Art
Alan Kmetz
kmetza@ritenourschools.org

My mission as an art educator is to instill a sense of personal and artistic integrity in my students. I am in my 21st year as an art educator, a title that I wear with great pride. My role in the artistic development of my students is to act as a resource and guide, giving my students skills and techniques to aid them in their unique creative processes. I always encourage my students to find their own voices through the expressive media of art. I always teach joy in the act of bringing a work of art to life.

My interest in art began at a young age.  I visited a number of museums and absorbed every art book that I could find.  It was at this early age that I desired to be an artist and to be an art educator in the future.  I received an MFA with specialization in sculpture and ceramics from Indiana University in 1995. 

I have been married for 5 years to my wife (Cindy).  I have a son (Bruce, age 22) and two step children (Jackie, age 31 and Justin, age 28).  We are empty nesters and enjoy spoiling our 2 German Shepherd fur babies (Jazmyn and Cassius).  Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing darts and snorkeling.  

Music
Kathleen Browner
brownerk@ritenourschools.org

Hello Marvin Families! My name is Ms. Kathleen Browner, and I am the K-5 Music Teacher. I also run the Marvin Elementary Strings Program (4th and 5th grade). This will be my second year teaching in Ritenour. I graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s Degree in K-12 Music Education, and I also hold training in the Suzuki Violin Method. I play the violin, cello, and piano. I grew up in Southern Illinois, and have recently relocated to St. Louis. In my free time, I enjoy reading and biking. I’m looking forward to working with your student this year, and helping them grow into a stronger musician through singing, playing, creating, and moving. Please feel free to contact me if you ever have any questions!

PE
Frank Ballmann
ballmannf@ritenourschools.org

My name is Frank Ballmann.  I am one of the PE teachers at Marvin Elementary.  This is my sixth year at Marvin.  I taught first grade, third grade, and fifth grade before moving to PE.  I also coach football, baseball, and basketball at Ritenour High School.  I love Ritenour kids and feel honored to work with your students every day.  I have been married for four years to my wife (Jessica) and we have a daughter (Vivian).  We also have a cat (Oliver)  Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family.  I also enjoy hunting, fishing, and everything sports.

PE
Kim Hegger
heggerk@ritenourschools.org

Hello everyone, My name is Kim Hegger.  I am one of the P.E. teachers here at Marvin. This is my 20th year teaching and my 20th here at Marvin.  I have loved being at Marvin all of those years and have loved getting to know all of the students here.  I can’t wait to meet your children and teach them about being healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle while finding fun ways to do it.  I have been married for the last 11 years to my husband Rich and we have two girls together.  Brooke is 9 and Grace is 5.  Outside of school I love spending time with family and spending lots of time at our lake house at the Lake of the Ozarks.  I look forward to an interesting and challenging year and learning all about your children.