Hannibal Middle School

Fine Arts

 

Hannah Schildknecht: Art
 
My name is Hannah Schildknecht, and I will be teaching Art Fundamentals and 3D Art this year.  I am so excited to start my first year teaching at HMS, and I am looking forward to getting to know each of my students and begin creating art together! We ask that all art students be prepared for class by bringing their art box and a pencil to class everyday. I am Hannibal born and raised and I’m happy to have the opportunity to give back to my own community through teaching. Aside from teaching, I work with the HMS theater department where I assist with the choreography, and I enjoy taking photos and spending time with my family and my husband Matthew

Jennifer Kitzmiller: Art

My name is Jennifer Kitzmiller and I am a highly qualified art teacher with a Masters Degree in art education. I started teaching in the Hannibal School District in 2008. I look forward to getting to know each of my students and developing art lessons that will enrich them for a lifetime.  

Beth Hinton: Art

Kailea Griffen: LEAP and Choir

Hello, my name is Kailea Griffen and I teach 6th grade choir and LEAP at Hannibal Middle School. I started teaching at HMS in 2019.  I was born and raised in Hannibal, MO and received my Bachelor's degree in vocal music education from Hannibal-LaGrange University.  I also received my Gifted Education certificate from Truman State University. In my free time, I enjoy kayaking, crafting, and singing of course! I am so thankful to be working in the school district that shaped me into the person I am today. Once a Pirate, always a Pirate! 

Debbie Higbee-Roberts: Instrumental Music

I am the Band Director here at HMS and HHS, and will also be teaching guitar and piano for 8th graders.  I'm starting my 26th year of teaching.  I taught band and choir in Palmyra for 8 years before I took my position here at Hannibal.  This is my 18th year here.  I studied music education at (now) Truman State University in Kirksville, MO and finished my degree at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO.  I received my Masters in Administration in Dec. of 2001 from Northwest MO State University in Maryville, MO.  I live in Hannibal with my husband John.  In my free time, we love to travel (are working on the 50 States), spend time on our boat, and hang out with friends and family. 

Michael Fuller: Instrumental Music

This is my 6th year in the Hannibal Public School District.  I spent three years teaching music at Veterans Elementary School and I am entering my third year teaching Instrumental Music at Hannibal Middle School and Hannibal High School.  I earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education fron Northwest Missouri State University and I am working on my Masters of Music Education through Central Methadist University.  I live in Hannibal with my wife Kate, and our two children, Kinsley and Emery.

Jeff Duffy: Instrumental Music

Sara Kurz: Choir and Pirate Singers

I have been teaching vocal music and directing the musicals at HHS and HMS since the fall of 2004.  I completed my undergraduate degree from Northwest Missouri State University in 2003, and I got my Masters Degree in Administration from William Woods University.  I am married to Brad Kurz, and we have two children, Kendall and Caleb.  

Kate Fuller: Choir and Pirate Singers

I have been teaching choir at Hannibal Middle School and Hannibal High School since 2010.  I am originally from Hannibal, MO and I am so happy to be here teaching at my alma mater.  In 2010, I graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO where I received my Bachelor of Science in Vocal Music Education, K-12 certification.  In August of 2016, I completed my Masters of Education in Teaching and Technology through William Woods University.  I co-teach choir with Sara Kurz at HMS and HHS.  We also direct the high school musical and the high school show choir, River City Revue, together.  I live in Hannibal with my husband, Mike, and our two children, Kinsley and Emery.

Practical Arts

 

Cindy Verduzco: Spanish

iHola!  My name is Cindy Verduzco and I started teaching for HPS in 2007. In my time here I have taught Spanish 1-5 at the HS and at the Spanish 1 at the MS. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish (with a minor in Bilingual Education) from Western Illinois University in 2005. I also earned a Masters of Science in Education degree from Quincy University in 2007.  I am not a Quincy native but I have lived here 23 years now. I live with my husband Jesus, our 2 children Jakob and Angelique, and our 2 dogs Snuggles & Rocky. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling (when I can).  I have had the opportunity to travel to Canada, Italy, Spain and Morocco and have lived in Mexico for 4 years.  I am looking forward to having an awesome year. 

Amy Sternke: French

Bonjour! Je m'appelle Madame Sternke. I am a Hannibal native and have been teaching here since 2004; I currently teach French at both the middle school and the high school. I have a Bachelor's degree from Truman State University (English major; minors in French and International Studies) and a Master's degree from Quincy University (Education). Between those two degrees, I spent a year teaching English at a French high school near Orleans, France. Later, in 2020, I completed 18 graduate hours in French from the University of New Orleans. I LOVE to travel; besides France, some other places I've been to include Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Monaco, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, and the Czech Republic. I also enjoy reading, clogging, and eating chocolate. I now live in Hannibal with my husband Devron and our two children, Atticus and Scarlett.

Monica Clayton: Comp Lit

I teach Computer Literacy for 6th and 7th grade and a Future Engineer program for 8th grade.  I started teaching in 2007 at the Hannibal Middle School. I was born and raised in Hannibal. I attended and played softball at Columbia College from 2001-2005. Finished my teaching degree at HLGU in 2006. I received my Masters in Athletic Administration in 2009.  I reside in the Hannibal area with my husband and 2 children. 

Matthew Schildknecht: Family Relations and Cooking Thru Cultures

Ian Hatton: Med Detectives