Haley W

The second semester is bringing changes to policies on cheating and plagiarism. “Across the district administrators have been talking about the policies and making sure that we’re really clear to kids and what the ramifications would be if they were to be academically dishonest,” principal Stacy Whaling said.

The first day of school brings an array of feelings for students, but Wednesday was also the first day on campus for the 32 new faces joining The Nest as teachers.

“I am honestly still looking forward to meeting most people,” English teacher Grace Holcombe said. “So far, everyone I have met at Liberty High School has been extremely kind, patient, and supportive. My co-teachers are all amazing people, and I know my students will be too. I can’t wait.”

Taking over the theatre department, teacher Kristopher Allen is hoping to provide students with a framework for success. 

“I am looking forward to meeting and working with the students of Liberty and making them feel more successful than they thought possible,” Allen said. “I want the students of Liberty to discover that our theatre department can be a safe space to explore their art, socialize in a diverse community, and have a wonderful time.”

Being both a science teacher and wrestling coach, Viviana Espinoza has two main goals this school year. 

“As a teacher, my goal is to connect with students and be able to present the science curriculum in a fun and meaningful way,” Espinoza said. “As a coach, I want to take my teams to state and contribute to the awesome Redhawk wrestling tradition.”

Despite there being more than 1,000 public school districts in Texas, tennis coach Neil Grobler found that Frisco ISD’s achievements stuck out to him.

“A wide array of different ‘selling points’ attracted me to Frisco ISD,” Grobler said. “High achieving academic and athletic school district, an invested community with tremendous parent support, an admirable and unique structure that is student-focused which in turn provides enhanced academic and extracurricular/athletic opportunities for success.”

Having a love for learning, athletic trainer and sports medicine teacher Michael Deal hopes to share this passion with students.

“I’ve always loved learning and have had several people invest in me along my educational journey,” Deal said. “I figured it was only right for me to do the same for others.”