Ginger Virag
Principal
Tatum Elementary School
The Times: What degrees do you hold, and from what college(s) did you receive them?
Ginger: Bachelor’s of Science degree from Texas Women’s University and Masters of Education from Tarleton State University.
The Times: Would you briefly run down your education career?
Ginger: This is my 15th year as an educator. I have been a Special Education teacher, Teen Leadership teacher,VAC/Transition Specialist, Assistant to the Superintendent and this is my 6th year as an administrator.
The Times: What are the names, ages of your children?
Ginger: Kailynn is 11 years old and will be attending 6th grade at Farmersville Junior High School and Kalli is 7 years old and will be attending second grade at Farmersville Intermediate School.
The Times: When (if) you have spare time, what do you enjoy to do?
Ginger: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
The Times: What do you think is the most important part of your job?
Ginger: The most important part of my job is to make sure students are in a safe/caring environment and that their educational experience is fun and challenging.
The Times: What message would you like to give to students and parents as the school year begins?
Ginger: This is my first year as principal for Farmersville ISD and I am very excited to be here at Tatum Elementary. I look forward to a wonderful year and seeing all the children!
Hazel Johnson
Principal
Farmersville Intermediate School
The Times: What degrees do you hold, and from what college(s) did you receive them?
Hazel: My Bachelor’s degree with a math specialization and my Master of Education degree were earned from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
The Times: Would you briefly run down your education career?
After graduating from A&M in December with my Bachelor’s degree, I first taught for Celeste ISD.
Next, I taught sixth grade at Tatum Elementary. At that time, my classroom was in the newest wing of the school.
It wasn’t long, however, before portables were moved onto the Tatum campus and the sixth graders were moved outside.
Sixth grade was later moved to the old Junior High building on which the Intermediate campus now sits.
When the High School was built, the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades were moved to what is now the Junior High campus.
In my career, I have taught math to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders for 17 years.
I have been in an administrative position for four years.
The Times: What is your spouse’s name and what does he do?
Hazel: I am married to Vernon Johnson. Vernon is an ordained minister serving a church in Denton. In addition he makes trips to Africa to help establish churches in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, and Zambia.
The Times: What are the names, ages of your children?
Hazel: Our three children are Sara Mattice, Michael Johnson, and Carrie Saindon. We have been blessed with three grandchildren – Rebecca, Noah, and Emily.
The Times: When (if) you have spare time, what do you enjoy to do?
Hazel: When I have some time to myself, I enjoy traveling and antique shopping.
The Times: What do you think is the most important part of your job?
Hazel: The most important part of my job is preparing students for successful learning in the future.
I want this school to give every student a firm foundation so that students will understand what is being taught and be prepared for the next phase of their education.
Our students are making great strides and, hopefully, see themselves as the successes they are.
In addition, students of Farmersville Intermediate School need a safe learning environment. I am striving to provide that safe learning environment for the students of the Farmersville Intermediate School.
Rebecca Tuerk
Assistant Principal
Farmersville Intermediate School
The Times: What degrees do you hold, and from what college(s) did you receive them?
Rebecca: I hold a Bachelor’s of Social Work from Texas A&M University – Commerce and a Master’s of Education from Delta State University.
The Times: Would you briefly run down your education career?
Rebecca: I have taught for nine years. I acquired most of classroom experience while teaching special education for the Quinlan Independent School District where I was honored by receiving the Secondary Teacher of the Year Award. I have also taught for the Fruitvale Independent School District and the Rains Independent School District where I specialized in teaching reading. My position at Farmersville Intermediate School will be my first opportunity to serve as a school administrator.
The Times: When (if) you have spare time, what do you enjoy to do?
Rebecca: When I have spare time, I am currently running and training for a 5K. I am a new runner, and I really like the challenges involved in achieving my goal. I also enjoy bird watching and spending time with my dogs.
The Times: What do you think is the most important part of your job?
Rebecca: The most important part of my job is to be an integral part of our learning community to inspire our students to become life-long learners and productive members of society.
The Times: And finally, what message would you like to give to students and parents as the school year begins?
Rebecca: I am excited and dedicated to becoming a resource for my campus, the district, parents, and the community of Farmersville so that together we can help meet the needs of all students.
Dr. Scott Farler
Principal
Farmersville Junior High School
The Times: What degrees do you hold, and from what college(s) did you receive them?
Scott: I have a Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Science and Doctorate of Education from A&M University-Commerce.
The Times: Would you briefly run down your education career?
Scott: I taught for five years in Garland ISD. I worked as the Assistant Principal three years at Farmersville High School and am beginning my fourth year as the Principal of Farmersville Junior High School. I have 12 years experience in Public Education.
The Times:What is your spouse’s name and what does she do?
Scott: My wife’s name is Teresa Farler and she is the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Wylie ISD.
The Times: When (if) you have spare time, what do you enjoy to do?
Scott: My wife and I enjoy reading, going to movies, camping and traveling. We also enjoy spending time with family and friends.
The Times: What do you think is the most important part of your job?
Scott: The most important part of my job is making a positive impact in the lives of our students.
The Times: What message would you like to give to students and parents as the school year begins?
Scott: How fortunate I am to be here in Farmersville working with a great staff and talented group of kids! Here’s to a fantastic year!
Nick Salerno
Assistant Principal
Farmersville Junior High School
The Times: What degrees do you hold, and from what college(s) did you receive them?
