Seven teachers have joined the staff at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn for the 2024-25 school year. Following is some introductory information supplied by the new staff members.
HALEY BONIN is the new fourth grade teacher. Her Elementary Education License and her Special Education Endorsement were earned at Buena Vista University. Bonin was born and raised on a farm in Spencer where she attended school and was involved in numerous activities. She enjoyed soccer, cheerleading, archery, 4-H and was a member of the National Championship cheer team at the NCA level. Bonin is the daughter of Tim and Kristin Schwenneker. She and her husband, Cj Bonin, were married in June.
“I am looking forward to the culture of the school and growing in my strengths as a classroom teacher,” said Bonin. When she is not at work she enjoys reading, working out, traveling with her husband and spending time with family and friends.
MARIA LUIS F. CORREA is the new Spanish/ESL teacher. Correa reports that she hails from the “bustling” city of Bogotá, Colombia. “I proudly embrace my role as the eldest sibling in a lively trio, with a brother and sister who I love very much,” she said. “My adventures have taken me across various places, enriching my teaching journey, and I’m thrilled to be here, eager to share my experiences with a new community.”
Correa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Gran Colombia University. She says, “Currently, I’m on an exciting journey pursuing a Master’s in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language at Isabel I University, ready to blend my passion for languages into a vibrant teaching experience.”
In her free time Correa can be found on thrifting adventures or simply indulging in a shopping spree. “I enjoy wandering through new neighborhoods, uncovering hidden gems,” she revealed. “I’m also a sucker for a good laugh—comedies and romance films are my go-to escapes. And above all, I treasure those cozy moments at home, savoring my downtime.
Correa says she is excited to join the HMS team. “My goal is to create academically engaging learning experiences through an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and kindness,” she explained. “I am committed to sharing my passion for language learning.”
JEREMIAH DELZER joins the district as elementary and high school special education teacher. He is also the head coach for football and girls’ track at the high school.
Delzer’s previous teaching experience includes stops at West Marshall and Bondurant-Farrar, where he taught social studies. Delzer grew up in Scottsbluff, NE and received his degree at Northwestern College. He and his wife, Reegan, live in Sanborn.
Delzer has enjoyed getting to know the H-M-S community over the summer. “The people have been awesome,” he said. “Everyone that I have met has been great and wants to have success for our kids, their programs, and their academics. I can’t wait to see what our kids can accomplish.”
In his free time, Delzer likes cheering on the Miami Dolphins, Nashville Predators and Nebraska Cornhuskers. He enjoys anything sports related, including playing golf and pickleball with his friends and family.
KATIE FRANCIS is the new 5-12 Family Consumer Science (FCS) teacher. In regard to her educational background, she says, “I am a proud alumna of South Dakota State University (Go Jacks!) where I earned my degree in Family Consumer Science Education, with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies.”
Francis says growing up on a farm just outside of the small town of Andover, SD shaped her love for rural life. She attended Groton Area School District during her K-12 years before moving on to SDSU. “Prior to moving, I taught Family Consumer Science in Sioux Falls,” said Francis. “However, the pull of small-town life brought me and my husband, Kyle, back to the Sheldon area to be closer to family.”
When not in the classroom, Francis enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. “My loved ones and I often spend our free time golfing, camping, watching movies and exploring new dining spots,” she said.
“I am excited to return to the close-knit, small-town environment like I grew up in,” remarked Francis. “I value the deep community connections that flourish in towns like Hartley – something I feel is hard to find in larger cities.”
OLIVIA GROOTERS returns to the halls of HMS as the Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor. The HMS alumna recently graduated from Buena Vista University.
Grooters was raised on a beef feedlot outside of Sanborn. While growing up she showed cattle while starting her own cow calf herd. She has now moved back to the HMS community. “I am looking forward to building relationships and creating success within the FFA program,” said Grooters.
Apart from her school duties, Grooters still enjoys showing cattle, as well as spending time with her family and working on the farm.
GRACIE LODE is the new first grade teacher. She was born and raised in Sheldon, which is now where she and her husband reside. Their parents also live in Sheldon as do Lode’s four sisters and their children.
The Sheldon Class of 2019 graduate attended the University of Northern Iowa for Elementary Education and Literacy Education. Lode taught Kindergarten in Brandon, SD and begins year two of teaching by joining the staff at HMS. “We are grateful to be back in the northwest Iowa area so close to family and friends,” she said.
In her spare time Lode enjoys reading, going for walks and spending quality time with friends and family.
“I am looking forward to getting to know the staff and students and to create a safe and welcoming environment for all to come!” said Lode. “HMS welcomed me with open arms while I student taught here in the spring of 2023 and I am so happy to officially be a part of the team. Go Hawks!”
BRITTNEY PONTE is another Hawk returning to the nest as she is the new 5/6 Science Teacher. “I am originally from Hartley and graduated from HMS myself in 2013,” she noted. “I currently still live in Hartley with my two kids, Elliot (4) and Nora (2).”
Ponte will graduate from BVU with her degree in K-6 Education and a Reading Endorsement after completing her student teaching in October.
When not at work, she spends her free time doing things with her kids, reading or watching movies.
“I am looking forward to continuing to grow in my career in education at HMS,” said Ponte “I started working as an associate here seven years ago and took the opportunity to get my teaching degree through the TPRA grant offered through HMS. Now I have moved to student teaching in 5/6 science until I graduate in October and then transition into the role full time later in the school year.”