us in welcoming these valued new employees to the district!