Hi, My name is Mary Vance!  I am McCurdy’s art teacher!  This is my first year teaching art at McCurdy, and my 6th year in education.  I hold a Studio Art degree from Maryville University, and I am currently working on my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Art Education.  When I am not at school, I love to watch new movies, especially sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopian.  I love to play volleyball and hang out with my fam.  I also love doing anything outdoors in nature.  I am excited to be at McCurdy and can’t wait to show off all of our Mustang’s artwork!

My name is Johnna Connors, and this is my fifth year as the librarian at McCurdy Elementary.  I previously worked at Keeven Elementary in the Hazelwood School District for 18 years!  I taught SSD, fifth grade, fourth grade, first grade, and was the librarian there as well.  I graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Reading with an emphasis on Behavior Disorders.  Having 2 teenage boys is super fun and keeps me very busy!  I enjoy spending time with them and our super cute Boston Terrier, Stella. I love reading and learning and can’t wait to get started with the school year!

My name is Charlie Combs, and this is my first year teaching music at McCurdy. I was born in St. Louis but grew up in Ohio, where I taught for the past eight years. I have a Bachelor’s from THE Ohio State University and a Master’s from Capital University. I try to stay musically active outside of school by singing in my church’s choir and by playing my trombones, recorders, and ocarina. I also enjoy reading, swimming, video games, and learning Latin.

I have been in Hazelwood School District for 30 years, I am married with 2 boys and one girl. I read, walk and exercise in my free time and love to travel.

This is my 23rd year teaching in the Hazelwood School District.  I graduated from Hazelwood East high school.  I have a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Lindenwood University.  This is my second year at McCurdy and I'm looking forward to more with the Mustangs!