Come watch the Houdini magic come alive at the Montezuma Public Library on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.

       "Boot Scootin to Victory" is the theme of the 2026 Montezuma Homecoming. The court includes, from left, front row, Sydnee Burgess, Rylee Thompson, Letisia Wilson, Vivian Cook and Gracie Wilson. Back row: Evan Haughey, Rett Pargeon, Brody Worrall, Linkyn Bru & Easton Hudnut. Homecoming week is Sept. 21 - 25. The homecoming game is against Southeast Warren High School at 7 p.m. on Badger-Gabriel Field. Photo submitted by Earlene Taylor.

Derrick Dengler, Eddie Burgess, Jennifer Larmore, Matt Vermeer, Jessie Johns

By J.O. Parker
 
    Montezuma Community Schools welcome four new teachers and a current teacher turned high school principal, for the 2026–27 school year.
       Following is a brief overview of each new teacher and principal. 
Name: Derrick Dengler 
        A long-time Montezuma teacher and boys’ basketball coach has been named the new 9-12 high school principal.
    Derrick Dengler began serving as principal this fall. He will also teach a senior government class and will continue coaching the boys’ basketball team.
      His coaching journey began as an assistant basketball coach in 2012-13 under then head coach Derek Schulte. He took the reins of the program in 2017-18 following Schulte’s departure, taking the Braves to a Class 1A State Championship in 2021.
       Dengler attended North Tama High School and the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned a BA in History Education. He holds an MA in Education Administration.
       “I got into administration because I have lived in the community for 15 years and hope that I can continue some of the great things we do and help the school and my family out,” noted Dengler.
       When asked for something he’s learned from his students, Dengler said the things he’s learned is just how different everyone’s lives are.
    “Even in a small town, we have so many students with different experiences and backgrounds,” he said.
     In high school, Dengler said his favorite class was Social Studies. And his favorite pastime is playing golf.
       When asked what advice he would give to his students, Dengler said to try to enjoy the small school experiences Montezuma can provide.
       Dengler described his teaching style as “Simple and Direct.”
      When asked what he is looking forward to most this school year, Dengler said setting up a system for students to be successful and have lots of opportunities.
       When asked what he wished he knew when he was the student’s ages, Dengler said “How fast time goes by.”
         Dengler is married to Hannah. The couple has three children: Hayes, 9; Grady, 7 and Merit, 2.
        “We have two cats or my wife has two cats,” he said with a smile.

​Name: Eddie Burgess
      Eddie Burgess has returned to the Halls of Montezuma as the newest fourth grade teacher in the district.
     “I will be teaching all subjects including math, reading, writing, social studies and science,” said Burgess of his new role.
      Burgess is a 2022 graduate of Montezuma and standout athlete. He played football, basketball, baseball and two years of golf during his prep career for the Braves.
       In addition to his teaching duties, Burgess is serving as a volunteer football coach this fall.
      Burgess is a graduate of Upper Iowa University where he majored in Elementary Education with an endorsement in K-8 reading. At UIU, Burgess played DII football for the Peacocks.
      Joining him on staff at Montezuma is his father, Tim, a social studies teacher, athletic director and volleyball coach and his mother, Janel, a secondary math teacher and girls’ basketball coach.
      When asked what led him to become a teacher, Burgess said he’s been surrounded by teachers his entire life and has been amazed at how much his parents have impacted students.
      “I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I can remember and now being able to live that dream is unbelievable,” he said. “Especially in my hometown.”
      When asked what is something he’s learned from his students, Burgess said that every day is a new chance to make an impact on his students.
      “I have loved seeing and meeting new people every day, and the smallest interaction can go a long way.    
       When asked what his favorite class in high school was, Burgess said statistics taught by Mrs. Allison Pargeon.
       “She is an outstanding teacher and knows exactly how to connect with a wide range of students and it is truly amazing to experience and watch that take place,” he said.
       When asked what advice he would give to his students, Burgess said enjoy every part of your day.
       “It goes by so fast and by the time you blink an eye, you will be graduated and working a full-time job,” he said. “So enjoy each moment even when class may be boring and slow. It always beats a full-time job.”
     Burgess said his teaching style is a mixture of things from building relationships to offering a hands-on teaching approach in the classroom.
       “I am learning and getting to know more about my students,” said Burgess. “Those relationships go a long way not only in school but outside the classroom. It is always a great day when I see a student at a football game and they are beyond excited to see me.”
       When asked what he is looking forward to most this school year, Burgees said having his own classroom, meeting some great kids and working with some great teachers.
      “I know Montezuma is full of some amazing teachers and students so I can’t wait to build relationships and have a great year full of learning and growing,” he said.
        When asked what he wishes he had known when he was in fourth grade, Burgess said “Enjoying every moment.”
        “I remember sitting through lectures and just wanting it to end, but those were the best days of my life,” he said. “Afterward being around your friends 24/7 and wondering what game you will play once you get out of school.”
         In his free time, Burgess enjoys playing golf and hanging out with family and friends from college.
      “I have made some amazing friends at Upper Iowa and I take any chance I have to see and hangout with them,” said Burgess.
      Burgess has a sister, Sydney, who is a senior this year at Montezuma. He also has three dogs named Bella, Macey and a new puppy, Bodie.

