With April and Easter fast approaching, we are continuing our monthly spotlight on our amazing Rickard staff. Each month we will be highlighting a different team that makes a huge and crucial impact on our students. This month we are featuring our wonderful 4th grade team, including Jill Beck, Amanda Carnes, Molly Lippert, Scott Bauer, and Kasy Swallers.
Ms. Jill Beck- 4th Grade Teacher
How long have you been at Rickard?: This is my 3rd year.
Tell us about your family: I have a wonderful family. I have a mom, 2 brothers, 1 sister, 1 brother-in-law, and 1 sister-in-law. I have 2 nephews, and 2 nieces. They are my heart. I would do anything for them. I also have 2 puppies. The first one is named Cody Blaze. He is a Pomsky which is a mix of a pomeranian and a siberian husky. He is around 15 months old. His coloring is reddish blonde like a fox. The second one's name is Stormy Knight. He is half golden retriever and half German shorthair. His coloring is Black. He is only 3 months old.
What’s your favorite movie?: Pride and Prejudice
What’s your favorite season/time of the year?: Spring- I love the flowers that are coming out and how warm 40 degrees feels.
What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Carmel Macchiato or a Ginger Tea
What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: My favorite part of Rickard is the people. The students and staff always make me smile. The students are learning so much and I get to be a part of that. The staff is so welcoming here and a great team that helps each other out. I feel blessed to teach at Rickard.
Mrs. Amanda Carnes- 4th Grade Teacher
How long have you been at Rickard?: First year full time!
Tell us about your family: Hi! I am a mom to two girls, Brynlee Joy (8) and Nora June (6)! I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Clint, for almost 10 years. I spend a lot of time with my parents who live in Williston. You can find us camping, on bike rides, and in our backyard playing softball! My Rickard family consists of the greatest 24 kiddos and an amazing staff I am lucky to work side by side with everyday.
What’s your favorite movie?: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
What’s your favorite season/time of the year?: Fall
What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Vanilla latte with caramel! Hot or iced!
What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: I LOVE MY RICKARD FAMILY! I am so thankful to be a part of such a loving and personable group of people! The kiddos make my heart smile every day. I love that we all work together and are always pushing each other to be the BEST we can be!
Mrs. Molly Lippert- 4th Grade Teacher
How long have you been at Rickard?: Well if we count my childhood that would mean that I've really been at Rickard all my life! I am lucky to be on my 3rd year of teaching at Rickard.
Tell us about your family: I have been married to my husband, Nick, for 10 years! We were both born and raised in Williston, and have been together since our High School Sweetheart days. Together we have 2 kiddos. Isabel is almost 5, and will be joining me at Rickard next year when she starts Kindergarten. She is so excited to learn more and be a Roadrunner! Mason is 2, and is all full of smiles. He loves exploring and learning with his hands, and lives up to his nickname, Mischief.
What’s your favorite movie?: One of my childhood favorites was Ferngully. I fondly remember renting the movie over and over again each time it was my pick at Ultimate Entertainment.
What’s your favorite season/time of the year?: I love spring! I have a garden at home, so spring means that it's time to start getting my garden ready for the season. I love seeing how the snow melting and rain helps the grass turn green, flowers start to blossom, and the birds start singing again.
What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: I've never really been into coffee, but I do love tea! One of my favorites is green tea with mint. Izzy and I also love sharing a pot of hibiscus tea.
What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: I was born and raised in Williston. My mom helped to start a parent volunteer group at Rickard for my older sisters, so I have been involved at Rickard for life! I love that I am back instilling a love of learning in the school where I found my passion for learning. Rickard has always felt like a home to me. I love that I am a part of this caring family.
Mr. Scott Bauer - 4th Grade Paraprofessional
How long have you been at Rickard?: 2 years
Tell us about your family: My family is:
1. One dog who I rescued.
2. One cat who tries to be a dog.
3. Two ferrets that enjoy hiding pencils around the house.
4. One crested gecko who spends her time plotting her next escape.
5. One acrobatic high-flying sugar glider who eats fruit and nectar at night.
6. A rock and roll group of blue death feigning beetles.
7. One African house snake. who is shy.
What’s your favorite movie?: Wonder
What’s your favorite season/time of the year?: Any month that has a birthday in it.
What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Bang Energy Drink
What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: The students and staff
Mrs. Kasy Swallers- 4th Grade Paraprofessional
How long have you been at Rickard?: I have been at Rickard for many years; I believe this is year 14.
Tell us about your family: I have a family of 5. My husband's name is Dave, and we have three kids. Our oldest is Wyatt is in 6th grade at the ASB Innovation Academy. Our middle child is Ember, and she is in first grade here at Rickard. We also have a wild little two year old, and his name is Dax who keeps us so busy!
What’s your favorite movie?: I don't watch a lot of movies, but my current favorite is Encanto.
What’s your favorite season/time of the year?: I love fall, especially when it is just cool enough to wear a sweatshirt. I also love watching the leaves change color.
What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Vanilla Latte
What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: My favorite part about Rickard is that we are truly a school family. We all support and care for one another; this is what makes Rickard the best place to be!