Tiffinie Irving
Principal
tirving@usd259.net

Greetings. 

Welcome to a new school year!  I am excited to be part of the Bostic Traditional Magnet family, a school where academic excellence is expected and supported by all!!!  

I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you.  I am pleased to have spent the last 10 years working as an educator with Wichita Public Schools, as an elementary classroom teacher, a campus support teacher, and an assistant principal.  I am a proud mother of 2 children.  My son is in 6th grade and my daughter is in 2nd grade.  My family is very important to me.  My husband and I enjoy spending time watching our children participate in sporting events.  Our daughter is our little gymnast, and my son plays chess and participates in academic competitions.  So, we spend many Saturdays at tournaments and sport activities.  Also, during my free time I enjoy playing board games, reading, gardening, and watching my favorite team, the KC Chiefs play football.

This year is sure to be filled with many academic achievements as well as FUN learning opportunities!  I look forward to our partnership in working together to create a positive environment for everyone.  I appreciate the chance to get to know and work with you and your children.  Let’s have a fantastic year!

Karen Frankamp

 I graduated from WSU in 1985 and began teaching 3rd grade.  I taught at Gammon Elementary for 8 years.  I then became a stay-at-home-mom for 8 years until my youngest was a first grader at Bostic.  My oldest son Kevin is at WSU majoring in Art education and my youngest son Conner is an 8th grader at Pleasant Valley Middle School where his dad is a P.E. teacher and coach.  I returned to teaching as a Kindergarten teacher and wouldn’t leave it!

 I feel I have a very busy life, but in my spare time I like to read and walk or just relax.  I also travel to attend a lot of sporting events-primarily basketball- for my son Conner. 

Amy DeLong
Kindergarten Teacher
ADeLong@usd259.net

I am blessed to be in my 14th year of teaching kindergarten at Bostic. I am a New Orleans native. I attended LSU (GEAUX TIGERS!) and received my Master’s Degree from Tulane University. I met my husband (a Wichita native) in Paris, France. We have one daughter, who is a Bostic alum. Prior to teaching, I was a child psychotherapist in private practice for 8 years and taught psychology classes at Butler County Community College. I love spending time outdoors (see photo!) and traveling back to see family in N.O. I love to fence and currently coach the Bostic Staff Fencing Team.

One of my favorite quotes is...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “WOW!!! What a ride!”

Candy Denk-Connolly
First Grade Teacher/ Latchkey Director
cdenk@usd259.net

It is truly a blessing to be part of our school of excellence here at Bostic.  I enjoy teaching 1st grade.  I have previously taught Kindergarten for 17 years and have worked as a Latchkey Director too.  I enjoy K-State sports with my family Bill, Cameron and Taylor.  Go Cats!  We enjoy traveling to the Denk farm in Cuba, Ks and to the Florida ocean to see Grandpa & Grandma Connolly in Sun City Center.  In my free time I enjoy my son’s activities, flowers, gardening, and cooking.

Alison Bush
First Grade Teacher
abush1@usd259.net

This is my 6th year in Wichita Public Schools and my first year at Bostic. I've taught 2nd grade for the last 5 years, this is my first year teaching 1st grade. The staff, students and parents at Bostic are great and I’m thrilled to be working here!! I’ve lived in Wichita all my life and graduated from Wichita Southeast High School. I attended nursing school at Hesston College in Hesston, KS before deciding I love teaching and returning to Wichita State University to earn Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

My husband Steve and I have been married four years. One of our favorite pastimes is spoiling our niece, Claire. Otherwise, in my spare time I love reading and traveling.

Chris Hammer
Second Grade Teacher
CHammer@usd259.net

My name is Chris Hammer and I teach second grade here at Bostic Traditional Magnet.  Although this is my first year of teaching at Bostic, it is my 15th year of teaching for the Wichita Public Schools, most of which has been at the second grade level.  I have been a pioneer with the Edison Project, as well as with Core Knowledge.  Along with teaching, my hobbies include oil painting, crafts, gardening, and spending time with my family and friends.  My husband, Stephen, and I were married this past summer in a beautiful outside ceremony, along with his 3 children, Taylor, Jordan, and Trevor.  I also gained a family pet…a ferret named Rosco, who can be quite a handful at times (and stinky, too).  I am thrilled to be here at Bostic to continue the standard of excellence that this school provides for its students.