Name: Jennifer Larmore
            Montezuma’s new Kindergarten teacher Jennifer Larmore is not a new face in the district. She has worked at Montezuma Schools for 10-years as a teachers’ aide.
            She replaces long-time kindergarten teacher Mrs. Kris Ferguson, who retired in the spring.
           Larmore is a graduate of Marquette High School (now known as Holy Trinity) in West Point, Iowa.
            She holds an Associates of Arts Degree from Kirkwood Community College and a BA Degree in Health Promotions/Women’s Health Studies from the University of Northern Iowa. In addition, Larmore holds a BA Degree in Elementary Education, K-8 Special Education endorsement from UNI.
         When asked what led her to become a teacher, Larmore said she has always enjoyed working with kids.
         “I have had the opportunity to work in several different roles over the years in education and I have always found myself drawn to working with students in the lower elementary grades,” she said. “I love their excitement for learning and how much growth happens in just one year.”
      When asked what she’s learned from her students, Larmore said working with students to celebrate the little things and not take life too seriously.
         “Kids have a way of finding excitement in the simplest moments and they have reminded me that even the smallest accomplishments are worth celebrating.”
        When asked what advice she gives her students, she said to always be kind, be yourself and never be afraid to make mistakes.
        “Keep trying even when something feels hard and don’t forget to always have fun,” she said.
      When asked to describe her teaching style, Larmore said being positive, warm, energetic and fun are keys to her success in the classroom.
      “I want my students to feel excited to walk into the classroom every day,” said Larmore. “I want them to feel comfortable to be themselves and to know that our classroom is a safe place to learn, make mistakes, grow, and to have fun along the way.”
      When asked what she had known when she was her students’ age, Larmore said that it is OK to make mistakes and that everyone learns at their own pace.
        “But more importantly, take advantage of rest time,” she said.
       When in high school and college, Larmore said her favorite classes were science and health.
      And as far has her free time, Larmore enjoys spending time with family, going to the lake, water skiing, attending sporting events, reading, walking and watching movies.
      Larmore is married to Ryan and the couple has three daughters, Allyson, Kylee and Lauryn. The family also enjoys spending time with their dog, Zoey and cats, Copper and Gia.
       “I am excited to begin this new chapter as a kindergarten teacher and feel very fortunate to be part of such a wonderful school and community,” she said.
 
