Perhaps you’ve noticed that there are many new staff members at Rocky this year–including 11 new teachers.   The Highlighter caught up with them and asked a few questions to get to know them a little better. These four are the first in an ongoing series. 

Dr. Yajaira Fuentes-tauber (also known as Dr. T) has been teaching for 15 years and teaches Biology and Zoology here at Rocky. Her favorite part about Rocky is the school spirit and how accepting the school is with a sense of belonging and family. Rocky stands out to Dr. T because it is all one big community that sticks together in the “wolf pack.”

Mr. Caleb Burns who teaches in the business department is not entirely new, as he was the assistant coach for the boy’s basketball team last year. This is his first year of education; he worked as an accountant before COVID. When asked how Rocky has affected his life he said it’s an eye-opening experience. “I realized that the ‘Lobo Way’ isn’t just a catchy tagline. People here truly find ways to practice what they preach day-in and day-out,” Burns said. “I have always felt like a valued individual here. I strive to make everyone I meet here feel the same way.”

Mr. Ryan Grant teaches Earth System Science and Astronomy. He said Rocky is unique because it feels like a family. He added that it’s a great place to work, and the student body is amazing. “Rocky has impacted my life because I would like to become a permanent part of a community for the first time in my life,” Grant said. His favorite part is the student body because everyone has each other’s backs.

Ms. Natalie Burgess is a World History/geography teacher. She believes Rocky is great because “there is an incredible sense of pride that I hear from the students and staff here that is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced at a school.” Rocky has impacted her life by allowing her to be near her family and to teach the content she truly loves. To her the way the environment feels is “just amazing,” and she feels proud to be a teacher here.

Be sure to welcome these new ‘Bos!