6th grade

Brent Parrott
6th Grade Literacy
E: brent.parrott@dmschools.org
Biography
Hello, my name is Brent Parrott. I am a 6th grade literacy teacher at Amos Hiatt Middle School. I began teaching in 1998, and have been employed at Hiatt since 2001. As always, I am very excited to get to know our new students, and look forward to helping them throughout the school year.

Cindy Windsor
6th Grade Science
E: cynthia.windsor@dmschools.org
Biography
I live in Des Moines with my husband and children and I enjoy laughing, relaxing, and spending my time with them whenever I can. In my free time I also enjoy going to the movies, going out to eat, or riding bikes. I love reading novels, being outdoors planting flowers, going for walks and watching reality TV. A favorite thing to do with friends is hanging out and talking for hours at a local coffee shop. I graduated from Iowa State in 1999 with my Bachelors in Earth and Physical Science; I earned my Masters from Drake University in 2009 in Effective Teaching with a focus on Urban Education. I have been teaching Science since 2003 and all of those years have been at Hiatt~ I really enjoy this community, the families, and of course, the students!
Links
http://hiattscience.wikispaces.com/
http://sciencewithwindsor.weebly.com/
Here's What We're Up To - Blog
First period, click on this link to begin writing YOUR description of the water cycle: First Period Click Here! Second period, click on this link to begin writing YOUR description of the water...

Jeff Burns
6th Grade Science
Biography
My name is Jeff Burns, from Indianola Iowa. After High school I worked on my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Iowa State University where I met my lovely wife, who also teaches science. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Education from Simpson College in 2007. I have been teaching at Hiatt Middle School ever since. In my free time I love to spend time with my family, watch Cardinals’ baseball, play slow pitch softball, explore the ocean, and dabble in herpetology.
http://hiattscience.wikispaces.com/
http://sciencewithburns.weebly.com/
Mr. Burns' 6th Grade Science - Blog
QOD Padlet Practice

Jenie Schmidt
Literacy Teacher
E: jenie.schmidt@dmschools.org
Biography
I have been teaching in the Des Moines Public Schools since 2002, all at Amos Hiatt. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Luther and my Master’s Degree from Graceland University. I am very proud to say I grew up on the Eastside of Des Moines. Growing up I attended Adams Elementary, Goodrell Middle School, and graduated from East High School. Go Scarlets!! When I am not at school I love spending time with my wonderful husband Mike and our beautiful daughters Allison and Samantha.

Kathryn Murillo
Math - 6
E: kathryn.luksetich@dmschools.org
Biography
I graduated from University of Northern Iowa with an Elementary and Middle School dual degree with an emphasis in math. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy spending time with family and friends biking, swimming, sewing, traveling, and reading. I look forward to working with you and your child!

Marty Simpson
E: marty.simpson@dmschools.org
Biography
I have been at Hiatt for two years in the special education department. I have lived in Des Moines all my life and am a graduate of Dowling High School and Upper Iowa University. I am married (Denise) and have two boys (Trent and Nick), the oldest at Ellsworth Community College and the youngest attends St. Theresa's School. I have enjoyed coaching youth sports and now enjoy watching my boys in their sports and time with my family.

Natalie Francis
6th Grade Math
E: natalie.francis@dmschools.org
Biography
I have been teaching in Des Moines Public Schools since 1995, and I have been at Hiatt since 2011. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and remain a Panther fan. I am originally from Iowa City, so I am a Hawkeye fan as well. My husband’s name is Rob, and we have 2 teenage children, Taylor and Marcus. In my free time, I enjoy being with my family, walking and traveling. Some of my favorite trips have been with the NASA Explorer School program.

Nikki Lair
6th Grade Civics
Biography
I’ve been teaching since 1998 and am lucky enough to love my job. I have had the privilege of teaching social studies, which is my passion. I was born in Des Moines but grew up in St. Charles, Iowa, on a farm with my parents and my two brothers.

Renee Johnson
Global Studies - 6th
E: renee.johnson@dmschools.org
Biography
I love teaching social studies at Hiatt. I have 3 boys of my own, and we have a dog and 3 cats. When I have some free time, I enjoy reading, walking our dog, and watching the Cubs play baseball.
Links

Sarah Civgin
Special Ed - Math
Biography
My name is Sarah Amena Civgin, and this is my 3rd year at Amos Hiatt! I am currently supporting 7th grade math. I graduated from Grand View University in 2012. I am married and have two big cats.