Howdy! What an amazing opportunity I have to blaze the trail toward excellence with your child this year! This is my sixth year of teaching, all of which have been at North Ridge Elementary. I received my Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University…WHOOP! I also have certifications to teach GT and ESL students. I was lucky to have the opportunity to do my student teaching at NRE in Ms. Witt’s 4 th grade classroom. I am the 4 th grade Lonestar Leader, a member of the Social Committee and a coach for Battle of the Books. I have the most amazing family ever! They are my rock! This spring I am going to become Mrs. Armstrong! I am also beyond blessed to have a beautiful daughter, Keira. She is in First Grade this year at NRE. My fiancé, daughter and I love to go camping, 4-wheeling, and to Texas Ranger games. We love all sports…especially the Rangers, Cowboys, and Mavericks! We have opposing views on colleges though…Texas A&M vs. Ole’ Miss! Our household is definitely divided! Yeehaw! Roundin' up each and every little doggie in my fourth grade class is a blessing everyday! I graduated from Texas A&M with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies and minor in English. I began my career in Irving ISD as a 4 th grade teacher. I also worked with 1 st and 2 nd grade prior to making the move to North Ridge Elementary. My husband and I are busy raising two wonderful sons, one of which is a second grader at North Ridge. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, meddling in photography and sewing up a storm or making bows for my business, Swaddled Blessings. Life is always busy and never dull! I am grateful for the opportunity to have an impact on the children and parents I see each day, but also to be impacted by each of them! I look forward to working with our wonderful NRE families for many more years to come.

My full name is Shawna Lynn Adkins. I grew up in Lubbock, Texas. I have one sister and one brother. I'm the youngest sibling in my family. I have been married to Mark Adkins for 23 years. I have two kids: Lyndsey who just graduated from Texas Tech - (Go Raiders!), and Alex who is starting his junior year at Richland High School. - (Go Rebels!). Both of my kids are former North Ridge Longhorns. I have two fat and lazy, but lovable cats - Smokey and Bandit. I love to read, but I especially love reading my Nook every night. I really love to travel and I have a weakness for Reese's peanut butter cups, and anything chocolate! I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and am certified to teach Elementary Self-Contained and English grades 1-8 and Secondary English and Theatre Arts grades I am also certified in ESL and Gifted and Talented. I received my secondary degree from West Texas A&M University and I also attended Texas Tech University. I received my elementary degree from Midwestern State University. I have taught Secondary Theatre Arts, 10th and 11th grade English and Elementary grades 1-4. I have also been a Homebound teacher, GT Coordinator, Destination Imagination Coordinator and Team Leader. Howdy partners! This is my fifth year teaching fourth grade at the North Ridge Ranch! I graduated from St. Mary's University in 2007 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Interdisciplinary Reading. I played soccer for St. Mary’s, and now play indoor soccer, run marathons and kayak in my spare time. I have been married to the most wonderful cowboy for almost five years. We have two miniature schnauzers and reside in Dallas. I am truly blessed to work at such a wonderful campus and in a classroom with such awesome students! I continually seek to create a rich, stimulating environment that allows for many engaging activities to make learning enjoyable. I’m lookin forward to a rootin- tootin ole year in the Hunker corral!

Howdy Folks! I’m Deborah Witt, the Head Wrangler at the B- 12 Barn. Under my charge are 21 cowboy and cowgirl junior Wranglers. I have been a- wrangling cowpokes (second grade through fourth grade) for 23 years. I wrangled a couple of young-uns at home and they are now all grown up and makin’ me proud! I even have a mini-Wrangler-----my grandson, Gavin! This year’s round-up resulted in a great group of Wranglers! YeeHaw!!! I am very excited about our year as we work hard to achieve our goals together. Ya’ll mosey on by our Barn at 3:00 PM any day and join us for our “Community Corral” meeting!