Name: Matt Vermeer
        Please welcome Matt Vermeer who is the district’s new high school physical education teacher and strength and conditioning coach for 7-12 grade students in all Montezuma sports.
        Vermeer is a 2005 graduate of Montezuma and a 2009 graduate of Central College with a major in Exercise Science/Physical Education.
         Growing up, Vermeer said he always wanted to be a coach.
        “That desire led me down the path of wanting to become a PE teacher,” he said. “I enjoy working with students and athletes to gain a better understanding of how to succeed athletically and with their personal health.”
      Before joining the Montezuma staff, Vermeer spent 16 years in North Carolina competing as a professional pit crew member across multiple different teams in NASCAR.
       “I was able to work for drivers Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr.,  Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Daniel Suarez and many more. I was responsible for putting tires on their vehicles during pit stops. The last six years in North Carolina, I was the Head Pit Crew Coordinator at Stewart-Haas Racing.” 
         When asked what he has learned from his students, Vermeer said the vocabulary of students has changed a lot.
         “They abbreviate everything with new words meaning different things,” he said. “Every day I am asking students, “What does that mean?”
        When asked what advice he would give to his students, Vermeer said, “Time goes really fast in high school so enjoy it. As you get older every chapter gets a little more difficult so enjoy the current moment you are in.”
         When asked how he would describe his teaching style, Vermeer said he enjoys having fun with his students.
        “PE allows students to get away from studying at a desk and up onto their feet,” noted Vermeer. “I strongly encourage my students to participate, give effort and have fun. My class is never quiet because of the great competition and fun being had.”
         In high school, Vermeer was a multi-sport athlete and said his favorite class was PE, of course. 
“It was an opportunity for me to burn some energy during the school day,” he said.
      When asked what he wishes that he had known when he was his students’ age, Vermeer said he wished he understood that life goes fast so enjoy the moments.
      When asked what he is looking forward to most this school year, Vermeer said helping students gain a foundation of a healthy lifestyle.
     “My position as strength coach across all Montezuma sports allows me to see our students' improvements physically, mentally and athletically,” Vermeer said. 
        Vermeer has been married to his wife, Amanda, for 16 years. The couple has twin boys, Samuel and Lincoln, who are in fifth grade and Barrett, who is 16-months-old. The couple has one black lab named Ellie.

​Name: Jessie Johns
            Jessie Johns, the new 9-12 grade English/Language Arts teacher at Montezuma, is not a new face in the district.
            Johns is a 2009 graduate of Montezuma who also attended Central College to study English, Biology and Art.
            When ask what led her to becoming a teacher, Johns said she has always wanted to help people and has been extremely blessed to help so many different groups of individuals from all walks of life.
            “I am excited to share these experiences with our students and watch them grow into their best individual selves,” she said.
            When asked what she’s learn from her students, Johns said “It is never too late in life to start something new and set new goals.”
            When asked what advice she gives her students, Johns said take your time to explore, learn, try new things, make mistakes and grow.
            “Give yourself this time,” she said.
            As for her teaching style, Johns said her goal is to provide a warm and safe environment where students can be comfortable reading and learning new things with and from each other while practicing the skills they need to be successful in whatever future they chose for themselves.
              In high school, Johns said her favorites classes were Art, Science and English.
            When asked what she wishes she had known when she was her students’ age, Johns said, “Plan less, live more.”
            When asked what she is looking forward to most this school year, Johns said getting to know her students, what their goals are and helping them grow to accomplish those goals.
             When asked about her family, Johns said she is super close to her parents and sisters.
            “I have a home full of love with two cats, a chinchilla and bearded dragon,” she said. “We hope to find the right puppy to join our family within the next year.”

      Congrats to Montezuma's Sydney Burgess and Lauryn Larmore for being among the top five stat leaders in Class 1A Volleyball. Burgess comes in at number three in the state in the Kills category with 112. Larmore is number one and tied with Leah DeJong of Moravia in the Digs category with each player having 180.

         Pictured is MD’s Bees Apiary which consists of six hives. Take a closer look and you can actually see some of the bees hanging out on the front of one of the hives!ok. Thanks, J.O.

      The Montezuma American Legion Post 169 is hosting the 5th Annual Car Show on the Montezuma Square on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. with judging at 2 p.m.