District welcomes new educators at two-day orientation
September 2, 2010
The district welcomed 19 new teachers and educational professionals to its ranks with a two-day orientation session ahead of school's opening Sept. 8.
The two-day orientation included a general introduction to the district and a greeting from top administrators, principals and Board of Education members; building specific orientation sessions, meetings and tours; an overview of curriculum mapping and the teacher evaluation process; and an introduction to technology resources.
Superintendent Michael Tebbano, Board of Education President James Dering and Assistant Superintendent for Educational Programs Jody Monroe each offered remarks welcoming them to the BC community.
"Bethlehem educators are the best in the field," said Ms. Monroe, who oversees the hiring process. "As with all staff, it's important for them to know that we have high expectations — but we also have a lot of confidence in them. The orientations helps get new staff off to a great start and lets them know how much support they have in our district."
Although the district did reduce staffing through last year's budget process, there was a need to fill several specific positions. This is largely the result of retirements, resignations, and adjustments in certain departments (which often is done to facilitate greater cost savings).
2010-11 New Educational Programs Staff Members
• Valerie Andres, classroom teacher, Hamagrael
• Nicole Dutch, classroom teacher, Glenmont
• Sarah Georgian, English as a second language teacher, Clarksville/Elsmere
• Krista Gillis, art teacher
• Julie Heller, K-12 English Language Arts Department supervisor
• Kathryn Henry-Starace, health teacher, BCHS
• William Hogan, special education teacher, BCMS
• Christopher Holoday, English teacher, BCHS
• David Hurst, K-12 Math Department supervisor
• Allison Klein, counselor, BCHS
• Sarah Kowalski, classroom teacher, Clarksville
• Samantha Krueger, special education teacher, Middle School
• Crystal Lockwood, health teacher, BCMS
• Helen Matz, guidance counselor, BCHS
• Patrick O'Connell, music teacher, elementary
• Anne Rappoccio, library media specialist, Clarksville/Elsmere
• Sharon Siegel, K-12 interim Art Department supervisor
• Michele Stevens, special education teacher, BCMS
• Jessica Williams, school psychologist