Southern Schools

Southern Welcomes a New Bookkeeper for 2021-2022

Hello! My name is Taylor Schmidt. I am a 2009 graduate of Southern High School. I graduated from UNK in 2013. My husband Matt and I live outside of Holmesville. We have two kids.  A son named Barrett and a daughter named Charley. I love spending time with my family. We enjoy spending time outside and doing all sorts of activates on the farm.

Southern Welcomes a New Food Service Provider for 2021-2022

Hello! My name is Naomi Pharr and I grew up around Wymore. I later moved to Mississippi for 13 years and came back to Nebraska in 2019.  I currently live on the highway in Blue Springs.   I am married with 3 daughters ages 21, 16, and 14 and I love working with kids. My family loves to go riding on our motorcycle and we love to go camping as well. 

Southern Welcomes a New Paraprofessional for 2021-2022

My name is Sheridan Langdale. I’m from Beatrice, Nebraska, but I graduated from Southern Valley Jr./Sr. High in 2017. I have just recently finished up my Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Early Childhood Education at Southeast Community College in Lincoln. I will be receiving my diploma in December! I currently live in Beatrice, NE, with my boyfriend and my two kitties (Smokey and Bandit) as we have just moved into a new home! I enjoy watching softball and dirt track racing! I’m so very excited to have taken a paraprofessional position at Southern Elementary School. I can’t wait to meet all the staff, parents, and of course the students! I’m really looking forward to the school year and going on these new adventures with everyone!

Southern Welcomes a New 7-12 Social Studies Teacher for 2021-2022

Hello, my name is Jeremy Doose. I am currently a senior at Concordia University-Nebraska in Seward and will be graduating on May 8th. I will receive my degree in Secondary Education, with an emphasis in Social Sciences. I am very excited to be joining the Southern Jr./Sr. High School team as a social studies teacher.

I am originally from Grand Island, Nebraska, where I graduated from Heartland Lutheran High School in 2017. I was active on the school Quiz Bowl team and participated in Speech during my Senior year in the Extemporaneous Speech category. I also participated in football and basketball and took a leap my senior year by joining the track team, throwing the shot put, and discus.

More recently, I have spent my spare time with my friends in college, playing in intramural sports when those were in session.  My family lives throughout Nebraska, from the Tri-Cities region to Lincoln and Omaha. I am thrilled to begin my teaching career, and I hope that I can help students at Southern Jr./Sr. High School to not only explore the subject of social studies but to learn to love it!  I look forward to getting to know you all in the coming years.

Southern Welcomes a New 7-12 School Counselor for 2021-2022

My name is Pam Trauernicht.  After 22 years in the classroom teaching business and I am excited to begin my career as the School Counselor!  I earned my Bachelor’s degree with endorsements in Mathematics and Business from UNL.  I have a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and am finishing the School Counseling program at Doane University.  I have spent the past 22 years teaching math and/or business courses.

My husband, Kevin, and I live west of Beatrice.  We have three grown children, Tiffany, Dustin, and Breanna, and one grandson, Braxton.  I enjoy time outdoors, reading, and spending time with family and friends.  I look forward to assisting Southern students in meeting their academic, personal/social, and career goals.

Southern Welcomes a New Social Studies Teacher for 2021-2022

Hello, my name is Hanah Baumgartner. I was born and raised in Beatrice, NE where I also graduated High School. I played Softball, Basketball, and Track in High School and I was involved in 4H during the summer. I attended Doane University where I graduated with a Bachelors in Sociology and Criminology. I also played basketball for 4 years at Doane. I am currently enrolled at UNK in their Teaching Program and will graduate with a Bachelors in Education with an Endorsement in Social Science. My family includes my husband Reid, twin boys Cale and Blaine (1) and our dog Easton. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, sports, hunting, and being outdoors. 

Southern Welcomes a New 7-12 English Language Arts Teacher for 2021-2022

Valerie Barnhart resides in Lincoln with her husband, Randy Barnhart.  She attended and graduated from Southern High School a few years ago.  Mrs. Barnhart received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  As she was teaching, she attended Doane College in Crete, NE to obtain her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  She enjoys spending time outdoors with gardening, swimming, and camping.  Mrs. Barnhart's favorite hobbies include reading and needlepoint.  Valerie is looking forward to taking sometime this summer to visit relatives and relax around the campfire with friends. Mrs. Barnhart's love of learning is shared with her students on a daily basis.  She enjoys building relationships with her students. Valerie is excited to be coming home to Southern Public Schools.  

Southern Welcomes a New Food Service Provider for 2021-2022

Hello! My name Shelby Smith.  I went to 4th-9^th grade at Southern Public Schools. I am an animal lover and have 5 pets at home. I like to watch the races and stay home with my boyfriend. In my free time I fish and crochet. I've traveled, by car, to California along with Texas and every state in between. I have also have lived in Texas for five years and I loved it! I am very excited for this school year and meeting all the new faces.