2025-2026 Upcoming Dates to Know & Schedule:
School Supply Lists: https://5il.co/2m3di
District Calendar: https://5il.co/2e2m1
Family Events Calendar:
Dragon Care- Need after school care? Email lsample@sunrise-r9.org
* For more information, email PK-3 Principal, Mrs. Tracey VanBuskirk, tvanbuskirk@sunrise-r9.org OR 4-8 Principal, Mrs. Tiffany Mosier, tmosier@sunrise-r9.org
OPEN HOUSE NIGHT: Meet the Teacher! Thursday, August 14, 5:00-8:00 pm
Welcome New Teachers
We are excited to introduce our new teachers to Sunrise! Read about and see each new staff member!
Bailey Richard-Preschool Teacher
Hi! My name is Bailey Richard. I am a mom of three wonderful kiddos here at Sunrise. My husband and I started dating in high school and have been married for twelve years.
For many years I was a stay at home mom while my kiddos were young and I was attending college. Last year I was a substitute teacher for Sunrise. I am currently pursuing a bachelors in elementary education and I am so excited to be teaching preschool at Sunrise this year!
When I’m not at Sunrise I enjoy traveling, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing and really any outdoor activities with my family!
Brandy Guzman-Kindergarten Paraprofessional
Hi my name is Brandy Guzman. I have lived in Desoto my whole life. Graduated high school in 2007. I have been married to my husband Al for 13 years. I am a mom of 4 amazing kids. Two of them are my step kids Landen (20), Aubrey (19). We have two daughters together Sienna (11) and Adelina (5). I was a hair dresser for 16 years. Started subbing this year. I’m so excited to be part of Sunrise family and to meet everyone.
Abby Huck-Reading Specialist K-1
I’m Abby Huck and I am the Kindergarten and First Grade Reading Specialist. I’m not new to Sunrise! I’ve taught Third Grade and Kindergarten. I love learning about how the brain learns to read and helping students grow!
I’m married to Cyle and we have 4 children. Our spare time is spent at the football field, volleyball court, wrestling mat, and the track. When I’m not cheering on my kids and their teammates I love to read, cook, and be outside.
I’m really looking forward to focusing on reading instruction and working with our primary students next year!
Brittany Blissett-Paraprofessional 5th Grade
My name is Brittany Blissett.
My husband, Chad, is a USMC Veteran and we have two children, Angus (10) and Finley (9) that will be attending Sunrise this year!
We moved to the Sunrise District last year and are incredibly excited to become more active within the district and community!
This is my 5th year, full-time, in education. Previously, I worked for Grandview as both a Special Education Paraprofessional and as a K-4 Behavior/MS-HS Self-Contained Special Education Teacher.
And prior to that, I was lucky enough to spend a few years at home with my babies!
In my (very limited) free-time, I love to spend time outside with my family swimming, fishing, and exploring.
I also love to read!
(Last year, I read 102 (non-school) books!)
I can't wait to start meeting students, staff, and community members! 
Tiffany Laybourn-Kindergarten Teacher
Hello, my name is Mrs. Laybourn. I’m so excited to be teaching Kindergarten because I love a five year old’s curiosity and eagerness to learn about the world! I can’t wait to teach, love, encourage and nurture my students. Kindergarten is my absolute favorite grade level to teach!
I have 2 children of my own, Audrey (8) who will be attending Sunrise and Colby (18) who just graduated and is getting ready to join the US Army. I also have 2 step daughters Alice (25) a animation/graphic designer and Sally (21) who’s at Iowa State studying to be a music teacher.
I grew up in the agricultural part of California, but I’ve lived in beautiful Missouri for almost 8 years now. After graduating from college, I moved to Germany with my military husband and taught for a bit, then I decided to enlist in the military too. I served in the US Army for 9 years as an IT Specialist and I completed my Master’s Degree in English Language Development. I’ve been a special education teacher for the past six years, but I’m so excited to be back in Kindergarten where I first began my teaching career.
Thomas Laybourn-MS Science Teacher
I am Thomas Laybourn, the 6th, 7th and 8th grade science teacher. Originally from Fruita, CO, I served in the US Army for 20 years as an infantry officer before transitioning to become an educator. I am married to the lovely Tiffany Laybourn and have four totally righteous children; Alice (24), Sally (20), Colby (18), and Audrey (9). I also have two dogs and some chickens.
Though spending time with my family is my priority, I also enjoy other pastimes but am most fond of rocketry, amature radio (HAM), gardening and reading. I am very passionate about science and effectively instructing that subject. I use every effort to make lessons engaging and hands-on… I especially enjoy escape room labs!
If you are to be one of my students, please know that we will have a busy year. It will also be a fun and rewarding year.
Ad Astra!
TL
BACK TO SCHOOL DATES:
AUGUST
4: New Student Enrollment, 8:00-2:00
14: Open House Night! Meet the teachers, 5:00-8:00 pm
19: First Day of School, 7:30 am drop off, 7:50 school starts, 3:34 school ends