It is math teacher Thomas Colby’s first-year teaching geometry and informal geometry at BHS. He enjoys learning math skills and student interests. Colby thinks teaching is a process, and good relationships with students are key. His favorite subject is algebra, and favorite food is tacos. His favorite activities include sports, hunting, and fishing.
Spanish teacher JaeLyn Lardy has been teaching for three years and is excited to start her fourth year at BHS. She teaches Spanish 1 and Spanish 4. Lardy’s favorite aspect of teaching is getting to know students and watching them grow. She advises students to enjoy high school and the ups and downs of their lives. Lardy has been to 13 countries and wishes she had more time to complete her to-do list. She values being part of students’ lives and believes they can make a positive impact. Her favorite subject is Spanish or music, and likes pizza and activities like running, swimming, hiking, reading, and baking.
Science teacher Kelsey Mongeon has been teaching for Bismarck Public Schools for 10 years, teaching biology and botany/horticulture. Mongeon came to BHS to learn and grow as a teacher and has only taught in one other school. Her favorite thing about teaching is getting to know her students and learning new things. She also teaches CPR, lifeguard and EMS classes in her free time. Mongeon’s biggest struggle as a teacher is asking for help, but she is getting better at it. Mongeon values the relationships she has built between her students and colleagues and the sense of pride she has gained from being associated with BHS.
Science teacher Jenna Pepka is instructing physical science and biology courses. She enjoys meeting new people and learning from her students and staff. The biggest challenge for Pepka is being prepared for the first year, but the most valuable aspect for her is building relationships with students. She believes BHS holds a deep appreciation for its tradition. Pepka’s favorite subject is zoology, which allows her to dissect various animals. She believes that life will be hard, but she encourages students to persevere and make mistakes.
Science teacher Marci Johnson has been teaching AP environmental science & biology for 10 years at Shiloh Christian School. She enjoys helping students understand complex concepts. Her first lesson she ever taught was at BHS as a student teacher. She also enjoys working with students in small groups. Johnson advises students to be willing to work hard and seek help when needed. Johnson also has an equine photography business that she enjoys on the side. Johnson’s favorite subject is science, she enjoys pizza, and spending time with family, dogs, and reading.
This is teacher Tyler Bay’s first-year teaching Freshman Credit Recovery, but he does have a degree in social sciences. His favorite aspect of teaching is helping students learn about themselves and the world. Bay advises students to put effort into their work, even if it’s not their favorite. Bay’s biggest struggle is identifying his students’ niches and motivating them. He also values seeing students succeed and enjoy history. Bay owns a martial arts school called Bis-Man Krav Maga.
Teacher Shana Klee is entering her 6th year teaching and has experience in various roles in the community, such as church music director, accompanist, and Special Education Transition Facilitator. She will be teaching choir at BHS, Wachter Middle School and Elementary Music Classes at Moses. Klee advises students to get to know their teachers and appreciate their interest in their education. She has a background in basketball, cheerleading and being the Emmons County 4-H queen. Her biggest struggle as a teacher is finding enough time to form relationships with students and staff.
School-within-a-school teacher Kwade Keplins previously worked as an aide in this same room at BHS. She enjoys meeting and building relationships with students and advises students not to let their choices determine their future. Fun fact she has cooked a Thanksgiving meal in her classroom microwave and found the biggest struggle being a teacher was getting everything ready for the first day. She values comfort and enjoys watching pep rallies and participating in various activities.
