High School - Math
Phone: 712-243-5358
manderson@atlanticiaschools.org
Hello! I am one of the high school math teachers. I teach Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, & Geometry.
High School - English
Phone: 712-243-5358
jbacariza@atlanticiaschools.org
#ILiveToTeach
High School - English/Journalism
Phone: 712-243-5358
aberryhill@atlanticiaschools.org
High School - English/Journalism
Phone: 712-243-5358
aberryhill@atlanticiaschools.org
2019-20 is my 17th year at AHS where I teach freshman English and advise the journalism program. I hold degrees in English and speech education, certification in journalism, and a master's degree in secondary English curriculum and instruction. I currently serve as a board member for both the Iowa Council of Teachers of English and the Iowa High School Press Assotiation. Follow me on Twitter @allisonberryhil. Follow my journalists @ahsneedle.
High School - PE/Weights
Phone: 712-243-5358
My name is Matthew Best and I teach high school physical education and weight training. I also am helping coach football and track.
High School - English
Phone: 712-243-5358
Assigned Courses:
I am entering my 20th year in education and have previously served in various capacities including: Principal of Iowa Connections Academy; Assistant Principal at North Kansas City Schools; Special Education Teacher at Kansas City KS Schools; Paraeducator at Blue Valley Schools (Overland Park, KS); and Substitute Teacher at Lawrence Public Schools (Lawrence, KS).
My academic credentials include the following:
My wife, Mandi Brauer, is a special education teacher at Atlantic HS. We have two boys of whom attend Atlantic MS and Schuler Elementary.
High School - SpEd LI
Phone: 712-243-5358 ext:7302
High School Resource Teacher
This is my seventh year working as a teacher for the ACSD. I am a special education teacher at Atlantic High School. I enjoy working with all ages of students.
I earned my Bachelor's Degree in 5-12 Family and Consumer Sciences from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. I complete my first Master's from University of Missouri in Kansas City in Curriculum and Instruction. My second Master's from University of Arkansas in Educational Leadership. I complete my Special Education Endorsement 5-12 from Morningside College.
Most of my spare time is spent with my husband, Jim, and our 2 boys.
Please feel free to contact me at anytime via phone or e-mail.
High School - Social Studies
Phone: 712-243-5358
Hi, I'm Mrs. Esbeck. I currently teach social studies, but I have also taught English. I teach government, psychology, sociology, AP Government and Politics, and AP U.S. History. When it comes to teaching, I believe it is about developing strong relationships that tap into students' passions. I want students to strengthen and share their own voices. I champion what is best for students in all decisions, and I model lifelong learning in my personal and professional life.
High School - Math
Phone: 712-243-5358
During my free time, I will update this bio page.
High School - English
Phone: 712-243-1330
khedegaard@atlanticiaschools.org
Hello, everyone!
I am Miss.Hedegaard at Atlantic High School and I teach 9th grade English, Drama, Speech & Debate. I am a University of Iowa Graduate from Underwood, IA. I am excited to start my teaching career as an Atlantic Trojan! This is my first year at the Atlantic Community School District. I graduated from the Univeristy of Iowa with a Bachelors Degree in Secondary English Education and a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences. I recieved honors in English and I am excited to share my passions in the classroom. I also have two endorsements that will be benefical in my English classroom and that is the English ALL Endorsement and the Reading Endorsement. I love to read, write, and educate students as they are the ones who will be our future. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, working out, travelings, and spending time with family and friends.
High School - Art
Phone: 712-243-5358
eherrick@atlanticiaschools.org
Hello, I graduated with a degree in art education with a minor in psychology from Northwest Missouri State University. I teach visual arts and I am the spring play sponsor for the district. Feel free to contact me regarding and questions or concerns that you may have!
High School - Social Studies
Phone: 712-243-5358 ext:212
thinzmann@atlanticiaschools.org
High School - Social Studies
Phone: 712-243-5358 ext:212
thinzmann@atlanticiaschools.org
I have been teaching in the Atlantic Community School District since 1986. I am presently teaching the Modern, Middle, and Ancient World History classes at Atlantic High School. Prior to that I taught seventh-grade geography at Atlantic Middle School. I am presently the 8th grade girls basketball coach, 7th grade boys basketball coach and the head varsity softball coach. I am originally from Clarissa, Minnesota and a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Moorhead in Moorhead, Minnesota.
