Smothermon Elementary School
Excellence Every Day in Every Way
The countdown to August 11 is on. 🎒⏳ Just 13 days until the start of a new school year! See you soon, Prosper ISD students.
Welcome, Katie Herring, to Smothermon Elementary!
Hi! I’m Katie Herring, and I’m so excited to be joining Smothermon Elementary as the Special Education Resource Teacher and Team Lead. I’m thrilled to be back in Prosper ISD, where I began my Texas teaching career after moving from New York in 2021.
I started teaching in 2014 with the New York City Department of Education and have taught both general education and special education. Throughout my career, I’ve also had the opportunity to serve as a Special Education Coordinator and Campus Director, experiences that have strengthened my passion for supporting students, teachers, and families.
Outside of school, I’m a proud mom of three, and I love spending time with my family, tackling DIY home projects, and anything Disney.
I’m so grateful to be back in Prosper and can’t wait to get to know the Smothermon community. Here’s to a great school year!
Hi! I’m Katie Herring, and I’m so excited to be joining Smothermon Elementary as the Special Education Resource Teacher and Team Lead. I’m thrilled to be back in Prosper ISD, where I began my Texas teaching career after moving from New York in 2021.
I started teaching in 2014 with the New York City Department of Education and have taught both general education and special education. Throughout my career, I’ve also had the opportunity to serve as a Special Education Coordinator and Campus Director, experiences that have strengthened my passion for supporting students, teachers, and families.
Outside of school, I’m a proud mom of three, and I love spending time with my family, tackling DIY home projects, and anything Disney.
I’m so grateful to be back in Prosper and can’t wait to get to know the Smothermon community. Here’s to a great school year!
Welcome, Holly Bunn, to Smothermon Elementary!
Hi! I am Holly Bunn, and I am excited to join Smothermon Elementary as a Dyslexia Therapist. I have had the privilege of serving students in education for 28 years and have been blessed to serve in Prosper ISD for the past three years. I am excited to continue that journey as I move to Smothermon Elementary. I am passionate about helping students with dyslexia strengthen their reading, spelling, and writing skills while building confidence and a love of learning.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially our two precious grandchildren, who are proud Smothermon students. I feel especially blessed to be joining a school community that is also part of my own family’s journey.
Welcome Rhonda Dickens to Smothermon Elementary!
My name is Rhonda Dickens, and I come to Prosper I.S.D. after serving as a dyslexia specialist for the past 5 years and after having taught for 22 years. Before I began teaching, I grew up in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford area. I attended Texas Christian University for my undergraduate degree and Texas Woman's University for my master's degree in Reading Education. After living in Rockwall (near my three wonderful nieces) for the past eight years, I decided to start a new adventure in the Prosper area with my mother and my two adorable rescue dogs, Speckles and Maple. In addition to spending time with my family and furry friends, I enjoy crochet, photography, swimming, and reading. I look forward to the rewards of collaborating with a wonderful team of dyslexia educators across Prosper I.S.D., and to becoming part of the Smothermon community.
My name is Rhonda Dickens, and I come to Prosper I.S.D. after serving as a dyslexia specialist for the past 5 years and after having taught for 22 years. Before I began teaching, I grew up in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford area. I attended Texas Christian University for my undergraduate degree and Texas Woman's University for my master's degree in Reading Education. After living in Rockwall (near my three wonderful nieces) for the past eight years, I decided to start a new adventure in the Prosper area with my mother and my two adorable rescue dogs, Speckles and Maple. In addition to spending time with my family and furry friends, I enjoy crochet, photography, swimming, and reading. I look forward to the rewards of collaborating with a wonderful team of dyslexia educators across Prosper I.S.D., and to becoming part of the Smothermon community.
Welcome Kayleigh Winn to Smothermon Elementary!
"After 8 years in education, I’m thrilled to be returning to Prosper ISD! As a Prosper graduate and former Prosper teacher, it’s an honor to be back in the district that helped shape me. After teaching 2nd and 3rd grade, I’m excited for a new adventure teaching 5th grade ELAR. I can’t wait to be part of the Smothermon community this year!" – Kayleigh Winn
"After 8 years in education, I’m thrilled to be returning to Prosper ISD! As a Prosper graduate and former Prosper teacher, it’s an honor to be back in the district that helped shape me. After teaching 2nd and 3rd grade, I’m excited for a new adventure teaching 5th grade ELAR. I can’t wait to be part of the Smothermon community this year!" – Kayleigh Winn
Welcome Taylor Cortez to Smothermon Elementary!
"Hello! I’m Taylor Cortez. I am a second year teacher but my first year at Smothermon Elementary. I am excited to be teaching 3rd grade for the 2026-2027 school year.
