News
Laura Oberg has been a huge part of the Howell school community for 23 years, dedicating her entire career in the district to our school. Over the years, she has taken on multiple roles, including teaching first and third grade, as well as working in the ELD (English Language Development) program for three years.
When reflecting on her favorite memories at Howell, Laura mentioned the joy of seeing her students learn and grow. Teaching third grade has allowed her the special opportunity to watch her students progress through fourth and fifth grade, a journey she very much enjoys watching.
Beyond her work in the classroom, Laura has also experienced the unique joy of teaching the children of former students. Recently, she had a visit from an 18-year-old former student, a reminder of the lasting impact she has had on so many young lives.
Outside of school, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and reading. As she looks ahead to retirement, she plans to focus on her family, including caring for her 94-year-old mother and two grandchildren.
Originally born and raised in New Mexico, Laura has called Arizona home for nearly 40 years. She takes great pride in the strong, close-knit community at Peter Howell, emphasizing how the staff works together to support each other and their students. She believes this teamwork makes Howell an great choice for families.
Howell Elementary students visited TMC on Feb. 27 for a fun and educational Teddy Bear Clinic! Each student brought their own teddy bear, which was carefully examined, bandaged, x-rayed, and checked out by TMC staff and medical students from Pima Medical Institute and Pima JTED’s program. This hands-on event helped students feel more comfortable with hospitals while giving their teddy bears some much-needed "medical care"—a fun way to learn and feel safe around healthcare professionals.
A fast-acting 4th grader saved a fellow Howell student's life and was recognized as a Howell Hawks Hero by the entire school!Giovanni Hernandez Barrios performed the Heimlich maneuver on a student who was choking during lunch in the cafeteria. Giovanni plans to join the Marines as a young adult and he had been reading training materials and watching videos on emergency procedures. The student body was overcome with emotion as Giovanni described the experience. Principal Alexander heralded his bravery as he was honored by his family and school. Thank you, Giovanni!
Kathy Brown has her hands busy as Peter Howell Elementary’s Garden and Chicken Enrichment Specialist, but luckily she has help. Her daughter Treyah, a fourth grader at Howell, loves to help her mom. Treyah actually came to the midtown school first, starting kindergarten at Howell during the pandemic. Kathy got used to having Treyah around during the day due to remote learning. So, when Treyah had to go back to school in 1st grade, mom followed her and initially became a teacher’s assistant before moving to her current position.
For the past eight years, Eva Barajas has been a constant and caring presence at Howell Elementary, making sure students cross the street safely each day. Before becoming a crossing guard, she spent years working at different schools around the district, always finding ways to serve her community.
Eva’s favorite part of the job is the connection she builds with the kids and their families. Each morning, she greets them with a smile, exchanging kind words and creating a friendly relationship. “The communication with the kids and the parents keeps me going,” she says.
Even on cold or rainy days, Eva remains dedicated. “It’s hard, but I don’t care,” she says with a laugh, showing her commitment to keeping the students safe no matter the weather.
Outside of work, Eva enjoys walking and spending time with her family, including her grandkids, who once attended the very school where she now works. She encourages others looking for something meaningful to do to consider becoming a crossing guard, calling it a “good job” that creates community connections.
For Howell Elementary, Eva is more than just a crossing guard—she’s a friendly face, a protector, and a beloved part of the school family.