High School - Science
Phone: 712-243-5358
"The earth is what we all have in common"
- Wendell Berry
Proud to be a TROJAN!!
The 23-24 school year marks 40 years for me at Atlantic High School. My current teaching assignment is Earth Science and I am the girls golf coach. During the past 39 years, I have taught Geology, Health, Physical Science, General Science, Anatomy/Physiology and Early Bird Physical Education. I have also coached 7th volleyball, 8th girls track, 9th girls basketball, 9th volleyball, and JV volleyball.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Northern Iowa. I completed my Masters at Drake University.
High School - Guidance Secretary
Phone: 712-243-5368
Graduated from West Des Dowling in 1981
Graduated from American Institute of Business 1984
Married with 3 children, lived in Nebraska for 17 years.
Go Huskers
Maint./Grounds - High School Night Custodian
Phone: 712-243-5358
tjacob@atlanticiaschools.org
High School - Business Education
Phone: 712-2435358
I worked in the business field for many years. I have two Bacholor of Science in Management and in Human Resources through Park University. I went back for my Master degree in Education through University of Sioux Falls. I taught Business at Grundry Center for the past five years.
High School - Para Educator
Phone: 712-243-5358
I am an Atlantic graduate, class of 1997. This is my first year working in the Atlantic School District. My husband and I have two wonderful sons, currently in 7th grade and 3rd grade. I look forward to working at Atlantic High School and being a part of this wonderful school family.
High School - Asst. Prinicipal/AD Secretary
Phone: 712-243-5364 ext:7203
ajipsen@atlanticiaschools.org
High School - Asst. Prinicipal/AD Secretary
Phone: 712-243-5364 ext:7203
Contact for information regarding all activities grades 7-12.
High School - Para Educator
Phone: 712-243-5358
mkirchhoff@atlanticiaschools.org
Hello there! I've been a Para-Educator with the Atlantic Community School District for three going on four years now. In the past I was a classroom Para in the High School Link Center program. This year is my first year as a one on one Para at the High School. I am very excited for this journey and look forward to meeting more people!
Have a Splendid Day!
High School - Para Educator
Phone: 712-243-5358
skloewer@atlanticiaschools.org
I am an Atlantic school graduate of class 2003. I have 3 girls who are in 9th, 5th, 4th grade. I started my school career working down in schular kitchen,I am now at the high school working as a para-professional.
High School - Secretary/Registrar
Phone: 712-243-5358 ext:7201
cknuth@atlanticiaschools.org
High School - Special Education
Phone: 712-243-5358
I am a graduate of Concordia University Chicago. This is my first year teaching in Atlantic at ACSD. I teach Special Education at the high school.
I look forward to working with the students and watching them grow throughout the year.
Most of my spare time is spent with my husband and two daughters. We also enjoy doing puzzle and playing games.
Please feel free to contact me anytime by e-mail or phone.
High School - Special Education
Phone: 712-243-5358
Hello! My name is Jesse McCann. I have a wonderful family of 5. My wife Amber, son Kaden, and two daughters Jovie and Neely.
I attended Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Where I was a four-year starter in Wrestling and played 3 seasons of Soccer there. I majored in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Education K-8 Strat. I and coaching, and eventually obtained my Special Education Strat. I for 5-12. My first job was at Southwest Valley CSD in Corning, Iowa where I taught HS special education. I taught there two years and then I moved back to my hometown and taught at Nodaway Valley CSD for 4 years as an HS special education teacher and Head HS wrestling coach and various assistant coaching jobs. During my tenure at NV, I obtained my Master’s Degree in Sports Administration with an emphasis on coaching and teaching leadership through Upper Iowa University.
or TV shows with my wife. Please feel free to ask me any questions at this time or when you are most comfortable! I am happy to be here at Atlantic and look forward to being your teacher :)
attended Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Where I was a four year starter in Wrestling and played 3 seasons of Soccer there.
