Welcome students and parents! I am very excited to start the school year. The fourth grade team has many fun and challenging activities planned. For those who do not know me, let to take a moment to tell you about myself.
I have been teaching in the Batavia School District for the past fifteen years as a full-time teacher and regular substitute. This is my sixth year working from H.C Storm. Previous to that, I spent most of my time teaching 4th and 5th grades at Louise White and Hoover-Wood.
My route to teaching was a bit different. I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New York at Geneseo and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). After graduation, I entered the business world and worked in sales and management for 25 years in Connecticut. This time was generally spent in the technology sector working for Silicon Valley based industries such as Sun Microsystems. I also owned and operated a chemical and equipment distribution company with twenty-five employees.
While I enjoyed my time in business, I always had the desire to teach. So when I sold my business, my wife and I decided the time was right, and I obtained a Masters of Arts in Teaching degree from National Lewis University.
I live in Batavia with my wife Monica. We have two children who both attended Batavia Schools. My son Garrett is a Staff Sergeant in the Army serving with the 3rd Infantry Division and is currently stationed at Fort Moore, GA. Allison graduated from Aurora University and is working for FIS Global Systems in Milwaukee. We also have a Goldendoodle named Millie.
I enjoy golfing, hiking, traveling, and reading. I am a big fan of the Buffalo Bills football team and UConn men's and women's basketball. Since moving to Chicago I have also become a somewhat rabid Blackhawks fan.
I am very excited to begin the school year. Feel free to contact me with any of your questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Richard Hess