Students are getting used to the new school year after what has been going on worldwide, and six new staff members are getting used to school as well. This year Kerr has welcomed three of its old students into the family as staff: Michelle Kasmarek, Tom Lam and Thien Nguyen.
Tom Lam
“I like that Kerr is student-centered and that it’s student-run. I also like the student body, there are a lot of students who are actively looking out for their education. And so they go and get the materials, or contact who they need to contact, and get the work done when they need to get it done…
“I am most looking forward to building relationships with students. A lot of Kerr students end up doing big things with their lives, and I like to be a part of their growth…so students can have various ways to learn the material…
” I do something called Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it’s a big hobby of mine. It’s like submission grappling. I also like MMA, and at the same time I—although I like fighting. I also am kind of a nerd so I like playing video games as well especially League of Legends.”
Thien Nguyen
“So I’ve been pretty an integral part of the Alief family…I’ve always liked teaching; I gravitated towards teaching, even during college, I had a teaching program where I taught in Vietnam. And after I graduated, I went back to Houston…
“I’ve taught in pretty much every single major district such as HISD and Fort Bend. Now I’m back in Alief and it’s been interesting because of COVID of course, but it’s been nice…
“So I’m looking forward to getting to know my students’ past, the GIFs, or memes that are representative on Schoology. I like to interact with students, and I’m a pretty laid back teacher. I don’t force my students to do much in terms of because I believe that every student kind of is your responsibility, so to speak.”
Nakethia Alexander
“My name is Nakethia Alexander, and I am the proud legacy of the diverse, dynamic and ever evolving Alief community…
I graduated from Alief Hastings High School, and I have been teaching English Language Arts in Alief for 14 years…
I have a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a master’s degree in School Counseling…
I am thrilled and excited to be a joining the Kerr team.”
Michelle Kasmarek
“I think there have been students that reach out in ways that I’ve not said, Oh my god, this is awesome. It just happened, I needed this little bit of light in my day…
“But, the creativity I think of the kids at Kerr, and kids that naturally go here are a bit more empathetic…And coming from a middle school, it was not like that…
“I was a photo kid actually and the last semester I had at school, I had the option to either graduate early or hang out in the art room and take a million art classes. Ms. [Lisa] Canorro, My previous art teacher, was the reason why I got so involved in art…
“I’m most looking forward to and also my biggest opportunity at this moment is…I want to create relationships for the students that I have and be that person that they could look back and say, ‘Oh, Ms. Kasmarek made me see and do these things and create these projects. And it is because of her, my relationship with her art that I am who I am.”
Joseph Brunson
“I am in my 12th, or 13th — always forget — year of teaching. I have had a lot of successful bands in my two previous positions: Multiple UIL sweepstakes, region and state recognitions. I am from a small town in East Texas, have a beautiful wife and three children. I love backpacking and carpentry…
“I have been greeted with the most helpful and joyful students that I have seen in a while. It’s obvious that the Kerr Band is a big family…
“I am excited to continue the Kerr Band success to an even greater level. I know with the talent, drive and excitement of the Kerr Band students, we have a super bright future ahead.”
Daniel Treat
“I’m looking forward to actually seeing what it is like on campus. It’s very strange starting a new job in the middle of a pandemic…
“I have worked as an AP Reader scoring AP Human Geography exams the past two summers…I enjoy traveling to try to see as much of the country and world as possible, spending time outside, keeping up with current events and playing and watching sports…
“Thus far, the thing I have enjoyed most is the accountability of the students. For the most part, they have been dedicated and diligent in their studies and have made a genuine effort to engage in meaningful dialogue.”
