Meet the Staff

Hello!  My name is Megan Barnett, one of the 1st grade teachers here at Newell.  Here are a few facts about me:
Last year I was Megan Ottersberg ~ I just got married on September 20th to John.
This is my 2nd year teaching, and my 2nd year at Newell!
I am originally from Wymore, which is in southeast Nebraska.  My parents still live there and I go back often to visit.
I went to Doane College where I played the flute in the band.
I have two older brothers (Jason and Kurt), a one-year-old niece (Cameron), and a one-year-old nephew (JD).
I love traveling!  I went to Thailand for a month to teach English to 4-year-olds, and John and I are honeymooning in Mexico.
Growing up, I wanted to be an author.
John and I just bought our first house, and we live there with our 2-year-old beagle, Toby.

Hello, Newell Knights!   I am Abby Elsbury, and I am a first grade teacher here at Newell.  This is my fourth year here and I am lovin’ it!  Because I have 19 students, I thought I would list 19 things about myself that you might find interesting.
I graduated from the University of Lincoln.  GO HUSKERS!
My husband, Matt, and I have been married for 3 years.
Our daughter, Lily, will be one year old on November 16th.  She is such a joy!  I could finish writing my list about her, but you might get tired of hearing about Lily.  But, I do have to tell you that she can growl like a lion and she can light up a room with her smile.  :)
We have a chocolate labrador named Oasis.  She likes visitors, so when you walk by, tell her hello!
I live near Newell and probably should be walking to school everyday.
I like to read children’s books and get excited when there are new exciting books.
I should have written this first, but my FAMILY is number one in my book.  I am the youngest of four and our family is really close to one another.  I wouldn’t have it any other way!
My favorite foods are Italian and Mexican.
You can find me playing on the computer during my spare time.
I love to play volleyball.
I broke my thumb in 2nd grade.  It got shut in a fire truck door at a parade.
I played volleyball, basketball, and track in High School and also acted in plays.
My favorite season is Fall.  I like to wear jeans and a sweatshirt.
I nannied in Connecticut for a summer for a family I had never met before.  It was a great experience!
I hope to go to Germany someday to visit a friend of mine that was a foreign exchange student my senior year.
I love teaching 6 and 7 year olds.
Math is my favorite subject!
I enjoy putting together puzzles, especially with my Dad.
I can look at pictures of my family, friends, and myself over and over again.
I hope you enjoyed my list.  Have a WONDERFUL school year!!!

My name is Amy Schreiber and I am a new teacher to the Grand Island public school system.  I am so excited about this school year and the adventures that come with being a first grade teacher. 
I grew up down the road in Central City, where I attended Nebraska Christian High School.  From there, I went down by Branson, Missouri, to the College of the Ozarks.  Upon graduation, I taught 1st grade in Strafford, Missouri, for two years. While in Missouri, I also officiated volleyball for 4 years as well as being a water safety instructor.
The move back to Nebraska has been EXCITING!  I’m glad to be back in “Husker Land”.  Newell is such a great school, and I am proud to be a part of the education for which this district strives.

My name is Krystal Spilger and I am new to the 1st Grade team here at Newell.  
I was born and lived in Kansas before moving to Loveland, Colorado, where I graduated from high school.  Following graduation from the University of Northern Colorado in 2000, I moved to Grand Island, and began teaching 4th grade at Newell. 
I’ve been at Newell now for 8 years.  From 2000-2004, I taught 4th grade.  In 2005, I looped with my class to 5th grade, which was a wonderful experience.  I then taught 5th grade for 2 years before teaching 4th grade for another 2 years.  Now I’m really enjoying teaching 1st grade.  I’m a chairperson for the School Improvement Team where we analyze the growth of Newell’s students. 
Shortly after moving to Grand Island, I met my husband Jarrod, and we were married in July of 2001.  We share a spoiled hunting dog named Tigger.   When not at work, I enjoy reading.  Over the past few summers, I’ve enjoyed reading the entire nominated book list of Golden Sowers.  In addition to reading, I fly-fish with my husband.
As an educator, I have one goal - that every child learns to their best ability.  Even though students do not have the same abilities, each student has a talent.  I look forward to discovering and encouraging those talents and abilities in the classroom.

Hi!  My name is Stan Nelson.  I was born to Norman and Lucille Nelson; I joined my family of two brothers, Perry and Scott and a sister, Gloria.  I was raised in Grand Island, and attended Lincoln Elementary, Walnut Junior High and Grand Island Senior High.
In 1980, I began working at Newell Elementary School as Custodian.  In 1993, I became Head Custodian and have remained employed at Newell for 28 years.  In those 28 years, I have seen a lot of kids come and go.
My wife, Janet, and I have been married for 29 years and have three children: Brad, Barbie and Bethany, all of whom live in Grand Island.  I am the proud grandfather of three granddaughters:  Alexis, Mallory and Shelbi.
My family and I enjoy stock car races.  Janet and I own a modified stock car which our son, Brad, races at Mid-Nebraska Speedway.  My wife and I also enjoy riding our Harley-Davidson and driving our 1973 Mustang Mach I for relaxation.  We also enjoy time with our granddaughters and attending their many activities.

HI!  My name is Hector Vasquez and I have been a Custodian for 6 years here at Newell.  I enjoy being around everyone here at school.
I was born in Mexico, but have lived in the United States for 26 years.  My wife, Beatrice, and I have been married for 25 years.  We have 3 children and 5 grandchildren.  I do love to watch the Huskers’ football games.
It’s been a pleasure to become a part of the Newell family. 

My name is Tonia Rosas, and I am the newest member of the Custodial team working part-time here at Newell. 
I have lived in Grand Island my entire life.  I have two wonderful daughters.  Desiree graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 2000.  She graduated from Doane College in 2004, and is currently the Company Manager for First Stage Children’s Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  My younger daughter, Rachel, is a 2004 GISH graduate.  She graduated in 2008 from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, and is doing a year-long internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. 
I enjoy playing volleyball, coaching girls’ softball in the summer, and hanging out with my family and friends.