Raymond adds more talent to classrooms

Katie Carlyle

Katie Carlyle and Linda Lemco are the latest additions to the Raymond Elementary School teaching staff. Carlyle is a third grade teacher, and Lemco will instruct special education for grades 7-12.

"I am so excited to be part of the Raymond School District family," Carlyle told the Herald. "I was born and raised in Raymond and graduated from Raymond High School in 2018. As the newest third grade teacher at Raymond Elementary, I look forward to teaching the next generation of students. I have been a substitute in the district for the past year where I have gotten to know many of the students. This is my first year teaching and it is going to be so much fun."

Carlyle offered a brief comment about her philosophy of education.

"The purpose of my education is to create well rounded individuals," Carlyle said. "I think students should have a great deal of general knowledge as well as personal skills, and social skills. The most important aspects of my teaching are structure, responsibility, accountability, patience, listening, sharing, and cooperation for both my students and I to succeed. I aim to bring an open mind, a positive attitude, and high expectations to the classroom each day."

Carlyle looks forward to getting the opportunity to teach at her alma mater.

"Raymond has the most amazing staff, faculty, and students," she said. "I am so proud that I get to teach at my alma mater. I am excited to continue the same traditions I got to partake in as a child, and maybe bring a few new ones to our school as well. I look forward to meeting all of my new students very soon. Go Seagulls!"

In addition to her teaching career, Carlyle is consumed with a lot of fun activities.

"When I am not at school, I enjoy camping, fishing, traveling, and coaching softball," Carlyle said.

New Special Education Teacher

Also new on board at Raymond is Linda Lemco. Lemco is a new special education teacher at Raymond for grades 7-12. She taught in Alaska for numerous years.

"My philosophy of education is easy, everyone can learn," Lemco told the Herald. "Everyone is on a journey and it is my job, as an educator, to find out how everyone learns so that I can help them reach his or her goals. Education is the journey we all take and my job is to make it happen."

Lemco earned her masters degree in special education from Western Oregon University, which is located in Monmouth, Oregon.

"I went the long route there with side trips to the U.S. Army, sales, office worker, and as a CNA at Oregon State Mental Hospital in Salem, Oregon," Lemco said.

"It was while I was there that I learned that there were many people there who wouldn't be there if they had just had a good special education teacher."

Lemco has four children that she is super-proud of. She also has "cats, dogs, goats, and a plethora of other farm animals."

Lemco is a 4-H assistant leader, and said she is "looking forward to our last show of the year at the Washington State Fair September 15th-18th."

Another addition to Raymond School District for the 2023-24 academic school is Lyndsey Owen. Owen is a new Junior/Senior high school counselor after being away from the district for a year. At press time, Owen had not responded to the Herald's questions.