I grew up in New Braunfels, Texas and moved to Prosper, Texas in 2016. I graduated high school in 2018 from Prosper high school. I have an undergrad in education from The University of North Texas and I recently graduated with my masters from The University of North Texas."
"Hello! I’m Taylor Cortez. I am a second year teacher but my first year at Smothermon Elementary. I am excited to be teaching 3rd grade for the 2026-2027 school year.
I grew up in New Braunfels, Texas and moved to Prosper, Texas in 2016. I graduated high school in 2018 from Prosper high school. I have an undergrad in education from The University of North Texas and I recently graduated with my masters from The University of North Texas."
Welcome Sarah Herrington to Smothermon!
My name is Sarah Herrington and I have been an educator for 8 years, started as a paraprofessional and now a teacher. I will be working with the Communications program. I am so excited to join the Smothermon Community. My favorite part of being an educator is seeing the Ah ha moments where you see your student seeing something click. It may not be big but it is big for them.
My name is Sarah Herrington and I have been an educator for 8 years, started as a paraprofessional and now a teacher. I will be working with the Communications program. I am so excited to join the Smothermon Community. My favorite part of being an educator is seeing the Ah ha moments where you see your student seeing something click. It may not be big but it is big for them.
Welcome Hayley Tatum to Smothermon!
My name is Hayley Tatum and I am married to my husband Dillion and we have three children - Christian, 14 Tristan 11 and Leah who is 9. We also have our beloved family dog Lexi, she made a lot of friends at the school during drop off and pick up last year. Our family moved almost a year ago from our hometown in Colorado and while we miss our family and friends, we are thankful to now call Texas home. I love being active with my children and enjoy being outdoors. I am excited to be joining the Smothermon team and look forward to getting to know the staff and families!
My name is Hayley Tatum and I am married to my husband Dillion and we have three children - Christian, 14 Tristan 11 and Leah who is 9. We also have our beloved family dog Lexi, she made a lot of friends at the school during drop off and pick up last year. Our family moved almost a year ago from our hometown in Colorado and while we miss our family and friends, we are thankful to now call Texas home. I love being active with my children and enjoy being outdoors. I am excited to be joining the Smothermon team and look forward to getting to know the staff and families!
Welcome Linda Wylie to Smothermon!
My name is Linda Wylie, and I am excited to join the Smothermon Elementary team for the 2026-2027 school year. My husband, Kevin, and I have been married for 30 years, and we are blessed with two amazing children and three Mini Australian Shepherds that we absolutely adore. I love reading and listening to books on the Libby app, so if you have any book recommendations, please let me know! For the past two decades, I have served in vocational ministry working with children and families. Last year, I returned to school and earned my Associate's Degree in Education. I am thrilled to be part of the Smothermon community and look forward to serving our students, families, teachers, and staff.
My name is Linda Wylie, and I am excited to join the Smothermon Elementary team for the 2026-2027 school year. My husband, Kevin, and I have been married for 30 years, and we are blessed with two amazing children and three Mini Australian Shepherds that we absolutely adore. I love reading and listening to books on the Libby app, so if you have any book recommendations, please let me know! For the past two decades, I have served in vocational ministry working with children and families. Last year, I returned to school and earned my Associate's Degree in Education. I am thrilled to be part of the Smothermon community and look forward to serving our students, families, teachers, and staff.
Welcome Kimberly Purcell to Smothermon!
"I am thrilled to be joining the Smothermon Elementary Family! I bring 27 years of experience in elementary education and a passion for helping students learn, grow, and succeed. Outside of the classroom I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and exploring new places! I look forward to building relationships with students, families, and staff and making this a wonderful year of learning and growth together!" -Kimberly Purcell
"I am thrilled to be joining the Smothermon Elementary Family! I bring 27 years of experience in elementary education and a passion for helping students learn, grow, and succeed. Outside of the classroom I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and exploring new places! I look forward to building relationships with students, families, and staff and making this a wonderful year of learning and growth together!" -Kimberly Purcell
Welcome Dawson Williston to Smothermon!
Hi! My name is Dawson Williston (Mr. Dawson), and I am excited to be joining the team this year. This will be my third year teaching kindergarten, and I am passionate about creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn each day. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring new places, trying new restaurants, and making the most of new experiences. I believe strong relationships are at the heart of a successful classroom, and I look forward to getting to know my students, their families, and the school community.
Hi! My name is Dawson Williston (Mr. Dawson), and I am excited to be joining the team this year. This will be my third year teaching kindergarten, and I am passionate about creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn each day. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring new places, trying new restaurants, and making the most of new experiences. I believe strong relationships are at the heart of a successful classroom, and I look forward to getting to know my students, their families, and the school community.
Welcome Christopher Rains to Smothermon!
