My name is Mr. Bono and I am very excited to be your teacher this year. This is my 21st year teaching, all at Thomas Jefferson Elementary. I have taught 4th and 5th grade. 

My name is Samantha Hassenfratz and I am very excited to teach 4th and 5th grade collaborative reading. I have two bachelor’s degrees (one in psychology and one in computer science) and a master’s degree in special education. I am a hardcore math nerd, an avid reader, and a lover of cats. My husband, Chris, and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary next summer. We have one son, Nolan, who will be a senior at LCHS this year. I look forward to a fabulous school year and cannot wait to work with your Patriot readers! 

Hi everyone! I am Mrs. Halle and I will be teaching 5th grade math this year. This will be my seventh year teaching at TJ. I taught 1st grade for three years and this will be my fourth year teaching 5th grade. I am a Louisa native. After graduating from LCHS, I received my bachelors degree in elementary education at Radford University. In my free time I enjoy running, going to the gym, reading, and spending time with my family, friends, and my German Shepard. I especially love spending time with my husband and our newest family addition, our son, who turned one over the summer! I am looking forward to a great year! 

Hello! I'm Blair Gibson and this is my 9th year teaching in Louisa County and my 13th year teaching overall. This year I am teaching English Language Arts in both 4th and 5th grades. I graduated from Radford University in 2005 and graduated from Mary Baldwin in 2009 with my teaching degree. I am married to my husband of 16 years and we have 3 children who are all enrolled in Louisa County Public Schools. Colin is in 9th, Caleb is in 7th, and Caroline is at Little Lions. I spend most of my free time with my family and our dog, Samson. We all enjoy spending time on the Rappahannock River and the Mobjack Bay doing all the fun water activities you can think of! I am so excited to get to know your child. We are going to have a fantastic year!

Hi there! This is my 2nd year at TJES, and I’m very excited to be back in 5th grade! I grew up in Pennsylvania, and I have a degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Art! When I'm not teaching, I'm playing with my dogs, hiking, crocheting, painting, and relaxing at home! I have two dogs named Finn and Eddie! I’m looking forward to a great year!!! Go Steelers! 

My name is Jessica Simpson, and I am entering my 18th year of teaching. I earned my degree at UVA Wise. I will be teaching 5th grade math this year at TJES. Some of you will remember me as Ms. Olinger from before I got married! I have a son named Zachary, a dog named Roxie, and 3 chickens. I love hiking, fishing, gardening, and pretty much all things outdoors!

Hello, I am Mrs. Smith!  This year will be the start of my 14th year of teaching and my 3rd year teaching Fifth Grade Science! 

I am proud to say that I am a graduate of Louisa County High School and Thomas Jefferson Elementary. After graduating from LCHS I attended James Madison University (Go Dukes).  I now reside in Louisa County with my husband, 11 year old and 7 year old sons, and our pets (2 dogs and TOO MANY chickens).  In my spare time I enjoy playing with my sons, traveling, baking, antiquing, volunteering and watching baseball games (Go Yankees)! 

I am so excited to spend the year with your child! We are going to have a year full of hands-on learning and fun!