Get your t-shirts and tickets for the 7th Annual Strike Out Cancer Baseball/Softball games at the Gateway Grizzlies Stadium! This is a great event and 100% of proceeds from t-shirt and ticket sales will go to the Jozie Strong Foundation this year!!!
T-Shirt Link - https://www.storessimple.com/spectragraphics/strikeoutcancer
T-Shirt Link - https://www.storessimple.com/spectragraphics/strikeoutcancer
Welcome New Staff Member- Shannon Ortiz.
Shannon is a new paraprofessional and this is her first year in education! Mrs. Ortiz served in the US Marine Corp as as Administrative Specialist and has her BA in English with a minor in Creative Writing from SIUE. Shannon is married to Rafael and has three children - Tyler, Arianna and Emma. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and LEGO collecting; her favorite series is Harry Potter, which she re-reads every summer! Her highest value is in family-time and living in the present with loved ones. Her favorite quote is: "Words are our most inexhaustible source of magic, capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it." -Albus Dumbledore
Mrs Ortiz is excited to work at Smithton School "to find my niche within the community and be involved in the best way I know how, through supporting and encouraging our future leaders. "
Shannon is a new paraprofessional and this is her first year in education! Mrs. Ortiz served in the US Marine Corp as as Administrative Specialist and has her BA in English with a minor in Creative Writing from SIUE. Shannon is married to Rafael and has three children - Tyler, Arianna and Emma. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and LEGO collecting; her favorite series is Harry Potter, which she re-reads every summer! Her highest value is in family-time and living in the present with loved ones. Her favorite quote is: "Words are our most inexhaustible source of magic, capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it." -Albus Dumbledore
Mrs Ortiz is excited to work at Smithton School "to find my niche within the community and be involved in the best way I know how, through supporting and encouraging our future leaders. "
Join us for our first 25/26 school year PTO meeting this Wednesday!
Welcome New Staff Member - Josh Wemhoener.
Mr. Wemhoener comes to us after spending the last 20 years teaching PE at New Athens school district. He received his BS in Kinesiology from SIUE and his MA in Leadership & Administration from McKendree University. Mr. Wemhoener is married to Lanie and has three daughters - Rian (10), Maria (6) & Dylan (4). They live in Freeburg and keep busy at their "ranch" running a boarding facility for horses and raising several of their own.
Josh loves the outdoors and spending time hunting, fishing, golfing and riding horses.
His favorite quote is: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Mr. Wemhoener is excited to work at Smithton "to create a positive, supportive, and enjoyable environment where all students, staff, and families can thrive. I believe in fostering genuine relationships, open communication, and shared commitment to achieving excellence for our district."
Mr. Wemhoener comes to us after spending the last 20 years teaching PE at New Athens school district. He received his BS in Kinesiology from SIUE and his MA in Leadership & Administration from McKendree University. Mr. Wemhoener is married to Lanie and has three daughters - Rian (10), Maria (6) & Dylan (4). They live in Freeburg and keep busy at their "ranch" running a boarding facility for horses and raising several of their own.
Josh loves the outdoors and spending time hunting, fishing, golfing and riding horses.
His favorite quote is: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Mr. Wemhoener is excited to work at Smithton "to create a positive, supportive, and enjoyable environment where all students, staff, and families can thrive. I believe in fostering genuine relationships, open communication, and shared commitment to achieving excellence for our district."
Welcome New Staff Member - Haunah Vanlaningham!
Mrs. Vanlaningham began her career over 10 years ago implementing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs in underserved schools across the area. At Hoyleton Youth & Family Services, she assisted in coordinating two regional grants—Project Safe Neighborhood and the Southern Illinois Child Death Investigation Task Force—supporting law enforcement in violence prevention and child death investigations. She also served as a trafficking prevention specialist, providing trauma-informed services in high-risk schools and communities. After earning her Professional Educator License (PEL), she became a School Social Worker, previously working with Mascoutah District. She has her Masters in Social Work from SIUE.
Haunah is married to Kyle and lives here in Smithton with sons Kane (7), Rhett (4) and Konnor (19 mths). In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors with her family - hiking, fishing, four-wheeling, and enjoying time on the water whenever they can.
Her favorite quote is: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Mrs. Vanlaningham is excited to work at Smithton School "because it gives me the chance to serve my own community and make a meaningful impact on students and families I care about. I'm also drawn to the school's dedicated, long-tenured staff and the strong collaboration between teachers, administration, and parents."
Mrs. Vanlaningham began her career over 10 years ago implementing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs in underserved schools across the area. At Hoyleton Youth & Family Services, she assisted in coordinating two regional grants—Project Safe Neighborhood and the Southern Illinois Child Death Investigation Task Force—supporting law enforcement in violence prevention and child death investigations. She also served as a trafficking prevention specialist, providing trauma-informed services in high-risk schools and communities. After earning her Professional Educator License (PEL), she became a School Social Worker, previously working with Mascoutah District. She has her Masters in Social Work from SIUE.
Haunah is married to Kyle and lives here in Smithton with sons Kane (7), Rhett (4) and Konnor (19 mths). In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors with her family - hiking, fishing, four-wheeling, and enjoying time on the water whenever they can.
Her favorite quote is: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Mrs. Vanlaningham is excited to work at Smithton School "because it gives me the chance to serve my own community and make a meaningful impact on students and families I care about. I'm also drawn to the school's dedicated, long-tenured staff and the strong collaboration between teachers, administration, and parents."
Please make note of these important back to school dates coming up. We're looking forward to seeing you soon!
Music and Band Teacher needed! Please share!
