New teachers on board at HSCSD

Several new teachers have joined Hot Springs County School District this school year. This week we are featuring teachers new to Hot Springs County High School and Thermopolis Middle School. New teachers at Ralph Witters Elementary will be featured in next week’s IR.

High school

Calder Forcella – (HS Social Studies) - Calder grew up in Greybull where he developed a passion for the outdoors. In his free time he enjoys flyfishing, hunting, golf, and staying active. Calder received his Bachelors Degree from Chadron State College where he majored in secondary social science education and played football. He became a teacher to help students achieve their goals and find success in their future endeavors, just as many teachers helped him along the way.

Middle school

Holly Thomas – (SpED)- Holly’s hometown is Wheaton, Kansas. She comes from a farming family in northeastern Kansas. Her parents still live on the farm but her sisters live in Kansas City with their families. Holly’s husband is from Thermopolis and she is happy to be raising their daughter here near family. She will be teaching at the Thermopolis Middle School. Holly attended Colorado State University and Western Governors University. In her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, animals (specifically dogs and horses), kayaking, photography, reading, writing, and western history. Holly is excited to be a part of a progressive caring team of educators where she can continue to learn and give back to the community.

Steven Weinberger – (7th / 8th grade history) - Steven’s hometown is Cheyenne. Steven attended the University of Wyoming. He really enjoys doing anything and everything outdoors. A few of his favorite things to do include hunting, fishing, snowboarding, and exploring new places. Steven also really enjoys sports. His favorite sport to watch and play is basketball. Basketball is something his whole family enjoys playing or coaching. Steven is very passionate about doing research. He loves conducting research on a specific topic and learning new material. He is excited to join the Bobcat team! One thing Steven is really looking forward to is watching the students, his peers, and himself grow academically. He stated that even though things are a little weird with COVID-19, it won’t stop us from growing.

Jessica Power – (7th grade Language Arts) - Jessica’s hometown is Cody, Wyoming. She will be teaching at the Thermopolis Middle School. Jessica attended the Rocky Mountain College. Her mother and uncle are both teachers. In her free time she enjoys cheerleading, reading, dancing, antiquing, and pageants. She is excited to build relationships with her students and the staff.