Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! I am so excited to be your child’s Librarian this year! I’d like to tell you a little about myself and my family. I grew up in a town very similar to Smithville, Oak Grove Missouri. I received my BSE at Graceland University and I am certified in grades Prek-6th and Special Education grades K-12, I also have a Masters in Technology and am currently working on my LMS. This will be my fourth year teaching in Smithville. I was previously a Kindergarten teacher at Maple Elementary.

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends along with scrapbooking, sewing, and doing anything hands-on crafts. I enjoy all sports, but my favorite is playing volleyball. I had the opportunity to play in high school and college and I still play in many leagues when I have the time.

My husband’s name is Eric and we got married in July 2015. He is a middle school computer teacher at Smithville Middle School. He stays busy coaching the Varsity basketball Program at SHS. We are blessed with two amazing kids our daughter, Colbie, and our son Beau. They loves to go on walks with our two pups, Finnegan and Dot. As a family, we enjoy going on long walks and spending lots of time outside. Eric and I are so excited to be teaching in the same district and love being a part of the Smithville family.

To end I want you to know….. I will love your child. I will do whatever it takes to help him/her be successful academically, emotionally, and socially. I love teaching and I am so grateful that you have chosen to send your child to be with me for his/her school year. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to our year together!

Sincerely,

Lauren Bennaka