1- Where did you grow up and go to school?  

I grew up as the daughter of an Air Force sergeant, so I moved frequently throughout my childhood. I began school in Wiesbaden, Germany, where I attended 1st and 2nd grade.

We then moved to Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, where I attended Fort Crook Elementary from 3rd through 6th grade.

After that, we returned to Germany, and I attended Hahn American High School for 7th and 8th grade. The summer before my freshman year, we moved to Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. I attended Mitchell Junior High for 9th grade and later graduated from Folsom High School.

2- How long have you worked at Hexter? 

I began teaching at Hexter in August 2008. 

3- What does this recognition mean to you?

Being chosen as Hexter’s Teacher of the Year is especially meaningful because it comes from my peers. I work alongside some of the most dedicated and passionate educators in the district, so being recognized by them is a true honor. I am deeply grateful. 

4- What do you like to do outside the school?

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends, reading a good book, and binge-watching TV shows. 

5- How would you describe your teaching philosophy?

I strive to create a classroom that is student-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based. My goal is for students to make meaningful connections and develop their own understanding of scientific concepts.

Rather than simply telling students that a mixture is a combination of two or more substances, we explore this concept through hands-on experiences. For example, we create and separate mixtures in class, allowing students to build their understanding based on what happens when ingredients like raisins, Chex cereal, and M&Ms are combined.

Through experiences like these, I hope students leave my classroom with curiosity, confidence, and a lasting understanding of science that extends beyond the classroom.

April was a busy month, and Hexter volunteers showed up in a big way. From the Friends of the Hexter Garden plant sale to the 18th Annual White Rock Home Tour, our volunteers generously gave their time and support. As we close out the 2025–26 school year, keep an eye out for more opportunities to get involved!

 You can find current Hexter PTA volunteer opportunities on your Membership Toolkit account here, follow on Instagram at @volunteer_hexter, and view DISD Hexter volunteer needs by visiting Voly.

Our Hexter Volunteer of the Month is Elizabeth DuFlo! Elizabeth recently served as PTA President for two years, working closely with parents, teachers, and administrators to support our school community. Even after completing her term, she has remained actively involved by volunteering at school events this year, including the Hexter Howl, WRHT, and other opportunities. Here is Elizabeth sharing her experience with being involved at Hexter.

1.  During the school years of 23/24 and 24/25 you spent countless hours of your time as our Hexter PTA president.  Can you give your insight on how important the Hexter PTA is to Hexter and the importance of not just membership but involvement?

 Wow, where do I start? Membership is so important! It’s the EASIEST way that you can show your support for what the PTA does. Being involved is a whole other story, and it’s not always something that everyone can commit to. Personally, involvement has always filled my cup up and given me purpose. There are so many ways to be involved (even outside of the PTA), and by doing so, I’m enriching my child‘s experience.

2.  You dedicate your personal time to volunteering at Hexter, why?

Simple- Because I love it. But also because I deeply believe in the public school system. It’s an investment in my child’s future in the most basic sense!

3. Volunteering can be a dread, do you feel there is something different about volunteering at Hexter? 

 The people and the community at Hexter are what really set us apart. Volunteering at Hexter is fun and has allowed me to build bonds and forge friendships with people who are at a similar stage of life as me. That’s invaluable!

4. Was there a volunteering moment that made you smile this year?

 I love seeing hard work put into action- it can be a really moving experience! Musicals, the Hexter Howl- seeing kids smile and have fun makes me smile and knowing I had a part in making it happen is a great feeling.

5. Any hobbies? Favorite restaurant/food/desert? Motto or quote to live by? Interesting facts about yourself?

I am actually a really quiet person and pretty shy, believe it or not! My motto has always been “lead by example”- you won’t see me up on the podium with a megaphone, I’m usually behind the scenes. 

Get ready as Teacher Appreciation Week is happening next week! We’ve planned a full week of thoughtful treats and activities to show just how much we appreciate our amazing Hexter teachers and staff.

Students can join in too with simple, low- or no-cost ways to participate. Whether they choose one day or all four, every gesture will mean a lot!

We’re incredibly grateful to the generous sponsors and supporters who helped make this week possible. Big Rock Education is sponsoring a Hat Bar where staff can design custom Hexter hats, and Cultivar Coffee will be fueling the mornings with a coffee cart.

Thank you to United to Learn for providing breakfast on two mornings, and to JuiceLand for donating fresh juices to pair with burgers from Hexter favorite, Burger Schmurger. We also appreciate Jet’s Pizza for supplying pizza and salad for our “Slice Slice Baby” celebration.

A special thank-you to Ruby and Juan Carlos Hernandez for Thursday’s “Hawk Party Mix,” Andy Celis for delicious desserts on pizza day, and Stacey Potts and Jennifer Golightly for helping coordinate so many wonderful treats for our staff.

Don’t forget—Friday, May 8 is 90s Dress-Up Day! 🎉

Tickets for Matilda JR. The Musical go on sale April 24, 2026. Get your tickets HERE!

Performances are:
Friday, May 8 @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 9 @ 2:00 pm
Saturday, May 9 @ 5:00 pm

We still need lots of volunteers to help with the production. Please sign up here to help with food for the cast, sound, lighting, and more.

Locations:

• Awards: Cafetorium
• EoY Parties: Art Pavilion (unless noted otherwise)

Schedule:

• May 18: 5th Grade Party – 1:30 PM (Peavy/Waterview)
• May 19: Kinder Awards – 1:30 PM; Party – 2:00 PM
• May 20: 1st Grade Awards – 12:30 PM; Party – 1:30 PM | FLS Awards – 2:15 PM
• May 21: 2nd Grade Awards – 9:00 AM; Party – 10:00 AM | 4th Grade Awards – 11:00 AM; Party – 11:45 AM
• May 22: 3rd Grade Awards – 10:30 AM; Party follows | 5th Grade Awards – 1:30 PM
• May 27: PreK Awards – 8:30 AM (party on playground) | 6th Grade Awards – 10:00 AM (party follows)

This year's White Rock Home Tour was a huge success and with so many sponsors, volunteers, homeowners, and committee members to thank we still can't forget who really makes this all possible.. YOU! We loved sharing this weekend with all of our fabulous Tour Guests and we are already looking forward to celebrating together again next year.