"This will be my 13th year as a physical education teacher. I most recently taught and coached for Rogers Middle School. My five year old son, Payton will be entering kindergarten at Smothermon. I am originally from Chicago and love their sports teams, working out, pizza and going to the beach with my son. I am looking forward to teaching P.E. at Smothermon Elementary!" - Christopher Rains
"This will be my 13th year as a physical education teacher. I most recently taught and coached for Rogers Middle School. My five year old son, Payton will be entering kindergarten at Smothermon. I am originally from Chicago and love their sports teams, working out, pizza and going to the beach with my son. I am looking forward to teaching P.E. at Smothermon Elementary!" - Christopher Rains
Welcome Eni Adewunmi to Smothermon!
"My name is Eni Adewunmi, and I am excited to be a part of Smothermon Elementary for the 2026–2027 school year. This year marks my 20th year as an educator, and I still love every day I get to spend helping scholars learn, grow, and achieve success. Reading has always been my favorite subject, and in my free time, I enjoy cooking, shopping, and, of course, reading. I am also the proud mother of two daughters, Kristin (14) and Abigail (13). I look forward to building meaningful relationships with students and families and making this a wonderful year together!"
"My name is Eni Adewunmi, and I am excited to be a part of Smothermon Elementary for the 2026–2027 school year. This year marks my 20th year as an educator, and I still love every day I get to spend helping scholars learn, grow, and achieve success. Reading has always been my favorite subject, and in my free time, I enjoy cooking, shopping, and, of course, reading. I am also the proud mother of two daughters, Kristin (14) and Abigail (13). I look forward to building meaningful relationships with students and families and making this a wonderful year together!"
Welcome Nate Beitel to Smothermon!
"Hello! My name is Nate Beitel, and I am excited to join the Smothermon Elementary family as a PE teacher for the 2026–2027 school year. I attended Prosper ISD beginning in third grade back in 2010, graduated from Prosper High School in 2020, and earned my degree from Texas Tech University in 2023. Last year, I had the opportunity to serve as a PE Aide at Reeves Elementary in Prosper ISD, where I discovered my passion for helping students develop confidence, teamwork, and a love for physical activity. I am thrilled to continue that journey at Smothermon. Outside of school, I enjoy golfing, snowboarding, and spending quality time with family and friends. I look forward to building relationships with our students and families and helping make PE a fun, positive, and engaging experience for everyone. I can't wait for a great year at Smothermon!"
"Hello! My name is Nate Beitel, and I am excited to join the Smothermon Elementary family as a PE teacher for the 2026–2027 school year. I attended Prosper ISD beginning in third grade back in 2010, graduated from Prosper High School in 2020, and earned my degree from Texas Tech University in 2023. Last year, I had the opportunity to serve as a PE Aide at Reeves Elementary in Prosper ISD, where I discovered my passion for helping students develop confidence, teamwork, and a love for physical activity. I am thrilled to continue that journey at Smothermon. Outside of school, I enjoy golfing, snowboarding, and spending quality time with family and friends. I look forward to building relationships with our students and families and helping make PE a fun, positive, and engaging experience for everyone. I can't wait for a great year at Smothermon!"
Welcome Megan Lepor to Smothermon!
"After 10 years in education and 4 years in Prosper ISD, I’m excited for a new adventure in 4th grade ELAR and Social Studies! I can’t wait to join the Smothermon community this year!" - Megan Lepor
"After 10 years in education and 4 years in Prosper ISD, I’m excited for a new adventure in 4th grade ELAR and Social Studies! I can’t wait to join the Smothermon community this year!" - Megan Lepor
📅 Summer Break Reminder: All Prosper ISD campuses and district offices will be closed June 19 – July 3.
We hope our students, staff, and families are enjoying a restful break.☀️
We hope our students, staff, and families are enjoying a restful break.☀️
🎻 Reminder for incoming kindergarten families! 🎻 Interested in Prosper ISD’s Suzuki Strings Program? Join us for the information meeting this Thursday, June 4, at 9:30 AM at Windsong Ranch Elementary.
Prosper ISD’s Suzuki program introduces young students to violin through the renowned Suzuki Method, which emphasizes parent involvement, individualized instruction, listening, and a positive learning environment. Parents must attend the meeting this Thursday to submit an application for the 2026-2027 school year. We hope to see you there!
Questions? Contact mrholt@prosper-isd.net.
School's officially out for summer! Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and restful break. See you back on campus August 11, 2026!☀️
Happy Last Day of School! From the first bell to the last — what a year it has been. 📸 These students came in ready to learn and will leave having grown in ways that go far beyond the classroom. We couldn't be more proud of the people they are becoming. Have a wonderful summer!
Just a friendly reminder — this Wednesday, May 18 is the last day of school, and it is a FULL day! ☀️🔔 Finish strong, Prosper ISD!
