• 1st

     

    Ms. Nichole Verdone (1st row 1st):

    Hi! I’m Ms. Verdone and I’m so excited to be your teacher this year! This will be my second-year teaching first grade at Baucom Elementary School. I moved to North Carolina from Long Island, New York. I received my master's degree from The State University of New York College at Cortland. In my free time I love to read, bake, go on hikes, and spend time with my friends and family. We are going to have so much fun this year! I look forward to seeing all of you learn and grow in first grade.

    Email: nverdone@wcpss.net

     

    Ms. Lindsey Collins (1st row 2nd over):

    Hi! My name is Lindsey Collins. I graduated from Radford University in Virginia. This is my 11th year teaching, as well as my 11th year at Baucom Elementary! I grew up in Virginia Beach, VA and moved to NC shortly after I graduated college with my now husband of 10 years. I have a 3 year old daughter, Aubree, and a dog named Zoey. I love to craft, play music, read, and go on adventures with my family. I am excited to be a part of the 1st grade team and can’t wait to see the kiddos sparkle this year at Baucom!

    Email: lcollins3@wcpss.net

     

    Ms. Heather Turley (1st row 3rd over):

    Hi! I'm Heather Turley and I have lived in the Apex area most of my life, and actually attended Baucom Elementary as a student from first to fifth grade. I currently live in Holly Springs with my husband David, who is also a WCPSS employee, and my cat Mowgli. I have a BS in Child Development from ECU. This is my 6th year as a First Grade IA at Baucom. When I'm not at school I love to craft and paint. I'm looking forward to another great year at Baucom!
     
     

    Ms. Dana Sleeth (2nd row 1st):

    Hello, my name is Dana Sleeth. This will be my 17th year teaching. I earned my undergraduate degree and teaching license from California State University, San Marcos. I moved to Denver shortly after and earned my Master's degree in education from the University of Colorado Denver. I recently became a nationally board certified teacher.  My family moved to Apex four years ago from Colorado, and we absolutely love it here.  I am a mom to two boys, Abe is 11 and Harvey is 8, who keep my husband and I very busy. I am excited for another great year at Baucom.

    Email: dsleeth@wcpss.net

     

    Ms. Morgan Bell (2nd row 2nd over):

    Hi, my name is Morgan Bell. I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2019 and spent the first two years of my career teaching 5th grade in Boone, NC. Last year was my first at Baucom Elementary and in 1st grade. That makes this year my fourth year of teaching! I love teaching 1st grade as it gives me the opportunity to share my love of learning with my students early in their academic career and watch them grow into independent learners. I grew up in Holly Springs and have loved returning to the area to be closer to family. Last year my husband and I purchased our first home in Fuquay and are enjoying our third year of marriage and exploring the area that has grown so much since I left for college. I love spending my free time with friends and family, curling up with a good book, attending a yoga class or trying new restaurants with my husband. I'm excited for another great school year as an Aviator!

    Email: mebell@wcpss.net

     

    Ms. Stephanie Michnowicz (2nd row 3rd over):

    Hi there! My name is Stephanie Michnowicz. Most of the students know me as Mrs. M. I graduated from UVA-Wise, in the mountains of South Western Virginia, and I am also a proud Virginia Tech Hokie! I am going into my 9th year at Baucom Elementary. I have been an Instructional Assistant for most of my time here. For the last two years, I have been teaching the Social Emotional Learning special. This year I am hanging out with the first graders as an Instructional Assistant for Lindsey Collins and Dana Sleeth. I have two teenagers (Alex-16 and Claire-14) with my sweet husband Jim. My favorite things to do involve being outside (gardening, hiking, biking, pickleball, tennis). I am so excited to help these Baucom Aviators SOAR!

    Email: smichnowicz@wcpss.net