The Other Half of 5th grade by Rhonda Henderson

Yesterday you had a chance to read about the math and science teachers on the 5th grade team. It's time to learn a little bit about the language arts and social studies teachers.

From Left: Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Artley, Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Hernandez

Mrs. Abby Artley - Mrs. Artley and her family moved from Lake Jackson, Texas to Katy right as school was beginning! Her husband is a band director at Mayde Creek High School and her daughter is a 4th grade student at TWE. She has been in education for 16 years. Mrs. Artley has taught 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grades, as well as worked with small groups of struggling students in grades K-5.  She has also been a math curriculum facilitator and campus Response to Intervention coordinator. She loves to run and do yoga, as well as sew! She has completed three Ironman races and run in the Boston Marathon two years in a row!

Mrs. Julie Hernandez- Mrs. Hernandez joins us after many years of teaching Jr. High in Houston ISD. She has served as a team leader and department chair in her former schools and brings with her a wealth of knowledge. She is married and has a toddler who keeps her busy at home. She loves to spend time with her family, watch sports and read the news during her time off. Mrs. Hernandez says that she is thrilled to be a new member of the Wolfpack family and we are excited that she is here!

 Mrs. Nichole Howard- Mrs. Howard is joining us from Fort Bend ISD. She and her husband have settled their family in Katy after moving from Kansas four years ago. Mrs. Howard has a law degree, but decided that her calling is teaching.  She has been teaching a total of 12 years. We discovered after hiring that she and Ms. Counter were at the same school on the same team and now they are teaching partners.  She has one daughter, Jadah,  in first grade at TWE and two younger children, Jordyn and Jared, Jr. who will be members of the Wolfpack later. We welcome Mrs. Howard to the Wolfpack.

Mrs. Libby Smith - Mrs. Smith is a member of the Original Wolfpack. She has now moved to 5th grade and will serve as the team leader. She is also co-chair of the Read, Deed and Run Club. Mrs. Smith is an avid runner and organized our very first TWE Fun Run last year to honor Mrs. Linder.  She is beginning her  9^th year of teaching,  7^th year in Katy ISD,  4^th year as a 5^th grade teacher, and 3^rd year at Tom Wilson. Her daughter is also a member of the Wolfpack in 2^nd grade, and her husband and 3 year old son complete their happy family.

                           Incorporating the visual arts with critical and creative thinking in reading.