Three Lakes Middle School - Learning today, Leading tomorrow

Welcome to the swamp, our new Spanish teacher, Mrs. Christie Hayes. We are so excited she and one of her daughters are joining our Three Lakes team! Where are you from? I'm originally from the Beaumont area. I attended college at East Texas Baptist University and then moved to Tyler, where I've lived for 22 years now. Family? My husband Justin and I have been married for almost 22 years and we have 6 kiddos. Their ages are 18, 15, 14, 13, 12, and 3 and they keep us on our toes! We also have a dog, 3 fish, and a bearded dragon. Experience in education? I received my Bachelor of Education in English and Spanish from ETBU. Over the years I have taught Spanish and ESL, tutored English and Spanish, did some substitute teaching, and am looking forward to being back in the classroom. Spanish 1 is my favorite thing to teach! Anything else you want to share... I love Tyler ISD and can't wait to get to know the students and staff at Three Lakes.

Welcome to the swamp Tyler ISD alumni and University of Texas graduate, Clifton Henry, to Three Lakes Middle School. Mr. Henry will be in our math department this year. It is always great to see our Tyler ISD students return to the community and our schools! Where are you from? I was born and raised in Tyler. Hobbies? My hobbies are jogging, volunteering, tutoring, and listening to music. Experience: I taught high school math last year at All Saints Episcopal School in Tyler. My favorite middle school memory was being voted ‘Most Likely To Succeed.’

Welcome to the swamp, Lindsay Dreyer! She will be teaching 7th grade math at TLMS! Where are you from? I'm from a small farm 🌽 town in Nebraska (outside of Lincoln). I moved to Texas when I graduated high school in 2010. I've lived in the Tyler area for last 12 years. Nebraska Huskers are still my favorite team! 🏈 Family? My Fiancé Doug and I are getting married in September 💍 (soon to be Tipton)! We have a one year old son named Lincoln Douglas. He is very happy and sweet boy, that loves everyone he meets. He will be in the stands with me at football games and other events, cheering on the Gators 🐊 ! We have two dogs Guinness our white Boxer and Cleo (Cleopatra) our Catahoula 🐾 . Hobbies? I like hanging out with friends and family. I try to be outside as much as possible even when its super-hot out ☀️. In the past year, I've fallen in love with going to the gym and working out. Experience in education? I've been a teacher now for 7 years and I've taught math 6 of those. I like teaching middle schoolers because I feel like I'm able to teach them academics and also talk to them about life lessons/choices. Favorite middle school memory? I went to a small Catholic middle school, I loved hanging out with my friends. We would go to football games, school dance, and have sleep overs. Anything else you want to share? I am SO excited to be part of the Swamp 🐊

Welcome to the swamp, our school nurse, Kourtney Mendoza. She and her son, Maddox, will be joining us at Three Lakes this year. Where are you from? I grew up in Shelbyville, TX and moved to Tyler in 2004. Family? I've been married to my high school sweetheart, Angel for 12 years. We have 2 sweet kiddos: Maddox - age 11 (who will be a 6th grader at Three Lakes) and Adria - age 7. Hobbies? Family time is my favorite! We love to travel, spend time outdoors, and play with our boxer, Bru. Favorite middle school memory? Hanging out with friends and going on 8th grade trip to Galveston, TX. Experience in education? I have worked in the medical field for years but finally graduated as a nurse in 2018. After working in surgery for a few years, I had the opportunity to work for Tyler ISD as a float nurse 2021-2022. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much from this experience. I am very excited about being the school nurse for Three Lakes this coming school year!

Gators, we are so excited that we have another wonderful teacher joining our staff that was previously at Hogg Middle School. Mrs. Rooney comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Please help us welcome her to the swamp! Where are you from? I was born in Dallas and I have lived in the Tyler area for most of my life. Family? My husband and I have a 5 year old daughter, 2 year old son, and 5 month old daughter. Hobbies? When I have the opportunity, I like watching various TV series. Experience in education? I am certified 4th-8th Math and EC-12th Special Education. I have taught 6th-8th grade math for the past 8 years, and Resource math the past 4 years. Favorite middle school memory? The various trips we took with Choir and hanging out with friends. "I'm excited to start my 9th year at my new school!"

Please welcome to the swamp, Ms. Sarah Porter. Ms. Porter and her daughter will be joining our Three Lakes family together next year. Ms. Porter will teach 7th RLA. Where are you from? I was born in Birmingham, Alabama but grew up here in East Texas. I love the pine trees and the peacefulness. Family? I'm a proud mom of 3 kids, two boys and one daughter who is excited to be a gator in the fall! Hobbies? I love hiking, running, swimming, yoga, family time, gardening, organizing things, and reading. Experience? I'm entering my 21st year in education. I've done everything from kindergarten up through college and trained teachers as well. Favorite Middle School Memory? My favorite middle school memory, hands down has to be playing school volleyball with my closest friends.