Janet Benest
Second Grade Teacher
JBenest@usd259.net

I am in my 23rd year of teaching for the Wichita district and my 8th year for Bostic. For many years I job shared while my children were growing up in the third and fourth grades.  I have enjoyed teaching second grade full time for the past four years.  I received a bachelor’s degree in music from Wichita State University, a master’s degree in music from the University of Cincinnati, and a teaching certificate from Wichita State University. I am married to Gary, and we have two children, Alan and Anne. In my free time I enjoy hiking, traveling and playing bassoon in the Friends Community Orchestra.

I am a graduate of Wichita State University.  I have a Bachelor degree in elementary education and a minor in mathematics.  I began teaching at Bostic Traditional Magnet in 2001 as a third grade teacher, and I absolutely love teaching here.  The students, parents, and staff are wonderful to work with and I am very thankful for them all.

I have been married to my husband Tim since June of 2002.  He is currently the director of the After School Program at Holy Cross Lutheran School.  Tim has also been on a waiting list for a kidney transplant since March 2008, as he is in kidney failure with IgA Nephropathy.  We have two sons, Elijah, born in July of 2006, and Augustus, born in August of 2008.  They are such blessings from God and we are truly honored to have them as part of our lives.

Outside of teaching, I really do enjoy spending time with my family.  We enjoy going to the park, playing games, and watching movies.  I have been overseas to Egypt (in 2001) and to Turkey with my husband (in 2003), both for 6 weeks.  It was a lot of fun getting to be involved in and witness other cultures and different ways of living.  I also enjoy being involved with my church River Community.  Life is busy with my family, but teaching has always been my passion.  I absolutely love third graders and look forward to many more years at this wonderful school!

Leanna Scott
Third Grade Teacher 
lscott@usd259.net

Kim Hansen
Fourth Grade Teacher
KHansen@usd259.net

I am a graduate of Kansas State University, and soon will have earned a Master Arts of Teaching degree from Friends University. I have been teaching for 17 years for the Wichita School district, 11 of these years have been at Bostic. The students, parents and staff make Bostic a terrific place to teach. My husband, Brett and I, have two children, Erik and Claire. Erik is a Bostic graduate, and Claire is a fifth grader still attending Bostic. I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, and attending my children’s’ dance, scouting, and sporting events.

Linn Bertog
Fifth Grade Teacher
LBertog@usd259.net

I’m proud to be one of the original teachers at Bostic. It’s been exciting to be part of the development of our traditional curriculum. This is a terrific school. I earned my B.A. from Wichita State University and my Masters in Education from Baker University.

I was born & raised in rural Wisconsin, the 5th of 6 children. My husband & I have two wonderful daughters & three great granddaughters. My family enjoys spending time at the lake water skiing, tubing, & jet skiing.

Katie Scott
Fifth Grade Teacher
KScott@usd259.net

This is my 11th year teaching and my 5th year teaching at Bostic.  My son is finally at Bostic in Kindergarten and I am thrilled to have him at school. I have taught many ages and grades from 3 year olds to 9th graders.  I have moved around from Kansas to Wisconsin to California and back to Kansas.  This is the best place to be.  I love working at Bostic!

Lori Fink
Categorical Special Education Teacher
lfink@usd259.net

I have been teaching special education at Bostic since 2006. Overall, I have taught all kinds of special education for 21 years (mentally disabled, behavior disorders, at-risk preschool, severely disabled and interrelated).

I grew up in Iowa and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa.

I have 3 children (Ally, Caleb and Kylee) and also do foster care for special needs children. My life is busy just going to all their activities.

Dana Hackney
Para
DHackney@usd259.net

I am a native of Colorado and still call it home even though I have lived in Wichita for 17 years. I graduated from Hesston College with and AA in Liberal Arts and from Tabor College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Bible and Religious Studies.  I have been at Bostic for 9 years and love getting to know the children and watch them grow.  I have 3 children of my own, twin boys Kyan and Jorryn who are 4 and attend pre-k at Allen and a 1 year old girl named Karlis, named after Rich Karlis former kicker of the DENVER BRONCOS.  While taking care of my kids takes up most of my free time, if I am fortunate enough to get a me moment, I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, and watching television.

