Kay PowerYellow BandMs. Kay is one of the Early Childhood educators for the Yellow Band (Primary Level) program at The Innovation School. This program serves students ages 4-6 years old (Pre-K & Kindergarten). Kay has been working with children for over 30 years. She ran an at home daycare/preschool for 11 years while her own 4 daughters were young. She was a local teacher for 28 years, where she taught all different grade levels. She retired from teaching to stay home and watch her four grandchildren. Kay is passionate about creating learning environments where students can be excited to learn, feel safe and supported, and get to play and be kids! Kay's daughter is Ms. Kelsy, who is also a teacher at TIS. Kay is excited to have her granddaughter, Reagan, in class as well!
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Amy Walker is one of the Early Childhood leaders for the Yellow Band (Primary Level) program at The Innovation School. This program serves students ages 4-6 years old (Pre-K & Kindergarten). She is a lifelong learner, dedicated teacher, and a great fan of wild children. Growing up in western Montana for the first 8 years of her education, she attended a school so very much like TIS. For 14 years she served students, ranging from K-12 in a variety of subjects even beyond language arts. She then shifted gears to become a stay at home mom and pursue her personal interests. Fast forward 10 years and four kids later, she’s ready to begin a new adventure with TIS! Amy has five children, two of which will be in her class: twins Jack and Gracie.
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Amber KemmetTeal BandAmber is our Teal Band leader (grades K-2). Amber previously was at TIS where she lead primary grades as well. Amber is a bright and happy soul who brings smiles to everyone. She is passionate about making sure all student feel loved and cared for. She uses her years of experience of working with younger students to create a rich and engaging learning environment for all learners. Amber is a perfect fit for TIS!
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Alicia JeromchekPurple BandAlicia is a Speech and Language Pathologist who joined our team in Fall 2022. She co-leads the Purple Band (grades 4-8). She thrives using her experience as an SLP in hands-on ways with the students at TIS. Alicia earned her Bachelor's Degree at Minnesota State University Moorhead and her Master's Degree in Speech and Language Pathology at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Alicia has been working in the field of education as well as outpatient pediatric settings for the past 9 years. She believes that play is the work of children and through play students build deeper connections. Alicia is passionate about giving students a voice in their learning journey and she is excited to grow alongside the students at TIS!
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Kelsy AchtenbergEducator/
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Jerry McFarlenStudent support specialistJerry was born and raised in North Dakota, where he graduated from Bismarck State College. Jerry has been working in education for the last 8 years as an aide and this last year as a math interventionist. He strives to help students gain their confidence in school and life and loves seeing "the light bulb" moments go off. Jerry is married to his wife Sarah, and together, they have 4 children (3 boys and 1 girl). His oldest son has joined TIS as well! His favorite hobbies include riding his motorcycle and spending time in the ice rinks, watching 2 of his children play hockey. He is excited to go on this journey of education with TIS and to keep learning!
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Sammie KobosSTUDENT SUPPORT SPECIALISTSammie is one of our student support specialists, primarily in Yellow Band. She is an energetic, happy and kind person. She is originally from Washington State, and came to Bismarck for school at the University of Mary. She got her degree in Sport Management with an Associate degree in Kinesiology. She is super proud and excited to be at The Innovation School to help kids learn and grow. She loves to see their faces light up when they understand something!
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Photo credit: Lyra Lee Photography