Greetings!  My name is Dana Bennett. The students refer to me as "Mrs. Bennett".  I am excited to be your child's teacher this year! I will be teaching with Darlene Montes this year and we are determined to make this a year full of fun and learning.

A little about me:  While we are originally from Wisconsin, my husband Brett and are happy to be living in Columbia near beautiful Lake Murray now.  I have two children, a son and a daughter.  My son Beau graduated from Clemson with a degree in Chemical Engineering and my daughter Freya just graduated from Coastal Carolina with a degree in Math and a minor in Marine Science.  I have a Bachelors degree in early childhood exceptional educational needs and a Masters in Divergent Learning.  Certified in both early childhood: regular and special education, I have been teaching in the public school system for 16 years. Additionally, I taught preschool children in family childcare for 5 years and adult educators in the area of preschool students with special needs for 6 years.  Inclusion in Early Childhood Education has been my passion for approximately 24 years. Two years ago, I was awarded the CEC Special Educator of the Year award for the state of South Carolina, which was a wonderful honor.

Parents and family are an important part of every child's team and I am sure that together we can make this an amazing year of learning and growth for your child.  

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or ideas to share at dbennett@lexrich5.org  

4K Inclusion Class Introduction

Hello! My name is Darlene Montes. My family and I moved into this wonderful district 17 years ago. My husband is retired military so we have moved much throughout the years and are glad to call Irmo home! I have worked as a Preschool Assistant for the past 13years. I am truly blessed to have a job that I love! 

When not working I enjoy hiking, reading and spending time with my family.