Students, Staff Remember Science Teacher
Story By: Olivia Jaynes
On Friday, February 19, 2016 William Chrisman lost a beloved teacher, friend, and family member.
Teacher Leslie Barnes passed away Friday night and the impact she had on teachers and students alike was very visible.
Many members of the William Chrisman family took to social media to share memories and express the sadness felt from this loss.
Barnes had taught at Chrisman for 11 years and was known for her pet rats that she was so very proud to show off.
Katy Owens, who is the french teacher talked about her favorite memory with Barnes being her bringing in the rats to introduce to Owens. She talks about how she doesn’t think she would know how beautiful or smart rats were if it wasn’t for Barnes.
Although she may not be here physically, Barnes has left her legacy here.
“The impact she made on her students, both in class and during Saturday School, was helping them develop confidence as learners. She never accepted second best, pushing students to do better,” said Donna Putnam.
Barnes cared on a so much deeper level than just who she had in class, and many students remember her going out of her way to make sure they were okay.
Junior Daniel Cooper remembers walking down the hall one time without saying hi to her, and Barnes making him come back, give her a hug, and say hi back.
She played many roles as a mentor, friend, and even prankster.
“She was quite a prankster. There was not an office or classroom safe from her mischief,” said Putnam
Junior Sean Relliford said whenever he would see her she would yell his name and was just a really fun person to be around.
Barnes got her bachelor's degree in biology from the University of North Texas and even had a masters in education from Graceland University.
William Chrisman was not the only school that had the pleasure of working with Barnes.
She had taught at North Kansas City with special needs children. Even after she left here she spent time volunteering with special needs children.
Leslie Barnes influenced so many staff members and students throughout her time here, there seems to be something missing now that her hugs, smiles, and rats are no longer experienced.
“I know her students loved her and knew how much she cared about them. She pushed them to be the best they could be and while they might not have liked it at the time, they are better people because of her,” said Owens.
On Friday, February 19, 2016 William Chrisman lost a beloved teacher, friend, and family member.
Teacher Leslie Barnes passed away Friday night and the impact she had on teachers and students alike was very visible.
Many members of the William Chrisman family took to social media to share memories and express the sadness felt from this loss.
Barnes had taught at Chrisman for 11 years and was known for her pet rats that she was so very proud to show off.
Katy Owens, who is the french teacher talked about her favorite memory with Barnes being her bringing in the rats to introduce to Owens. She talks about how she doesn’t think she would know how beautiful or smart rats were if it wasn’t for Barnes.
Although she may not be here physically, Barnes has left her legacy here.
“The impact she made on her students, both in class and during Saturday School, was helping them develop confidence as learners. She never accepted second best, pushing students to do better,” said Donna Putnam.
Barnes cared on a so much deeper level than just who she had in class, and many students remember her going out of her way to make sure they were okay.
Junior Daniel Cooper remembers walking down the hall one time without saying hi to her, and Barnes making him come back, give her a hug, and say hi back.
She played many roles as a mentor, friend, and even prankster.
“She was quite a prankster. There was not an office or classroom safe from her mischief,” said Putnam
Junior Sean Relliford said whenever he would see her she would yell his name and was just a really fun person to be around.
Barnes got her bachelor's degree in biology from the University of North Texas and even had a masters in education from Graceland University.
William Chrisman was not the only school that had the pleasure of working with Barnes.
She had taught at North Kansas City with special needs children. Even after she left here she spent time volunteering with special needs children.
Leslie Barnes influenced so many staff members and students throughout her time here, there seems to be something missing now that her hugs, smiles, and rats are no longer experienced.
“I know her students loved her and knew how much she cared about them. She pushed them to be the best they could be and while they might not have liked it at the time, they are better people because of her,” said Owens.