I majored in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Education K-8 Strat. I and Coaching, and eventually obtained my Special Education Strat. I for 5-12.
My first job was at Southwest Valley CSD in Corning, Iowa. I taught there two years and then I moved back to my hometown and taught at NV CSD for 4 years.
During my tenure at NV I obtained my Master’s Degree in Sport Administration with an emphasis in coaching and teaching leadership through Upper I
High School - SpEd LI
Phone: 712-243-5358
I have lived in Villisca, Iowa for most of my life. The feeling of love and community of small town life brings me comfort and peace. As much as I would love to live where there are palm trees and ocean views, there is no place like Iowa and there is certainly nowhere better to raise children. My son, Gage Haffner, is a freshman at AHS this year and my daughter, Jade Knapp, is in 5th grade at Schuler Elementary. They have flourished in Atlantic and I am forever grateful to the kind and caring teachers that they have had to help make this happen.
Teaching is my passion. AHS has shown me what it means to be a great teacher. We are here to make an IMPACT. Seeing the differences that I can make in the lives of students and their families reminds me why I started on this journey. They are my motivation and the reason I chose this path. Our classroom is a safe space where lifelong friendships are made each year. There is no better feeling than getting a phone call from a past student with a life update. We all share their successes and are cheering them on! Here is to a wonderful 7th year at AHS! Let's make it a great one!
High School - Principal
Phone: 712-243-5358
“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”~Martin Luther King, Jr.
As growing individuals of society it is my job as Atlantic High School's principal to help prepare our students for whatever future endeavors they encounter and pursue. I believe in the power of education and the power of people. As partners amazing changes can happen for our community and beyond.
I have been a part of the AHS team for several years now. I started here in the fall of 1997 as an English/Journalism teacher. I was further honored by becoming the principal in the summer of 2010.
I am married to elementary teacher Paul McKay and have two energetic sons. I am a goal-oriented person who strives to make a difference every day.
Technology is a passion of mine. Please feel free to check out my posts at the following:
Twitter: GigMcKay
High School & Middle School - Agriculture
Phone: 712-243-5358
emiller@atlanticiaschools.org
High School & Middle School - Agriculture
Phone: 712-243-5358
I am Eric Miller and I am the Agricultural Instructor at Atlantic Community School District. I am also the FFA Advisor at Atlantic.
I graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 2000 with a Agriculture Education Degree and Graduated from Iowa State University with my Masters in 2018.
I taught at Odebolt - Arthur and OA/BCIG before coming to Atlantic.
High School - Asst Principal/Activities Director
Phone: 712-243-5358
amitchell@atlanticiaschools.org
High School - Lead Instructional Coach
Phone: 712-243-5358
"Your life doesn't define you, you define your life."
High School & Middle School - Spanish
Phone: 712-243-5358
tniceswanger@atlanticiaschools.org
High School & Middle School - Spanish
Phone: 712-243-5358
tniceswanger@atlanticiaschools.org
I am excited to be teaching Spanish here at Atlantic High School again this year!
I will be teaching Spanish 1.
I also teach at the Middle School doing an exploratory for the 7th/8th grade.
I will be the Co-Head Speech & Debate coach along with Alex Bales.
I am looking forward to another great year with the students and the Atlantic Trojan staff!
@SenoritaNice
High School - Instrumental Music
Phone: 712-243-5358
jodonnell@atlanticiaschools.org
High School - Instrumental Music
Phone: 712-243-5358
jodonnell@atlanticiaschools.org
High School - PE/Health
Phone: 712-243-5358
I will be teaching Physical Education/Lifetime Fitness and Health. I'm also the assistant softball coach. GO TROJANS!
Education
High School: Estherville-Lincoln Central (formerly Lincoln Central)
Loras College: BA in Sports Management & Physical Education
Emporia State University: MS in Health, Physical Education & Recreation
Morningside College: MAT in Secondary Education
High School - Chemistry/Physics
Phone: 712-243-5358
My name is Anna Pauley. This is my first year of teaching and I will be teaching Chemistry and Physics. I am in the process of completing the Teacher Intern program through Morningside University and my undergraduate degree is in Integrative Physiology from the University of Iowa. I'm excited to be a part of the Atlantic School District!
