Special Areas

Mrs. Black - Guidance

 

 

I am the daughter of a retired school teacher and have always felt it was “in my blood” to spend my days making a difference in the lives of children. I must admit that I am truly one of those teachers that looks forward to work each morning. I will be going into the classrooms monthly to provide quality character education to all of our students. Spending the day instructing and learning from my phenomenal students is my passion.

 

This year the district will be implementing a new guidance curriculum. The Golden Gate Kids Program will help young students become Bridge Builders. They will learn to build positive connections as they apply the articles of the pledge to their personal life, their classmates, their family, and community.

 

I began my career as a kindergarten paraprofessional 19 years ago here at Hollywood. In May of 2014, I received a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education. I taught science, social studies, and writing to our second graders for two years before receiving my Master’s Degree in School counseling. Last year, I added certification for early childhood. I adore working with the young children and exceptional teachers in the classrooms here at Hollywood Elementary School!!!

 

My husband and I have four children and granddaughter. Our family loves doing anything in or by water :O)

My name is Beth Kunkle, and I am very excited to be at Hollywood Elementary. This is my second year teaching, but I have previous experience teaching pre-school.

I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Lander University. I live in Prosperity with my husband (Keitt) and two children, Audrey and Kole. We have a dachshund named Hadley, who is really like our child. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and watching college football.

Coach Newton

 

 

My name is Brett Newton and I am the PE teacher here at HES. This is my 12th year of teaching, and my 4th year at Hollywood Elementary. I also coach football and baseball at Saluda High School.

I am a graduate of Anderson University where I received my degree in Physical Education. I have also earned a degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Eduaction and I am currently working on my Masters plus 30.

I just celebrated my 7th wedding anniversary with my wife Jessica, and we have two children. Our son Ayden is 3 and our daughter Avery is 6 months old.

I look forward to a wonderful year at HES!

My name is Jennifer Wertz, this is my 6th year at Hollywood Elementary School. Previously, I taught 6 years at Saluda Primary School. Before earning my degree I worked for 10 years at a local daycare center and 5 years as an instructional assistant at Saluda Elementary School. I have also worked as an after school coordinator and have experience with students from pre-k through 5th grade. I grew up in Saluda County and attended Saluda County Schools. I graduated from Lander University in 2009 with a bachelor’s in Special Education. In April of 2015, I received my master’s from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction. I look forward to serving the students at Hollywood Elementary School. Let’s have a rocking year!

I live in Saluda County with my husband Lee, and two of our five daughters. Our three oldest daughters have moved out and have families of their own now. In my spare time I love to read and I enjoy making memories with my family.

I am excited to be teaching all of my new artists in my 5th year at HES! This will be my fourth year teaching art and I love to see my students experience new art processes and grow not only as an artist but also gain more confidence in their own creativity and art-marking abilities.

I am originally from Lexington and currently live in Gilbert with my husband Jason and our daughter, Falyn. I received my undergraduate degree in Graphic Design From the University of South Carolina and worked in corporate graphic design for several years until I returned to USC to receive my teaching degree in Art Education.