Staff:
Kindergarten and First Grade
Mrs. Wieberg
My name is Victoria Wieberg. I am the second to youngest of eight kids (including step siblings). I earned my BA in Early Childhood Education from Missouri State University in Springfield. I earned my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Arkansas State University. I taught 1st and 2nd grade for two years. I have been teaching Kindergarten for five years. This will be my first year teaching Kindergarten and 1st grade together. It is definitely going to be a new challenge but I am up for the task! I'm really excited for another great year at Latham Elementary.
I have been married for five years. I have a teenage step daughter and my husband and I have two amazing kids together. I enjoy reading, spending time outside, working on projects around the house, watching TV, and spending as much time with my family as I can.
Second Grade
Mrs. Rowles
My name is Kylee Rowles and I have been teaching for 4 years, this is my third year at Latham Elementary School. I went to California High School from Kindergarten to 12th grade. After that, I went to Lincoln University where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education which certifies me to teach grades 1st-6th. This past May I graduated from the University of Central Missouri where I earned my Master Elementary Education Curriculum & Instruction. I live on a family farm in California, MO. This past summer I have recently gotten married! In my spare time I love to spend time with my family, traveling the world, and cooking. I am looking forward to working with the wonderful students here at Latham and a wonderful school year!
Third & Fourth Grade
Mrs. Swillum
My name is Rachel Swillum and I have been teaching for 24 1/2 years. This will be my 20th year here at Latham. I have been married to my husband, Joe, for 25 years. We have two beautiful daughters, MacKenzie and Halie. This year we added a cute, sweet grandson, Kaiser. My oldest graduated and will begin her job as a dental assistant. My youngest is a sophomore at K-Sstudying to be an equine genetics/reproduction lab assistant. She raises and breeds Holland Lop rabbits. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, antiquing, reading, and watching Hallmark movies. I am looking forward to a great year full of learning and growing with my students. I feel lucky to work for a great school and caring community.
Fifth & Sixth Grade
Ms. Nicole Dicus
My name is Nicole Dicus. I started my teaching career at Latham Elementary in 2018. Previously, I was a paraprofessional at California Elementary School for two years. I was also a real estate loan officer for ten years before deciding to follow my passion for education. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Columbia College. I received my certification in Elementary Education from the American Board. I have three children Addie, Jorja, and Will. In my spare time, I love to read, spend time with family, and do anything outside. I am so proud to be a part of this amazing school. Go Braves!
Seventh & Eighth Grade
Ms. Lehman
Physical Education/Computers
Hannah Fulks
I am married to Terry Fulks and have 4 lovely children, Emmet, Myra, Ollie and Kate. I live in Latham where I grew up and attended Latham R-V School. Now I am the Title 1 paraprofessional and bus driver for the school. I have been with the Latham R-V School since August 2008. I love hunting, fishing, being outside, playing with my children and being with family and friends.
Art
Mrs. Franken
For me, Helen Franken, the rewards of teaching are so numerous that I keep agreeing to do “just one more year!” So much so, that I am beginning my 11th year at Latham…and my 52nd year of teaching. Of course, since I began my career as a mere toddler, I really am not quite that ancient!
For my first nine years at Latham as a semi-retired teacher, I was the librarian, the art teacher, the computer instructor, and the yearbook sponsor. Now that I am semi-semi-retired, I just teach art. I love the enthusiasm our students have for art and their willingness to try new things. We keep the bulletin boards at Latham looking good.
In my spare time I enjoy family time with my husband, my kids and grandkids; reading, traveling, playing cards and board games, and dancing.
Music
Mrs. Croy
I was honored to be invited to join the wonderful staff at Latham elementary. I retired in 2018 after 31 years of teaching. I taught two years at High Point and spent the rest of my career at Versailles. I’ve worked with students of all ages: from pre-school to high school.
I grew up in Versailles, received my bachelors in music at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, completed my classroom teaching certification through CMU and LU and then received a masters with Kodaly emphasis from CMU.
I married my high school sweetheart, Terry Croy, and we have two grown children who are both married and live near us in Versailles. I spend my time with my grandchildren when I am not teaching the lovely Latham students. I also work with the youth and help with praise and worship at the Versailles Assembly of God church.
Counselor/Life Skills/Health/Testing/At-Risk Coordinator
Ms. Imhoff
I recieved my Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Health from the University of Central Missouri and my Master's Degree in Guidance Counseling from Lincoln University. I grew up in Latham and attended school here as a "Mighty Brave." I live on a farm in California, MO. I have one son and daughter-in-law, Tyler and Amanda Imhoff living in Raymore, MO, and one daughter and son-in-law, Logan and Kristen Anderson, a granddaughter Piper and a grandson Brantley. living in Kansas City, MO. I am a member of California First Baptist Church, where I am the Sunday School Director. I enjoy facilitating weekly Christian Bible Studies, hosting monthly Pray for Nation meetings,helping with after school 7th hour, reading, history, current events, family gatherings, and spending time with friends.
Paraprofessional
Laura Latham
Title 1
Mrs. Lana Dicus
I am Lana Bolinger Dicus. I retired five years ago after teaching 42 years, seven of those years I taught third and fourth grade at Latham. I have lived just northeast of Latham for most of my life. My parents were raised in Latham and many of my nieces and nephews attended Latham Elementary School, so I have lots of friends and relatives in the Latham area.
My undergraduate degree is in elementary education, my graduate degree is a reading specialist, and I have a library science certificate. I love kids, and I love teaching them the foundations of reading which is why I am back at Latham.
I am married to Bill Dicus and have four sons and four grandchildren. I spend my time outside of school teaching water aerobics, classes at Elevate Studio, square and round dancing with my husband, playing pickleball, and doing Bible studies. I teach Sunday School, do the Children's Sermon at church, and spend as much time as I can with my grandchildren. I am happy to be back at Latham.
Special Education
Wanda Higgins
Superintendent/Principal
Mrs. Tracey Bieri
Secretary/School Nurse/Accountant
Ashtyn Bieri
My name is Ashtyn Bieri. This is my first year at Latham as part of the staff. I grew up on my family farm and attended school at Latham until 8th grade. My class was the first 8th grade class to graduate from the new school, built in 2012. I went to high school at California. My hobbies include camping, fishing, farming, and spending time with family and friends
Cook
Tara Dowell
My name is Tara Dowell. I am married to Harlan Dowell Jr. We have two children, Destiny and Hayden. I graduated from Tipton High School. During my spare-time I keep busy on the farm and with school functions. In 2003 I started working at Latham R-V. Cooking for the kids and staff is a very enjoyable job.
Cook
Joyce McFarland
My name is Joyce McFarland and I live in Tipton MO but closer to Latham. As a child I grew up in New Franklin MO where I attended the New Franklin Elementary and High School I graduated in 1970. I have one daughter Tara who I work with as a assistant cook here at Latham School. I have been cooking for 11 years now. Some of my favorite things to do is watch westerns and talk on the phone!
Maintenance/Custodian
Jim Stahl
I started working at Latham R-V School in 2016. I have farmed for 40 years. I graduated from Tipton High School in 1982 and married my wife Debbie in November 1983. My hobbies are gardening, hunting, and fishing.