Heritage High School is happy to welcome Joy Bennett, one of our new attendance clerks, to the staff this year. Mrs. Bennett works alongside Miss Kathy Nix to ensure students are where they need to be and all tardies, excuses, and doctor’s notes are documented properly. They definitely make a wonderful team, helping both students and staff alike to keep things in order.
While new to her current role, Mrs. Bennett is not new to education. She has been working in schools for the past 10 years. Before joining Heritage High in August, she was a ParaPro at Heritage Middle School for two years. Her experience extends back to when she was in Washington state, where she originally grew up. There, Mrs. Bennett worked as a ParaPro in an emotional or behavioral disorder (EBD) classroom, and then as a speech language pathology assistant. These positions gave her a strong background for working with students in a variety of ways, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Mrs. Bennett and her family moved to this region in 2022, excited to become a part of the Ringgold community in the greater Chattanooga area. She was first drawn to Heritage Middle School, where her daughter was attending at the time, and quickly grew to adore the welcoming environment. When an opening at Heritage High became available, she knew it was a perfect location to move her skills to an office setting while still being close to her children.
When asked about her first impression of Heritage High School, Mrs. Bennett replied that it was “grand”, and she has especially enjoyed how positive, upbeat, and friendly students and staff have been. Their energy inspires her every day, and she’s excited about being a member of such a successful school community.
Outside of the office, Mrs. Bennett is also the assistant dance coach for the Heritage Five Stars along with Mrs. Beth Chappelear. Mrs. Bennett is a proud parent of two; her son who is graduating this year, and her daughter who is a junior this year at Heritage. She shared that one of the things she is most excited about this year is seeing not only her own two children, but also all of the students she interacts with continue to learn and prepare for their futures.
Mrs. Bennett’s faith and church are also priorities in her life. She is a member of Burning Bush Baptist Church, where fellowship and prayer are an important part of her and her family’s life.
Heritage High School is fortunate to have an employee as caring, dedicated and energetic as Mrs. Joy Bennett, and we look forward to the good work she will continue to do for our school community.
