Specials Teachers

Hello! I'm Miss Simpson and I have been making art since before I can remember! I have always loved making things, experimenting with lots of different art materials, and creating artwork as gifts.

I studied bookmaking and printmaking and art education while in college. I also attended craft school for fiber arts where I wove fabric on a loom and screenprinted my own designs on fabric.

I love to provide opportunities for young artists to practice skill-building in the arts, explore a variety of materials in many studio areas, and allow time for ideation, prototyping, and personal expression.

I am an active member of the Vermont Art Educators Association, currently serving as the Treasurer-Elect (previously the Membership and Registration Chair).

While I continue learning new printmaking techniques and bookmaking, I also enjoy spending time with my ferociously loving and theatrical toddler, cuddling with my two dogs, watching Doctor Who, reading Russian fairy tales, singing, and dancing.

After teaching K-8 Music at the Lyme School in Lyme, NH for the past five years, I'm ready for a new adventure and I'm thrilled to be joining the WRVS team. I'm excited to help Waits River students and staff enjoy singing, dancing, concerts, musicals, talent shows and so many other things related to Music!

I live in Bradford with my wife, Emily and my stepdaughters, Kyra and River. I sing and play guitar in a band called The Fairlanes and we play at local venues like the The Colatina Exit in Bradford and Crossmolina Farm in Corinth. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, running, swimming, mini-golf and hanging out with friends. I love Vermont and can't imagine living anywhere else!

Music

Hello. My name is James Graham and I'm excited to be the Physical Education teacher at WRVS. I grew up in Boulder, Colorado and graduated from The University of Northern Colorado with a BA in Physical Education/Kinesiology with a minor in Biology. I was also a two sport varsity athlete while I was there; basketball and track.  

After undergraduate work, I moved to Dallas, TX where my education and athletic training career took off over the next 15 years. I have been very fortunate to have been able to successfully build programs and work with young people in a variety of settings;  large private schools, a large inner city school, a learning different specific school, an English as a second language school, and an island school. During this time I was able to obtain my Masters degree in clinical counseling from Dallas Baptist University. 

As a parallel career I was very fortunate to be able to gain a variety of personal and athletic training certifications (Cooper Aerobics Center Master Trainer, CSM AFAA) and build a successful and very diverse clientele group (youth, professional athletes, rehabilitation). At the age of 34, I was able to earn a spot on a professional basketball team. 

One of my passions is Lobstering. I was blessed and given a very rare opportunity by a seasoned Captain during my time teaching on the island of Islesboro.  He patiently taught me the art of lobster fishing. Three years of getting to teach and develop programs at the school as well as lobster fishing each season was magical.

I am also an avid animal lover, especially reptiles and fish! I have a passion for helping students, a passion for learning, and a passion for my beautiful family!
 

My name is Ann Shaw and I am the School Counselor here at WRVS! I was born and raised in upstate NY, but knew I’d be an official Vermonter someday! I obtained my Bachelor’s in Psychology from SUNY Potsdam and my Master’s in School Counseling from Sage Graduate School in Albany NY. I am an avid bookworm and video game nerd, but I also love spending time outside walking in the woods or kayaking in the summer. I’m getting married this school year to my partner of 4 years and although I’m waiting to change my name until the summer,  I will be Mrs. Schlott next year! 

In Guidance we talk about a multitude of things. In the lower grades we focus on learning about feelings, how to work through our big emotions, and how to be a good friend. As we move into 3-5 we talk more about conflict and how to solve our own problems. In Middle School we work on our Personalized Learning Plans, explore careers and continue our work on solving conflicts and having healthy relationships. I’m more than happy to answer any questions you have about our class! 

Ms. shaw's guidance PAGE

My name is Jennifer Luck-Hill and I live in Middlesex, VT. I am an educator, a volunteer, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a mother, and a proud grandmother. I have 3 children - Emily, Lauren & Joseph, and 3 grandchildren - Peter, Roddy & Annie. When I'm not working I like to spend time with my family. I also have 2 yellow labs; Samson & Delilah that I like to spend time with. To relax, I like to walk in the woods, garden, paint with watercolors, listen to music, make jewelry and I love to read a good book (especially near the ocean!). I have lived in Vermont my entire life and I love it here...VT is a beautiful place to live. I am a 5th-generation Vermonter. I have lived in Burlington, South Hero, Barre, Montpelier, Saint Albans, and now Middlesex. 

My career has spanned twenty-five years in public education, beginning as a paraeducator at Union Elementary School in Montpelier. I love being a Library Media Specialist, and I truly believe that the library is more than just a room called a library; it’s a central location for all to explore, learn, be creative, and fall in love with books; a place to laugh and enjoy learning. For me, continuing education, learning, and growing are a big part of who I am and what I want to model for my family and students. I love working with children of all ages. I am excited to be joining the team at Waits River Valley School! 

library