Eagle’s View: Changes at Orchard Farm

Written by Hallee Inman
Collaborated on by Lily Bauer, Gracie Pfautsch, JaKai Robinson and Meghan Rose

As we enter into February, the school year is back in full swing after a relaxing winter break. There are so many changes that have taken place over the course of the year, and there are many changes to come. When it comes to the OFHS staff, there are many people who will be stepping into new positions, and some who are stepping down. Keep reading to learn about the changes you can expect to see in the OFHS faculty and staff.

Dr. Jones: Assistant Superintendent

Dr. Jones has worked in education for 27 years, with 26 of those being at Orchard Farm High School. He has been principal of the high school since 2017 and will be transitioning to assistant superintendent of the district starting in August. His favorite moments from working at the high school have been the graduations. “The Commencement Ceremony is always special because we get to celebrate our students, not only as high school graduates but for all their hard work and dedication throughout all 13 years of school in this amazing district. In May of 2023, I also had the honor of handing my youngest son, Sam, his high school diploma. That was a very proud moment for me, not only as a high school principal but as a dad,” Dr. Jones said.

Becoming assistant superintendent means getting the opportunity to work with people from all over the district, which is something he’s looking forward to. “After a long time working specifically with high school students and staff, this is an amazing opportunity to work with and learn from the ELC, elementary schools, middle and junior high as well. The new position will also allow me the opportunity to work more closely with the outstanding team at the district office,” Dr. Jones said. The students and staff of OFHS are incredibly grateful for all of the support he has given throughout his time here and are excited to see him step into this new role as assistant superintendent.

Dr. Menteer: OFHS Principal

Dr. Menteer will be stepping into a new role as principal of the high school. He has worked in education for 17 years, with 10 of them being at OFHS. He was a history teacher for his first four years at the school before transitioning to assistant principal, a position that he’s now held for six years. Dr. Menteer is looking forward to a lot about this new role. “As an assistant principal, I have spent a lot of time supporting and executing building-level initiatives. What excites me about the head principal role is the chance to help create long-term plans and watch them develop in ways that continue to align with the district's vision,” Dr. Menteer said.

Since he has already worked in the district for 10 years, he has been able to build strong relationships with the students and staff. “I am very fortunate that I am only moving into a new position at the high school and not moving to a new district. I have already established relationships with our students, parents, staff, and community. Those relationships will begin to grow and look different in my new position, but already having strong relationships and ties to the community will help ease the transition into my new role,” Dr. Menteer said. Moving from assistant principal to head principal, one change he’s taking on is the process of becoming the face of the High School: “I see this as an opportunity to express my values as a school leader and to continue working alongside our students, staff and community. My goal is for people to feel comfortable coming to me, know they are heard and feel confident that decisions are being made with our students and the entire school community as the main focus.”

We are excited to see Dr. Menteer step into this new role as head principal of Orchard Farm High School.

Mrs. Struckhoff: Instructional Coach at OFJH and OFMS

Mrs. Struckhoff has been teaching for 14 years now, with eight of those years being at Orchard Farm. She has taught Human Anatomy, AP/Advanced Biology, Human Body Systems, Principles of Physics and Biology. She enjoys working with and creating bonds with the students she has taught. “Most of my favorite memories come from interacting with students on a daily basis. I will miss working with them every day the most,” Mrs. Struckhoff said.

Starting in August, she will become an instructional coach at Orchard Farm Junior High and Orchard Farm Middle. In this position, she will be working with teachers in the district to help provide training and support by helping enhance instruction and boost student achievement. “I am looking forward to helping teachers better understand their curriculum to improve student success in school,” Struckhoff said. Mrs. Struckhoff has made a major impact in the science department and will be greatly missed by the students and staff of OFHS. We are excited to see Mrs. Struckhoff step into this new role as an Instructional Coach at OFMS and OFJH.

Mrs. Beasley: Retiring

Mrs. Beasley recently announced that she will retire after the 2025-26 school year concludes. She has been working in the school district for 20 years, and before that, she worked as a chemical engineer for 11 years. She has taught many subjects, including Chemistry, AP Chemistry, ACT Prep, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Advanced Algebra 2 with Trigonometry, Statistics and Principles of Chemistry.

Throughout her years of teaching, she has had many memories that she will look back on forever. “I’ll miss the relationships with my students more than anything. I especially love seeing students exceed their own expectations. Teaching sophomore-level chemistry has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Students quickly learn that chemistry is challenging – but they also learn that with effort and perseverance, they can succeed. Watching their confidence grow and seeing them become independent, mature learners has been incredibly fulfilling,” Mrs. Beasley said.

She also mentioned that truly caring about students is important for those wanting to become teachers. “When they know you believe in them and see their potential, everything else falls into place. Teaching can be all-consuming, so it’s also important to make time for your own life – but never underestimate the difference your care can make in their lives,” she said. After retirement, Mrs. Beasley plans to take a few vacations with her family to various places. She also plans to do some private tutoring and become a substitute teacher at OFHS.

Ms. Meyer: Retiring

Ms. Meyer has been working in education for 26 years, with 21 of those spent at Orchard Farm. She recently announced her retirement after the 2025-26 school year ends. She has been working as a Special Education teacher specializing in math topics. Her favorite moments from working at the high school have been the graduation ceremonies. “It is so exciting to see students achieve this goal after working so hard for 12+ years. Freshmen always think it is so long to graduation, but it goes so fast. For many students, it feels like I get to journey with them for those 4 years, and their success is mine too. I love it when they have plans and are excited to move on to something that they really want to do with their life,” Ms. Meyer said.

Her advice to anyone wanting to become a teacher is to listen to and respect students. “Building positive relationships is the best way to help kids. The academics will follow that. Also, don't think you have to do everything by yourself. Collaborate – coworkers are a great support,” she said. The atmosphere at Orchard Farm is one of the things Ms. Meyer will miss the most. “I will miss the people – students and teachers who are so wonderful at OF. I have been very lucky to work with so many amazing people throughout my years as a teacher.” After retirement, she plans on enjoying her summer and then returning to work with the students in some capacity to continue doing what she loves.