• My name is Santana Arends. I am a third-grade teacher here at Sunflower. This is my first year at Sunflower and my third year in education.

    Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a licensed practical nurse. During the pandemic, my children's school needed substitute teachers; I volunteered to help and never left! I obtained my Bachelor of Science from Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO, in 2019. Go Eagles! I am pursuing my Master of Art in Teaching from Kansas State University. I am originally from Missouri but am joining the Sunflower family after spending the last year living in Alabama. My husband, Kelly, and I have four children, Henry, 9; Graham, 6; Fletcher, 5; and Easton, 3. I enjoy exercising, jogging, and hiking, and I love to read! I am very excited to join Sunflower, especially third grade (third graders are the best). We are going to have a great year!