Kathie French
Interrelated Para/Latchkey
kfrench@usd259.net

My name is Kathie French my husbands name is Patrick and we have four children; Mikell is 19, Madeline is 15, Bennett is 12 and James is 9. We have lived in Wichita for four years and I have been the Interrelated Paraeducater her at Bostic Traditional Magnet for three and a half years. I enjoy being part of the Bostic family and consider myself truly lucky to work with such great children every day

Karla West
Categorical Special Education Teacher
 kwest@usd259.net

I have taught in the Wichita district for 16 years.  I have been teaching Categorical 3-5 at Bostic for 5 years.  Originally, I am from a small town in Iowa.  The  town I grew up near had a population of 300 people and I can recall the day that the 1st, and only, stoplight was put up.   I graduated from Iowa State University with my elementary education degree.  I minored in physical education and had an area of emphasis in special education.   My husband, Brian, and I have 2 children.  Brady and Kerrigan go to Earhart Elementary.  We also have a very special cockapoo named Scooter.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time reading, playing games, exercising and hanging out with friends and family.

Ronda Gilstrap
Para/Latchkey
rgilstrap@usd259.net

I’m a paraeducator in the intermediate categorical classroom. I earned a BA in Sociology from Newman University. My husband and I have two sons, one daughter-in-law, and one dog. I am truly grateful that I work with such an incredible team of educators.

Tanya Allen
Para/Latchkey
TAllen3@usd259.net

Hello,

My name is Tanya Allen and I am an MR categorical paraeducator in the intermediate classroom. I have been working in the 259 school district for about 8 years but have about 15 years experience as a paraeducator. I am a mother of two, a 12 and 14 year old. My daughter attends Allison Magnet and my son attends Northeast Magnet. I am currently taking classes at Wichita State University to attain my Bachelor’s degree. I really enjoy working with children and the team I work directly with is awesome. I enjoy laughing and consider myself the comedian in our classroom. One just can’t make it through life if you never have something to smile and laugh about. Stop by and say hello, we have a great bunch of kids in our room. J

Shannon Showalter
Interrelated
SShowalter@usd259.net

I have been teaching special education at Bostic since 2002.  I am very excited to be working with the students, staff and parents of Bostic children. It is wonderful to see such parent involvement, and to work in the traditional environment.

I am a graduate of Newman University, earning a  Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1998, followed by a  Master's degree in Special Education in 2004 from Southwestern College.  During my career, I have also taught 6th grade science and social studies, Spanish, and 1st grade.

I am married, and my husband Greg and I have 5 children all together, Richard (25), who is married to Carrie, Jennifer (22), Sarah (20), Kimberly (16) and Christopher (15), both in high school, as well as Hannah and Emma, my wonderful granddaughters. Our family enjoys traveling, remodeling our 100 year-old farmhouse, and keeping active.

Ellen Fengel
Para
efengel@usd259.net

I am into my sixth year here at bostic. I work with k-2 students which can be really challenging but yet a lot of fun too.  I have one daughter who attends Allison middle school, who will be In high school next year. I enjoy being at home spending time with family, and my 2 dogs.  I enjoy being outside working in the yard. And doing stuff around the house. I also enjoy walking my dogs and just keeping busy.

Chris Moore
Gifted
 cmoore@usd259.net

My name is Chris Moore.  I am the gifted facilitator here at Bostic.  I am a proud graduate of Wichita State University and I am currently attending Emporia State University for my master’s degree.  I have been a teacher for 11years and I am currently teaching at the best elementary in Wichita, Bostic.  We have the best students, parents, and staff.  I am married to a fantastic women named, Marianne and we have three beautiful and talented children.  My daughter, 18, is named Calena; Alex is my eldest son age 14, and Jacob is my youngest, age 11.  My hobbies are spending time with my family, including my dogs, reading, music, movies, and participating in or watching sports.  One of my favorite quotes is, “Where so ever you go, go with all your heart.” Confucius.

