3rd Grade

Samantha Hammond

Immersion ELA/Social Studies

I’m thrilled to be joining the French Immersion team this year! I hold a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College. I’m certified in both Elementary and Early Childhood Education, with additional endorsements in Literacy, Online Teaching, and Gifted and Talented Education.

This marks my 21st year in the classroom, and even after all these years, teaching remains my true passion and calling.

Outside of school, my family and I love going on adventures and playing games together. In my free time, you’ll often find me at the Pilates studio or curled up with a great book.

I’m looking forward to another amazing year at Midway!

Jonna Howell

I am very happy to welcome your family to our third grade class at Midway Elementary! I began my teaching career in 1996 and have been lucky to teach third graders at Midway since 2005. My family and I enjoy spending our free time together outdoors on Lake Murray with our dogs, but I can’t forget our very favorite past time… cheering on the University of Florida Gators (although we root for the Gamecocks and Tigers, too!) I am looking forward to another great year of learning and growing with my third grade students and their families.

Amanda Shealy

I am so excited for another great year in third grade!  I started here at Midway in 2012.  I have taught kindergarten, first, and second grade.  My bachelor's degree is in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina and my master's is in Language and Literacy from Converse University.  I live here in Lexington with my husband, Brooks, and my two daughters, Stella and Nadine.  I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading, and just being outside when I am not teaching.   I look forward to our year together! 

Maria Villalobos

Immersion Math/Science

Bonjour and Welcome! 

I am thrilled to begin my sixth year at MES and welcome your family in the 3rd grade French Immersion Program. Our classroom is a joyful space where students feel a strong sense of belonging. It’s filled with curiosity, collaboration, songs, games, problem-solving, and plenty of opportunities to explore and grow. Mistakes are celebrated as natural steps in the learning process and as chances to become more confident learners.

I earned a Bachelor's degree in Education in my hometown in Venezuela, and a Master's in Teaching French as a Foreign Language from Université Stendhal, in France. I’ve been teaching foreign languages (French, Spanish, English) to the most varied audience (from first graders to master’s degree students) in different countries (France, Venezuela, Panama, and now, USA) for over 25 years.

Outside the classroom, life is just as full and lively. I share it with my husband, who is also a French teacher in Lex1, and our two wonderful sons. As a family, we love traveling, watching movies, playing games, and enjoying life’s simple moments together. We are a happy tribe in a great place.

I can’t wait to see all the amazing things our students will accomplish this year!

Erin Waring

Welcome to third grade! I am starting my 15th year as a Midway Mustang. I attended Midway when I was in elementary school. I graduated from Winthrop University with a degree in Elementary Education. I earned my master’s degree in Advanced Studies with a concentration in Literacy from Converse College. I have had a lifelong passion for teaching and feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to teach in my hometown. My husband, Brad, and I have one son, Bryson. We love to take trips to the mountains and spend time with our family. I am looking forward to another great year in third grade!

Kim Whyde

Hello fellow Mustangs! I am so excited about another school year at Midway. My love for teaching began as I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Columbia College and began my teaching career in Lexington School District Five across the dam. I taught third grade and earned my Master’s in elementary education from the University of South Carolina. I also went on to earn my National Board Certification and have since recertified twice as well. This is my 28th year of teaching third grade, and I still love every minute of it! I have one daughter beginning the USC School of Pharmacy program and one daughter at Midlands Technical College in the dental hygiene program.  In my free time, I spend my time with my family having fun in the sun and water as much as possible. We ride our wave runners at the lake and river or spend time relaxing on the beach. I love live music concerts and singing along.  I am looking forward to another great year of learning together.  Go Mustangs!