Welcome to Hudson!

Well, a new school year is now underway! A week prior to the arrival of our entire faculty, the administrators and I had an opportunity to spend some quality time with the newest members of the staff, helping in their transition to Hudson. Wow, what a top-notch group of educators and all around great people. I know you are going to love them. Each of these talented, qualified, and passionate educators will be a valuable addition to our school community. Please join me in welcoming these incredible individuals to Hudson Schools!

(L-R) Kennedy Killian, high school english; Gabi Hesse, school nurse; Ashlee Hirsch, second grade;
Bri Ligenfelter, third grade; Eric Isebrand, high school math; Grant Beach, middle school math;
Adam Denner, elementary music; Bailey Enright sixth grade

Grant Beach
Grant graduated from Central College with endorsements in K-6 Elementary Education, K-9 Math, and K-12 STEM. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors, watching sports (especially the Hawkeyes, Cardinals, and Broncos), and traveling. We’re excited to add his excitement and passion for education to our team!

Adam Denner
Adam is a music teacher with a degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He and his wife love spending time in nature, including hiking, backpacking, and camping. Adam also enjoys woodworking, electronics, and reading. We’re thrilled to welcome Adam to Hudson this year!

Bailey Enright
Bailey joins us after teaching special education for two years in Waverly. In her free time, she and her husband enjoy spending time outdoors, attending local sporting events, traveling, and spending quality time with their puppy, Ozzy. Bailey is eager to return to the general education setting and to build strong connections with students and staff. Welcome, Bailey! 

Gabi Hesse
We’re excited to welcome Gabi back to the Hudson community as our school nurse! She holds a degree from Coe College and spent the last five years at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. She looks forward to getting to know our students and staff and helping make it a great school year. Welcome, Gabi!

Ashlee Hirsch
Ashlee attended the University of Northern Iowa, where she majored in elementary education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, walking her dogs, eating ice cream, and reading a good book. Welcome to Hudson, Ashlee!

Eric Isebrand
Eric joins us from the University of Northern Iowa with endorsements in 5-12 Mathematics. He looks forward to getting to know his students and the Hudson community, as well as cheering on the Pirates. We’re excited to welcome Eric to the Hudson Schools family!

Kennedy Killian
Kennedy earned her bachelor’s degree in 5-12 English Education from the University of Iowa. She has served as a substitute teacher at Dike-New Hartford, Cedar Falls, and Hudson, and will also coach 7th grade volleyball this fall. Kennedy is eager to build strong connections with her students and watch them learn. Welcome, Kennedy!

Bri Lingenfelter
Bri is joining the 3rd grade team as a classroom teacher. She holds a degree from Wartburg College with endorsements in Reading and Special Education. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends. We’re thrilled to welcome Bri to the Hudson Schools family!

A Million Dreams: Conclusion

Authors Note: This will be my final blog post until August. While the office will be open daily during regular business hours, I am going to use this time as a break from my weekly writing. It is sometimes difficult to come up with just the right thing to say each week, and going through the motions Doesn't always result in a good finished product. Even so, the district office will remain open throughout the summer during normal business hours; with the exception being Friday by appointment. Have a great summer and please stop by to say hello!

At the beginning of the school year, I challenged each of our employees to be the champion and guide for our students as they aspired to realize, reach for, and uncover their dreams. As we stood at the dawn of a new school year, I encouraged them to imagine a blank canvas that was ready to be filled with the dreams and possibilities that await our students. Two short weeks ago, we sent the Class of 2025 out into the world. In my final remarks to them, I encouraged them to be flexible and to understand the dreams they have today are not static entities. They will adapt and evolve as they encounter new experiences.

The school year we have experienced is one that certainly evolved from how it was originally conceived. None of could have imagined the challenges we would face that hot August day when we first gathered. We experienced unwelcomed detours that were not anticipated. It required each of us to be flexible and to adapt as life threw us curve balls. But it was in these moments of distress that the true strength of their character shined. They stepped up for one another in their times of need. They stepped up for me. Their kindness to one another, commitment to our shared work and vision, and the long hours put in on behalf of our students were truly inspiring. It's part of what makes this school district and community such a special place. 

The sun has set on the 2024-2025 school year. The faculty and staff have worked hard this year and earned this respite. I hope they, and you all have a wonderful summer.  

While the end of a school year is an important milestone to be celebrated, it is also one that is perhaps a bittersweet moment for some as they will turn off the lights one final time when they leave our institution. Making the decision to retire is a difficult one. There are many mixed emotions. On one hand they are closing the page on a chapter in a book that has largely consumed their entire lives. Like the Class of 2025, the unknown of what happens next might be a little scary. Think of this: they have been involved in education since they themselves have been five years old! I guess they finally get to graduate! It is an exciting time! Maintain flexibility. Your new dream awaits!

So then, congratulations to Sharon Christopher, Sandy Keith, and Jan Brandhorst. You have worked your entire lives for this moment and you deserve it. I am happy for you as you embark on a new great adventure. It has been an honor to work with each of you. 

Sharon: What an outstanding teacher you have been for us! Your hard work, perseverance, and love for math will be missed. Year after year, we were always in awe with the progress students made in your classroom. 

Sandy: She was someone that I really enjoyed bantering with. We used to play little practical jokes on one another, particularly in the summer. I’d like to change the radio station when she wasn’t looking or unplug her vacuum when she was deep into her routine. She also had to remind me that, yes the sign that says “This means you, does [in fact] mean me”. 

Jan: Jan, I feel like you and I have gone to war together. It’s been five years since those dark days of COVID. I can remember the meetings, the quarantines, the daily case counts, and the phone calls with public health. I don’t know what I would have done without you!

I wish you all fair winds and following seas. You have served us well and we are better because of your contributions. Enjoy a well-earned retirement. 

For everyone else, you too have earned a well-deserved break. Use it wisely. Take time to enjoy your family and create new lasting memories. As we have learned all too well, you never know when things will take a dramatic and unexpected turn. 

I’ll see you in August where we’ll be back to do it all over again. Have a great summer!