Kim Bookout
Gifted
kbookout@usd259.net

Patricia Lewis
Secretary
PLewis1@usd259.net

Welcome to Bostic.  I believe that Bostic constitutes what all schools should endeavor to be.  While not for everyone it most certainly was the ideal place for my children.  I have been at Bostic since it opened.  I started as a Lunch Aide in 1995 and have been here since then. My duties during the years have been:  Lunch Aide, Clerical aide, Food Service, Clerk, Interrelated Paraprofessional, Latchkey para, Substitute Teacher and now Secretary.  All three of my children attended Bostic; Jessica, 22, Tony 20 and Jarika 17 who is a senior at East High. I grew up in Mankato, KS; attended Cloud County Community College and then Fort Hays State. I am also a grandmother of two very active granddaughters, Nevaeh 2 ½ and Shae 1.   I love to read and watch movies.

Linda Jones
Clerk

ljones6@usd259.net

I’m Linda Jones Clerk at Bostic; I also serve breakfast to the students.  Before working at Bostic I lived in San Diego, Ca for 28 yrs with my 2 children.  I moved here in 2002 with Ralph, husband, & son Mark.  My daughter Sara is still in San Diego with her husband Brandon they were married in 2006.  Mark was married in 2007 to Mandy.  Ralph has 3 children & they are all married with children.  We have 4 grandchildren 2 girls & 2 boys.  Ralph works at the VA Hospital in Housekeeping.   My hobbies are scrapbooking, quilting & spending time with family & friends.

Jill Rust
Speech
jrust@usd259.net
 

I received my Bachelors and Masters in speech pathology from Wichita State University. At home I have a retired therapy dog, Pete, three cats, Malcolm, Oscar and Joey, and a husband, Tim. For fun I enjoy dancing, camping, acting as well as writing melodramas.

Martha Brenneis
Nurse
jrust@usd259.net

Stephanie Crist
Psychologist
scrist@usd259.net
I graduated from Fort Hays State University with a B.S. in Psychology and also earned an Education Specialist Degree.  I currently work at Bostic one and a half days per week.  I enjoy my time here and love to see the tremendous parent involvement and support.  In my free time I enjoy traveling home to Scott City to see my family, watching movies, and reading.

Alison VanHecke
Social Worker
avanhecke@usd259.net

Camille Burrow
Strings
cburrow@usd259.net

Cathy Peters
LRE aide
cpeters@usd259.net

Maria Mason
LRE aide
mmason1@usd259.net

Ken Shaff
Head Custodian
Kshaff@usd259.net

Alvin Osborn
Night Custodian
aosborn@usd259.net

Ellen Barker
Vocal Music
EBarker@usd259.net

Virginia Hammersmith
PE / Counselor
VHammersmith@usd259.net

I am the P.E. Teacher and Counselor at Bostic Traditional Magnet. I graduated from Kansas University with a B.S. in Physical Education and I have  M.S. in Physical Education from W. Va. University.  I obtained my M.Ed. in Counseling from Wichita State University.  I have taught P.E. for 30 years at the elementary, middle school and high school levels and have been an elementary school counselor for 9 years (I think).  I am originally from Kansas City.  My mother, sister and niece still live in Kansas City while my other niece is a graduate student at DePaul and my nephew is presently at Ft. Stewart, Georgia.  I enjoy traveling, reading, writing, attending FB games, and participating/watching whatever sport is in season. 

Jane Barnard

Librarian

mbarnard@usd259.net

I was raised on a farm near a very small town in southeast Kansas.  My family homesteaded there in the 1870s and I continue to own the same farm. I have always been a “small town” girl at heart!! I am excited about being at Bostic since it is smaller than other Wichita schools and has a sense of family.

I was a library media specialist in the Rose Hill Kansas School District for 31 years before coming to USD259 in the fall of 2006.  This is my first year as library media specialist at Bostic Library.  I am also working in three other USD259 school libraries this year.  I have one daughter who is an assistant high school principal in USD259.  She is married and has one son age 2 ½ and they are the light of my life. 

I love to travel and have been to Europe several times with Ireland the most recent trip in the summer of 2008.  I read all the time with culinary mysteries my favorite genre and I love to research my family’s genealogy – traced back to the 1600s in New England and the 1800s in Ireland.

Lisa Morabito

Art

lmorabito@usd259.net