Shepherdstown Middle School Principal Betsy Best welcomes Jennifer Jones and Lauren Dixon to the teaching staff at her school. Chronicle photo by Toni Milbourne

The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon last week welcoming the newest members of the county’s teaching staffs. According to Superintendent of Schools Susan Wall, 28 new teachers have come on board.

This marks the 50th annual recognition luncheon honoring those new to Jefferson County Schools.

Shepherdstown Middle School welcomed two new members of their staff. Jennifer Jones has joined the faculty as a sixth grade language arts teacher while Laura Dixon steps in to teach chorus. Dixon explained that she will also be teaching music for kindergarten, first and second graders at T.A. Lowery Elementary School.

“I’m kind of excited about the split,” she said, adding that teaching multiple grades is always a challenge.

Joining Shepherdstown’s newest additions at the banquet was school principal Betsy Best, who shared that she is very excited to have the two on her staff.

All teachers in attendance at the luncheon received a bag of “goodies” provided by the following businesses and organizations: AHA! Artsd and Humanities Alliance of Jefferson County, Alzheimer’s Association, WV Chapter, American Cancer Society-Relay for Life, American Public University, BCT, Breast Cancer Awareness-Cumberland Valley, Cell-Page, Kable Team Realty, Mary Kay consultant Connie Suddueth, Midatlantic Farm Credit, Peggy Burker, Long and Foster, River Riders, River & Trail Outfitters, Skippers Downtown Dips & Deli, United Bank, WVUH East and WV Housing Development Fund.

Jones was thrilled to receive the goodies, which she labeled as “awesome.”

During the luncheon, which was held at the Charles Town Moose Lodge, the Chamber also recognized Jefferson County’s Teacher of the Year, Amanda Thomas. Thomas is a third grade teacher at Wright Denny Intermediate School in Charles Town.

Thomas, who extended her welcome to the newest teachers in Jefferson, has a passion for learning and a love for teaching. In her selection as Teacher of the Year, it was noted that she encourages other teachers to open their classroom door and really work together and share the many wonderful things that are going on within their classrooms. She extended such a welcome for sharing to all of the county’s new staffers.

School opened for students on Wednesday of this week.