High School - Social Studies
Phone: 712-243-5358
tpetersen@atlanticiaschools.org
American History
sociology
High School & Middle School - Counselor
Phone: 712-243-5358
I previously taught AP Human Geography, World History, Sociology, and American Government at Carlisle High School for 5 years. I graduated UNI in 2014 with Bachelors in All Social Studies Education and recieved my Masters of Science in School Counseling from Drake University in May of 2021. I am very excited to continue my counseling journey with Atlantic Community Schools! I believe in growth mindset, change, and collaboration!
High School - Attendance Secretary
Phone: 712-243-5358 ext:7200
dsaeugling@atlanticiaschools.org
High School - Attendance Secretary
Phone: 712-243-5358 ext:7200
dsaeugling@atlanticiaschools.org
Please contact me with any questions regarding your child's attendance or if you have an absence to report for the day.
High School - iJag
Phone: 712-243-5358
Mr. Somers is an educator, entrepreneur, and consultant with 30 years of success leading turnarounds for youth, arts, and non-profit organizations. He is a skilled talent developer, public speaker, professional musician, and visual artist.
High School - Math
Phone: 712-243-5358
lsonntag@atlanticiaschools.org
Hello!!! I am SUPER excited to start my journey at the Atlantic High School. This will be my 13th year teaching math, with 8 years in the Red Oak school district and 3 years in the Winterset school district. I am a 2001 graduate from Atlantic High School, and a 2005 graduate from Central College, with a degree in secondary education, social science, and mathematics. I live in Atlantic with my husband Adam, 3 daughters (McKenna, Addalyn, and Chloe) and our 1 year old Easton. We enjoy a very active life and I love to cheer on the Chicago Cubs, Iowa State Cyclones, and Minnesota Vikings! I am looking forward to having a great year, and please know, I have a very open door so please feel free to stop by, give me a call, or send an email if you happen to have any questions, comments, or concerns!
High School - Spanish
Phone: 712-243-5358
dvargason@atlanticiaschools.org
¡Hola!
I am in my sixth year of teaching for Atlantic. This year I teach Spanish II, Spanish III and Spanish IV.
In addition to teaching, I am the head boys and girls cross country coach, JV girls basketball coach, JV girls soccer coach, sponsor the Spanish Club, the Spanish Trip and AHS Fuel.
Please visit my website or contact me if you have any questions.
Sr. Vargason
High School & Middle School - Family & Consumer Science
Phone: 712-243-5358
rwallace@atlanticiaschools.org
High School & Middle School - Family & Consumer Science
Phone: 712-243-5358
rwallace@atlanticiaschools.org
Graduate of Iowa State University with a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences with a minor in Culinary Food Science.
I will be teaching at the high school and middle school. Classes that I teach are Intro to Foods, Foods II, International Cuisine, Baking and Pastry, Intro to FCS, and Human Growth and Development.
High School & Middle School - Industrial Technology
Phone: 712-243-5358
nwidrowicz@atlanticiaschools.org
High School & Middle School - Industrial Technology
Phone: 712-243-5358
nwidrowicz@atlanticiaschools.org
Hello! My name is Mr. Widrowicz and I am an industrial technology instructor at both Atlantic Middle School and Atlantic High School. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2014 with a BA in Technology Education. I taught at AHSTW in Avoca for 6 years before coming to Atlantic. I enjoy golfing, hunting, woodworking and spending time with my wife Allison and our 3 sons that keep us very busy and very happy. Go Trojans!
High School - Biology
Phone: 712-243-5358
twilliams@atlanticiaschools.org
This is my 10th year at Atlantic High School teaching Biology and Anatomy & Physiology. I also coach Middle School Girls' Track.
The Atlantic Community School District will prepare all learners to be creative, innovative and productive citizens by providing diverse opportunities to learn and apply relevant skills and knowledge in a positive, disciplined and challenging environment.