Arlington High School
Principal Matthew Janger reports the following new staff:
Lianna Bessette and Kristen Sandstrom join the English department as teachers.
In family and consumer science Department, Jennie Nocella leads early childhood program and teaches culinary classes.
In math, Allison Schubert and Octavia Brauner return as teachers. Clayton Jones is a long-term sub for the first semester.
Teaching phys ed is Jeff Bruno, with a focus on our wilderness programs.
Danielle Raad teaches chemistry and physical science.
In special education, Joyce Dvorak is team chair this year. Justine Ducie and Robin Dentler teach in the Reach Program (formerly SLC-A). Amanda Donahue teaches in the program for students with language-based learning disabilities. Lauren Peterson is a speech and language pathologist. Stacia Meczywor is BSP support staff in the Millbrook Program.
John Amirault joins the transition program as a tutor.
Teaching in world languages are Sharon Goldman (Spanish) and Konwen Yuen (Mandarin).
Chris Magni and Bill Disenza are permanent subs to help the deans and assistant principals.
Julie Mele becomes a part-time nurse.
The following are taking on new roles:
In special education, Sue Briggs adds a half-time team chair to her role. Nicole Read joins the Summit Program (formerly SLC-B) as a BSP support staff.
In student support, Sarah Lee adds a role as the complex medical case manager.
In phys ed, Jay Lamoureux moves to a teaching position and continues his role as trainer.
Sarah Stoe is a full-time teacher in the social studies.
New student teachers and interns are Margaret Wickham, guidance; Carolyn Peterson, special-education intern; Deidre Cummings, special education and social work; Daniel Costigian, student teacher, history; Kelly Bower, student teacher, English.
Ottoson Middle School
New as assistant principal this year is Wendy Salvatore, who has been a teacher in Stoneham and at the Greater Lawrence Educational Collaborative, where she was the principal of a school in the collaborative grades six through 12.
She has a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State College, a master’s degree from Cambridge College and a CAGS from American International College.
Principal Tim Ruggere reported that a key goal this year is to divide the school into three “Houses,” with each house acting as a Smaller Learning Community. That community will consist of grade-level teachers and an assistant principal situated on the floor with the students.
Small Learning Communities provide more opportunities for administration and staff to build stronger bonds with students and each other, he told parents Aug. 27.
The second goal for this year is the implementation of the Advisory Program. The program is designed to specifically target issues pertaining to each grade level. The sixth-grade theme is “How do I become a middle school student?”
The seventh-grade theme is “How do I become a more independent learner and develop meaningful relationships with my peers?”
The eighth-grade theme is “How do I fulfill the mission of Ottoson Middle School and get ready for the high school?” The Advisory time each week is 30 minutes and will take place weekly. Lessons have been prepared for teachers by the advisory team that focuses on these themes.
Elementary schools
The Thompson School’s new principal is Karen Donato, who came from Stow. Read about her here >>
The new Dallin principal is Thad Dingman, who came from the Berkshires. Read about him here >>
At Stratton School, a third kindergarten class was added this summer. Principal Michael Hanna reported in August that Ashly Nolan is new kindergarten teacher in K1. Ashly has her undergraduate education degree from UMass-Amherst and M.Ed. from Lesley.
She has most recently worked in the Waltham public schools.
Wider perspective
Those are a few highlights of the 2014-15 school year. They should not crowd out the constant learning. All should be part of contributing to education.
So listen to your teachers and principals, new and familiar, but question them, too. Respectfully.
You might think they do not welcome your questions (perhaps some don’t). No matter. Ask anyway.
To kids of all ages: Let your curiosity be your teacher. Education continues day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year, forever.
This information, which includes opinion, was published Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, and updated the next day. If you have read this far, or even if you haven’t, your own views about “old” educational issues are welcome at the comment link below.
