James H. Whiteside Elementary School

"I'm THRILLED to be starting the upcoming school year as Whiteside's Media Specialist. Last year, I had the opportunity to serve Whiteside staff and students as a part time interventionist. Prior to that, I worked at both Cavazos and Hutchinson Middle Schools as a Reading and Language Arts teacher and for a few years a behavior specialist. Beyond the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I hope to create a space in the library that makes kids excited to connect with books. I look forward to growing and learning alongside the best. It's going to be a GREAT year!"

Hello! My name is Wendy Gonzalez, and I am excited to serve as the school nurse at Whiteside Elementary. This is my 15th year with the district, after spending 14 years at George R. Bean Elementary.

I am a proud mother of three sons and grandmother of seven grandchildren. In my free time, I enjoy baking, traveling, spending time with family, and playing with our family dog.

I look forward to supporting the students, staff, and families of Whiteside Elementary and supporting the health and wellbeing of our school community.

Whiteside teachers are working hard this summer! Shout out to Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Helms, and Mrs. Stephens for participating in TEA’s SST Item Review.

We are excited to begin year 2 of the Campus Leadership Program at The Holdsworth Center!

Welcome back, Coach Marshall!

Curtis Marshall is a former Texas Tech University basketball player. He spent eight years teaching 4th grade math at Whiteside Elementary, where he was passionate about helping students grow both academically and personally. Curtis is also a dedicated basketball trainer, coach, mentor, husband, and proud father of four.

We’re still shopping! Join us!

Hello, my name is Monica Norris and I am so excited to be joining the Whiteside team this year as a resource/inclusion teacher. I graduated from Lubbock Christian University and have taught for 16 years. I have taught different grade levels, but am excited to get back to elementary.

When I am not teaching you can find me playing golf or traveling with my husband Glenn. We especially like going on cruises. I have one dog, a black Rottweiler named Cash. My kids are grown; I have two step-sons, one daughter, and one son-in-law. We are expecting our first grandbaby in December.

Hello! My name is Anissa Garza-Katilus and I am a third-year Special Education teacher. Prior to moving to Lubbock, I worked at a middle school in Georgetown, Texas. I am excited to begin this new chapter in Lubbock and transition to working with elementary students.

I am a proud Texas Tech University alumna and am thrilled to be back in the Red Raider community. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two dogs, Malibu and Bailey. I am passionate about creating a positive and supportive learning environment and look forward to building meaningful relationships with my students, families, and colleagues.

🌟 2026 STAAR results for Grades 3–8 are now available! You can access your child's scores by logging into the LubbockISD gradebook. You can view your child’s results, see how they answered each question and access personalized resources to support their learning. Reach out if you have any questions!

Hello Warriors!!!
My name is Tawna O’Briant and I am so excited to join Whiteside as a 3rd grade teacher. Although I’m new to Whiteside, I will be starting my 23rd year in education, all with LISD. I have 2 children. Kirsten lives in Arizona with her husband Michael and my 2 amazing grandchildren, Harper and Michael David. Carter and his wife Jael live in Lubbock. I enjoy reading, home improvements, growing flowers and studying my Bible. I am so excited to be at Whiteside and can’t wait to meet our students and their families.