Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I am so excited to be your child’s Librarian this year! This will be my third year at Prairie Branch and I would like to tell you a little about myself and my family. I grew up in 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 along with being a certified LMS. I was formerly the LMS at Eagle Heights Elementary in Smithville, MO for four years. Prior to become an LMS I taught Kindergarten in Smithville for four years. 

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. I am also currently the head 8th grade Volleyball coach at Grain Valley Middle School. 

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 Smithville High school. We are  blessed with two amazing kids our daughter, Colbie who is 6 and our son Beau who is 5. They love to go on walks with our two pups, Finnegan and Dot. As a family, we enjoy going to the lake and spending lots of time at the Zoo. Eric and I are so excited too be a part of the Grain Valley community and to watch our kids grow up in the same area we both did! 

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 

lbennaka@gvr5.net