Good morning Gators! Please help us welcome Tiffany Dorey to our team. Mrs. Dorey has previously taught in the district at Jack Elementary. She is going to teach Professional Communication (Speech)/Careers. Her degree is in Journalism with a minor in Communications making her a perfect fit. Where are you from? I’m originally from Tyler where I attended Owens Elementary K-5 then moved to Lindale my 6th grade year. As soon as I graduated college, I made my way back to Tyler! Family? I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Hans for 11 years. We have two beautiful children: Olivia (9) and Jacob (almost 7). Hobbies? I love to spend time with my family, walk my dogs, fishing, traveling, and going on new adventures! Experience in education? I attended UT Tyler where I received a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a minor in Speech Communication. I’ve taught first grade the last three years at Jack Elementary. Favorite middle school memory? My favorite middle school memory is going to the school dances with my friends and having a lot of fun! Anything else you want to share... I’m obsessed with pugs! I have two pugs that are sisters (Gracie Mae and Bella Rose) and I just love them to pieces! I am so excited to join the swamp and start this new adventure! 🐊

Good morning Gators! Please help me welcome Coach Dasia McCray! She is going to coach girls sports and teach 8th RLA. Where are you from? Well, I was a military brat. I grew up in a lot of places. I spent the most time in Temple, TX, as that is where my father retired. I was born in Pecos, Texas Family? I come from a family of 4. Mom, dad and 1 sibling. Outside of that, it's my boyfriend Demarcus and our energetic dog Sadie. Hobbies? I enjoy reading, fishing, and cooking. Experience in education? This will be my 4th year in education as an ELA teacher. I have been a coach for girl’s athletics for 3 of those years. Favorite middle school memory? My favorite middle school memory was beginning athletics and getting the opportunity to make friends and create memories through that experience. Anything else you want to share? I am excited to begin this new journey in my life. I cannot wait to start my 4th year at Three Lakes Middle School!

Come join our awesome team of girls coaches!

excelente oportunidad 😉

Help us welcome Cyndi Starr to the swamp! If her photo looks familiar to some former Eagles, it is because Mrs. Starr's daughter, Madison Stegall, is a teacher at Owens. We are excited to have Mrs. Starr join our team! Where are you from? I am from Liberty City, Texas by way of 4 other states, 11 different towns, and a completely different career before beginning teaching at the age of 40. Family? I am a wife of 32 years, a mother to my daughter and son-in-law, a momma to my son, and bestie to my westie. Hobbies? I love learning new things and visiting new places. I read when I can and enjoy working in my flowerbeds. Experience in education? I am 4-8 generalist, 7-12 social studies, and principal certified. I have been teaching for 14 years in the same school district: 5 in 7th grade reading and 9 in 8th grade social studies. I have my master’s in Educational Leadership and have served as 8th grade team lead in my previous school district. I am really looking forward to meeting the challenges and learning curve for this new adventure! Favorite middle school memory? The thing I remember being most proud about from middle school is learning and reciting “The Wreck of the Hesperus” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The thing that impacted my life the most but I didn’t know at the time, was having Mrs. Suzanne Bardwell (RIP) for the first time as a teacher - If you know her, you know. She was THAT teacher for me!

Last chance to join the swamp...

Hey Gators! We are happy to introduce Mr. Daniel Tice to all of you! He is joining our administrative team as an assistant principal for the 2022-2023 school year. Where are you from? I was born in Dallas but grew up in El Campo, TX. Family? I am married to my wife Kellie, and we have 2 daughters (ages 5 and 2) and 1 son on the way! Hobbies? I enjoy exercising, reading, and serving with my family at my church. Experience in Education? B.A. from East Texas Baptist University in Secondary Education: History and M.Ed. from Lamar University in Administration. I taught most levels of Secondary History including 8th/HS U.S. History, AP World History, World History, Government, and Economics. I am currently a College Board rater for the AP World History exam, and I am a former HS/MS football, basketball, track, and wrestling coach in Allen and Waller ISD. Favorite middle school memory? The relationships that were built with my teammates/classmates and coaches/teachers in groups like football, band, and student council. Anything else you want to share... I am excited to be brought on to the swamp’s 🐊 administration team and I look forward to meeting all of you in the next school year!

Gators, let's officially welcome Ms. Ryan Foster to Three Lakes! Where are you from? I have lived my whole life here in East Texas. I grew up in Jacksonville, and currently reside in Flint. Family? My fiancé and I have two cats and a dog. He and I are both from this area, so we are lucky to have most of our family nearby. Hobbies? I love to read! I like to build things and get creative. Also, I just got a Cricut that I am excited to break in. I love going and doing things with friends, especially if it involves hanging out near the water. Experience in education? Through my senior year of high school and most of my time in college I worked in preschool. It wasn't long after graduating with my business degree that I realized I missed kids, so I applied to be a paraprofessional for Jacksonville ISD and was lucky enough to be hired by Mr. Sherman as a computer teacher at West Side Elementary! I spent that year realizing what I was called to do and began the alternative certification process. The following year I joined Nichols Intermediate and for the next three years I taught 5th Social Studies and 5th/6th grade math. I then moved to Jack Elementary where I have spent the last three years teaching 5th grade science, as well as language arts and social studies. Outside of school, I have served in a mentor capacity to both middle and high school students. Favorite middle school memory? Science club! We did so many awesome things I forgot I was learning. To this day I still look up at the stars and show off the constellations I know. Anything else you want to share.. I have recently received a masters degree in Educational Leadership. I am beyond excited to teach math as a TLMS Gator this coming school year!

