Principal – Mr. Samuel Fishburn

Mr. Samuel Fishburn joined the 1st Lutheran Staff in 2018 as Principal. He also teaches 3rd and 4th grade social studies. Mr. Fishburn received his Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education, Special Education Endorsement, from Concordia University Nebraska. He comes to 1st Lutheran from St. Louis, Missouri where he taught 3rd grade. He is a 2018 graduate of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod’s School Leadership Development (SLED) program. Mr. Fishburn brings a strong background in educational technology integration and innovative curriculum design and experience, as well as a strong network with other Lutheran schools around the country.

Elementary (K-6th) Staff

Kindergarten – Miss Peggy Weidler

Miss Weidler is our kindergarten teacher. She has over 40 years of experience. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education, a Bachelor of Science in Geography, and a Masters in Education from Concordia University — Seward. She has been a part of our faculty since 2012.

1st Grade – Mrs. Debbie Nix

Mrs. Nix teaches first grade. She received her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from College of the Ozarks. She has been teaching at 1st Lutheran School since 2007.

2nd Grade – Mrs. Kim Ballard

Mrs. Ballard teaches second grade. She received her Bachelors of Science in Education from University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She has been teaching at 1st Lutheran School since 2005.

3rd Grade – Mrs. Kristy Donahue

Mrs. Donahue teaches 3rd grade homeroom subjects.

4th Grade – Mrs. Brook Brown

Mrs. Brown teaches 4th grade Language Arts and Math. She received her Bachelors of Science in Music Education from Southern Arkansas University in 2000. She has been teaching at 1st Lutheran School since 2016.

3rd/4th Grade – Mrs. Rachel Merrill

Mrs. Merrill teaches 3rd and 4th grade afternoon religion, science, and computers.

5th Grade – Mrs. Kristin Basham

Mrs. Basham teaches 5th grade homeroom.

6th Grade – Mrs. Kathy Nieting

Mrs. Nieting teaches sixth grade and combines with fifth grade in the afternoons. She received her Bachelors of Science in Education from Concordia University Seward (Nebraska). She has been teaching at First Lutheran School since 1977.

Fine Arts – Mrs. Kathleen Davis

Mrs. Davis teaches fine arts at 1st Lutheran School. She received her Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and her Masters in Musicology from Emporia State University. She has been teaching at First Lutheran School since 1995.

Resource/Special Education – Mrs. MaryBeth McAlvain

Mrs. McAlvain teaches special education at 1st Lutheran School. She received her Bachelors of Music from Oklahoma Baptist University. She has been at First Lutheran School since 2008.

Early Childhood (2.5-4 Years) Staff

2.5-3’s – Ms. Amy Jones

Ms. Jones serves as the 2.5 year – 3 year old teacher at 1st Lutheran.

4’s – Mrs. Gretchen Dufrense

Mrs. Dufrense teaches 4 year old preschool. She has been teaching for over 15 years and has been at 1st Lutheran Preschool since 2005. She earned both her Bachelor and Masters degree in Special Education from Northeastern State University.

Early Childhood Assistant and Extended Care – Miss Rita Clayton

Rita Clayton has served as the bookkeeper for 1st Lutheran Preschool since 1994. She also currently serves as an afternoon preschool assistant and extended care supervisor.

Early Childhood Morning Assistant – Melissa Mitch

Early Childhood Morning Assistant – Amy Dulaney 

Early Childhood Afternoon Assistant – Berkley Cooper

Early Childhood Afternoon Assistant and Elementary After Care – Taylor Cusick

Support Staff

Secretary – Mrs. Sonja Guillory

Maintenance – Mr. JD Davis