Nick: I received a bachelor’s degree from The University of North Texas in 1995, and a Master’s in Educational Administration from TWU in 2005.
The Times: Would you briefly run down your education career?
Nick: I will be starting my fourth year as the assistant principal at Farmersville Junior High. I began my career as a teacher in 1995. I taught eighth grade U.S. History for twelve years in Little Elm ISD, before coming to Farmersville as an assistant principal to Dr. Farler.
The Times:What is your spouse’s name and what does she do?
Nick: I live in Oak Point with my wife Faye, who is a MRI Tech at Medical Center of Lewisville.
The Times: What are the names, ages of your children?
Nick: We have an adult son, named Chris.
The Times: When (if) you have spare time, what do you enjoy to do?
Nick: My wife and I have been married for thirty-three years, and we love to travel. We may one day retire to southern Italy.
The Times: What do you think is the most important part of your job?
Nick: When I am asked about what I think are the most important responsibilities of my job, I refer to the three S’s; Safety, Security, and Success. My job is to make sure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Success can only be achieved if students feel safe and secure.
The Times: What message would you like to give to students and parents as the school year begins?
Nick: Please come by and say hi. My door is always open, and I will be glad to listen, and try to help you in any way that I can.
Wayne Callaway
Principal
Farmersville High School
The Times: What degrees do you hold, and from what college(s) did you receive them?
Wayne: I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science/Minor in History from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master’s Degree in Education from East Texas State University.
The Times: Would you briefly run down your education career?
Wayne: My teaching career consists of one year as Government/Economics teacher/coach at Terrell High School, three years as history teacher/coach at Willis Junior High and three years as Government/Economics teacher/coach at Howe High School.
My administrative career consists of two years as assistant principal at Howe High School, nine years as Farmersville Junior High Principal and three years as Farmersville High School Principal.
The Times: What is your spouse’s name and what does she do?
Wayne: My wife’s name is Doris and she is an Administrative Support Supervisor at the City of Plano Health Department.
The Times: What are the names, ages of your children?
Wayne: Our children are Jeremy, 18, 2010 graduate of FHS -- attending Stephen F. Austin to major in biology and Jennifer, 13, an eighth grader at Farmersville Junior High.
The Times: When (if) you have spare time, what do you enjoy to do?
Wayne: I like to read, go to the movies and traveling.
The Times: What do you think is the most important part of your job?
Wayne: I try to have a positive impact on students’ lives by helping them achieve the educational goals necessary to be successful after high school and to be productive citizens.
The Times: What message would you like to give to students and parents as the school year begins?
Wayne: Thank you for your efforts on TAKS last spring and for helping Farmersville High School be recognized for the second year in a row. I’m looking forward to another great school year this year.
Jerry Calverly
Assistant Principal
Farmersville High School
The Times: What degrees do you hold, and from what college(s) did you receive them?
Jerry: A Bachelor’s of Science in Human Relations and Business from Amberton University, a Master’s in Education Administration (Principal Certification EC-12) from TAMU- Commerce.
The Times: Would you briefly run down your education career?
Jerry: I spent 7 years teaching science in the Mesquite ISD where I grew up. I taught at North Mesquite HS where I graduated from and many of my teachers are still there. It was interesting working side by wife with the teachers that inspired me.
I did my principal internship in Mesquite through the S.T.A.R. program for one year and continued to hone my skills by working in the office during my breaks and subbing for Assistant Principals on their days off for the next two years.
The Times:What is your spouse’s name and what does she do?
Jerry: DeAnne Calverly, my high school sweetheart, has a Master’s in Education in Elementary education and has been a full-time mom for my children for the past 12 years. She works part-time in a Mesquite Pre-School Program.
The Times: What are the names, ages of your children?
Jerry: Emily is 12 and attends Terry Middle School in Mesquite where she is a 7th grader and a cheerleader. She is also a ballerina in training with the Elgen-Atkinson Ballet School. Lee is 10 and attends Kimble Elementary School in Mesquite. He plays baseball and is a swimmer ranked 17th in a recent state swim meet. Hannah is 7 and attends Pirrung Elementary School in Mesquite and is also a ballerina in training. Zach is 4 and will soon be starting school, but currently attends playschool where DeAnne works part-time.
The Times: When (if) you have spare time, what do you enjoy to do?
Jerry: I usually spend my spare time with my kids encouraging them in their sporting activities or spending time with them at the lake. I enjoy Yo Yos as a hobby and recently conducted a mini-summer camp for my church with 52 kids from first to 7th grade. I am a computer geek at heart and enjoy anything electronic. I spent many years doing construction and mechanic type jobs before deciding to teach, so I spend time remodeling and restoring houses as well.
The Times: What do you think is the most important part of your job?
Jerry: I think showing students they have the ability to learn and be successful no matter what level they are trying to achieve is the most important part of what I do. Leading by example is important to me. Students tend to respect and follow you more when you respect and guide them with clear directions and firm, but fair discipline.
The Times: What message would you like to give to students and parents as the school year begins?
Jerry: Be prepared and equipped to learn. Come to school with supplies and learning as the primary objective. Sports and social activities are very important, but the primary focus should be learning. The world is not getting any easier to live in and a quality education from a Recognized school will give any student a good start in the right direction whether they choose the college route or decide to follow their dreams through a vocational/technology school or go directly into the workforce.
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