Good morning Gators! Please welcome to the swamp, Rebeka Labeau. Mrs. Labeau will be a math teacher next year at TLMS. Where are you from? I grew up in Ben Wheeler and went to Van. I graduated in 2006 and left East Texas after joining the Coast Guard. I’m excited to be back in the area. Family- I am married with 4 kids ranging from 6-16. It is anything but quiet around my house! Hobbies- I enjoy anything that gets me outside. I love to garden, bike and hike. Experience in education? I started subbing in 2016 when I finished my bachelor's and then went to work part-time teaching parenting classes along with being a case manager. I went back to the classroom 4 years ago and have taught 4th-8th grade. Math is my favorite subject to teach! Favorite middle school memory? It is not a memory, but my favorite thing about middle school was the friends I made. I still talk to two of them on a daily basis and will love them forever! Anything else you want to share... I am very excited for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to be back in Texas and teaching!

Teachers, there are wonderful PD opportunities this summer. @ThreeLakesTISD's very own @clague_courtney is leading "Implementing Digital Interactive Notebooks." Teachers from any @TylerISD campus can register in Kick-Up.

Gators, please help me welcome, Ms. Torres to the swamp 🐊. She is a fantastic science teacher joining us from Hogg Middle School. Where are you from?- I am originally from Philippines and taught Hogg Middle School for three years. Family? I am from a pretty big family with 2 sisters and 3 brothers, with the newly member, Beau (our baby shihtzu) Hobbies? - I love organizing stuff during leisure time, watching movies or series. Experience in education? This is my 9th year in teaching field Favorite middle school memory? Anything else you want to share: In teaching middle schoolers at Hogg Middles School, I think seeing kids enjoy the activities I prepared for them was my favorite middle school memory (here in US).

Hey gators! Help us welcome Mrs. Erin Lamb to TLMS! 🐊 Where are you from: Dallas, Texas Family: I have been married to my husband, Mark, for 18 years and we have two daughters, Ryann (age 15) and Lily (age 12) Hobbies: I love to read, travel, hike, cross-stitch, and eat tacos Experience in Education: I graduated from Texas A&M University. I taught Sophomore English for several years in the Dallas Independent School District and have spent the last few years teaching Middle School English Language Arts in Seattle, Washington. Favorite Middle School Memory: Track Meets with my friends After twelve years in the Pacific Northwest, my family is relocating to the Tyler area in July. I am so excited to be a part of Three Lakes Middle School and look forward to meeting all of you soon.

Gators, please help me welcome Marcie Fowler to the swamp! Where are you from? I grew up in Louisiana but have lived in Texas for most of my adult life. Family? I am married and have a 13-year-old son who attends TLMS. We also have 3 very spoiled Miniature Schnauzers named Max, Charlotte, and Little Fatty. Hobbies? I love to fish or just be out on the boat, run, bake/cook, and play games on the Xbox, especially with my family. I also love to add new pairs to my sneaker collection. Experience in education? BA from UT Tyler; I started out at Griffin Elementary teaching 5th grade.Then I taught 5th grade reading at Cain in Whitehouse for three years before moving into their reading interventionist position for K-5. For the past four years I have been the K-5 dyslexia teacher at Owens Elementary. Favorite middle school memory? I started dance in middle school and developed a passion for it throughout high school and college. Dances, football games, friendships, and field days are some of my best memories. I can't wait to start my eleventh year of teaching reading as a gator in the swamp! Gators rise up! 💜💛💚

Gators, please help me welcome one of our new administrators, Mr. Kedrick Graves. He is joining our team from Tyler Legacy High School. He is going to be a huge asset to our campus. Where are you from? Originally from Malakoff, Tx. I have lived in Tyler for 24 years. Family? Tameka and I have been married for 23 years and we have 1 son! Hobbies? I love to do CrossFit! Experience in education? (BBA) minor Criminal Justice and (M.A) Principal Cert Program-Lamar University. I taught Principals of Law, Law 1, and Law 2 at Legacy High School. I served as Assistant Principal at Legacy for 1 year. Favorite middle school memory? I have 2. I ran a lot of touchdowns during my 7th and 8th grade years. Also, my friends and I won a dance contest in the 8th grade. We danced to "My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown! Anything else you want to share...Yes, I was a parole/probation officer for 10 years before transitioning to education. I'm looking forward to joining the Gator administration team. I believe that EVERY student can achieve at a higher level!