Teacher Feature
by Carla Archdekin
September 02, 2011
DON LAWRENCE
Don Lawrence serves as Avenue City School's Superintendent. Before coming to Avenue City School he served the Savannah School District for 17 years in the same capacity. Don was also an elementary teacher and an elementary principal in the Savannah R-III District. He also served people in the Jamestown School District. No doubt, it was his mother's respect for the teaching profession that influenced him to enter into education. With the continued support of his parents, he was the first in his family to earn a college degree.
Don, and his wife Karen have two children, Donnie and Melissa. Don and his wife graduated from St. Joseph, Donnie and Melissa graduated from the Savannah School District. Donnie and Melissa have earned their college degrees and are now teachers. Karen also teaches kindergarten. Don currently has two grandchildren. He is very proud of his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Don believes strongly that we must do the best job "we" can to provide the best possible education for "our" students. Missouri public schools face many challenges today. School funding is at the forefront of Don's concerns. He believes that the mission of the public school is to produce an educated citizenry that will take our community, our state, and our nation forward. As an administrator, Don will provide direction, supervision, and leadership, but more importantly the support and trust to get the job done.
Rebecca Grimes
Rebecca Grimes is the principal for Kindergarten-Eighth Grade at the Avenue City School District, in Cosby, MO. Rebecca has dedicated her seventeen year career to this district.
Becky was raised in a very close knit family of six on a working centennial farm near Fillmore, Missouri. Her dedication to small schools, community, and family was inspired by her mother, father, two brothers, and sister. She began her own education as a Fillmore Blue Devil; a very small school, much like the school she is principal of today. Rebecca went on to get her Bachelor’s of Science Degree if Elementary Education with certification in Learning Disabilities at Missouri Western State University. She earned her Masters of Science in Elementary Education Leadership at Northwest Missouri State University. Training includes Cognitive Coaching, Administrator Mentoring, MSIP Training, Leadership Academy, Advanced Leadership Academy, and Technology Leadership Academy.
Becky has been married for twenty years to her husband, Don. His support has been invaluable during Becky’s career. They have three children; Hayley; Hannah; and Hunter. They spend their time cheering for their children’s basketball, cheerleading, football, softball, and track events. Becky’s greatest pride shows as she watches them grow, take part in community activities, and succeed in their everyday lives. During her spare time, she works for her father’s company; Schuman Auction Service; and rides four wheelers with their family and friends. A balanced life style of work, family, and fun helps Becky keep situations in the proper perspective.
