Mrs. Rebecca Russell, English and Communications teacher at Freedom, returned as of Nov. 14 after being on maternity leave. On May 19, Russell bid farewell to her former students in order to prepare for having her baby. On June 2 at 12:29 a.m., Gina Marie Russell was brought into the world. Russell had some concerns about leaving her classes for so long, thinking it might be a challenge. “The benefit of being with Gina far outweighs my concerns though,” Russell said. Ms. Blaire Guthrie stepped in for Russell as a long-term sub last year and at the beginning of this year. “The classes have been great. There are always those days, those kids and those bad moments, but overall, they have been great,” Guthrie said. Russell wants to get to know her students and have an enjoyable experience with her classes, though she realizes her time is abbreviated. Russell, also an NHS sponsor, has been very busy. She has classes to teach, NHS to run and a baby at home as well. “I’m not really worried about NHS because Mrs. Hastings and the members do so much,” Russell said. The most difficult part for Russell will be balancing her job and Gina. Though she has her concerns, her main goal is to do a good job with both.