Welcome New Staff Member - Michelle Ogilvie.
Ms. Ogilvie comes to us after spending the last 12 years at St. Joseph in Freeburg. She has her BS in Elementary Education from SIUE. She currently resides in Smithton with her two sons, Bentley & Michael, boyfriend Zach and his children Colton & Ella. In her free time Ms. Ogilvie enjoys camping, crafting, fishing, listening to live music, watching her kids play sports and going to the lake. Her favorite quote is: "Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt
Ms. Ogilvie is excited to work at Smithton School for "the opportunity to be part of a community where educators support one another and work together to inspire student growth. I’m excited to contribute my ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and continue learning from others in a positive and creative environment!"
Ms. Ogilvie comes to us after spending the last 12 years at St. Joseph in Freeburg. She has her BS in Elementary Education from SIUE. She currently resides in Smithton with her two sons, Bentley & Michael, boyfriend Zach and his children Colton & Ella. In her free time Ms. Ogilvie enjoys camping, crafting, fishing, listening to live music, watching her kids play sports and going to the lake. Her favorite quote is: "Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt
Ms. Ogilvie is excited to work at Smithton School for "the opportunity to be part of a community where educators support one another and work together to inspire student growth. I’m excited to contribute my ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and continue learning from others in a positive and creative environment!"
24-25 Yearbook Pickup will be held at the school outside the Jr High Gym THIS Thursday, July 17th from 3pm to 7pm.
Welcome New Staff Member - Alexa Davinroy!
Ms. Davinroy comes to Smithton School after spending the last 2 years teaching in Indianapolis, IN. Prior to that she spent a year teaching in Belleville. She has her Bachelor's in Elementary Education from SIUC and is working towards her Masters Degree at SEMO. Ms. Davinroy recently moved back to the area from Indianapolis with her boyfriend, Jarad, to be closer to family. They have 3 dogs - Bear, Posie & Shameus. She enjoys hiking and taking her dogs on walks, spending time with friends, and trying new restaurants. Her favorite quote is: “Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.” – Lady Bird Johnson.
Ms. Davinroy is excited to work at Smithton School "to be part of a close knit community that I am familiar with. As an educator, I enjoy being involved in both the school community and also extra activities outside of school that my students are involved in!"
Ms. Davinroy comes to Smithton School after spending the last 2 years teaching in Indianapolis, IN. Prior to that she spent a year teaching in Belleville. She has her Bachelor's in Elementary Education from SIUC and is working towards her Masters Degree at SEMO. Ms. Davinroy recently moved back to the area from Indianapolis with her boyfriend, Jarad, to be closer to family. They have 3 dogs - Bear, Posie & Shameus. She enjoys hiking and taking her dogs on walks, spending time with friends, and trying new restaurants. Her favorite quote is: “Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.” – Lady Bird Johnson.
Ms. Davinroy is excited to work at Smithton School "to be part of a close knit community that I am familiar with. As an educator, I enjoy being involved in both the school community and also extra activities outside of school that my students are involved in!"
Join our team!
Welcome New Staff Member - Jake Ratz!
Mr. Ratz comes to Smithton School after spending the last 14 years at Prairie du Rocher CCSD #134. He has his BS in Kinesiology and Masters of PE & Coaching Pedagogy both from SIUE. Mr. Ratz is married to Shelby and has daughter Addison, who is 10, and son Hudson, who is 7. In his free time, Mr. Ratz enjoys hunting, fishing, playing pickleball, spending time with family & friends and he is a huge STL Cardinals and Blues fan. His favorite quote is: "We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” -George Bernard Shaw.
Mr. Ratz is excited to work at Smithton School "because it’s clear that this is a school where relationships matter, students are valued, and teamwork is a priority. I’m looking forward to being part of a positive, student-centered environment where I can grow as an educator and make a difference every day."
Mr. Ratz comes to Smithton School after spending the last 14 years at Prairie du Rocher CCSD #134. He has his BS in Kinesiology and Masters of PE & Coaching Pedagogy both from SIUE. Mr. Ratz is married to Shelby and has daughter Addison, who is 10, and son Hudson, who is 7. In his free time, Mr. Ratz enjoys hunting, fishing, playing pickleball, spending time with family & friends and he is a huge STL Cardinals and Blues fan. His favorite quote is: "We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” -George Bernard Shaw.
Mr. Ratz is excited to work at Smithton School "because it’s clear that this is a school where relationships matter, students are valued, and teamwork is a priority. I’m looking forward to being part of a positive, student-centered environment where I can grow as an educator and make a difference every day."
Please note there will be NO Cougar Care for the 25-26 School Year. Please see the letter from Mrs. Belosi for more information.
Please note that the Main Office will be closed the entire week of June 30th through July 4th. We will return on July 7th at 8am.
Parents, get ready for summer and save $15 on all orders over $50 now through June 23rd! Every order ships fast, straight to your door in days. Use code SAVE15 at checkout. Shop Now at https://1stplace.sale/29355.
Girls Volleyball Open Gyms in July! This is open to incoming 6th-8th grade Smithton girls! Reach out to smithtonathletics@sccsd130.com with any questions.
We are still looking for a paraprofessional for the 2025-26 school year!
Cool down this summer with Smithton Elementary School spirit wear! Save $15 on orders over $50 with code: SAVE15. Offer ends June 16th. Shop at https://1stplace.sale/29355
Openings for the 2025-26 school year! Apply today!
Thank you to school board vice president, Dr. Ryan Wamser, for inviting Smithton teachers to the Strong Connections Workshop in Collnsville, IL today. Those who attended had a great experience..
