There will be a dedication of the swing set on the upper
playing field on Monday, May 6, at 7:45 a.m. The current fourth grade class has
experienced the loss of four of their fathers and the swing set was a gift from
the class to honor these dads and their families. Please join us as we recognize the families
and this gift to honor them.
Mrs. Watt announced to the faculty this morning that she
will not be returning to St. Paul’s next year. She is seeking other opportunities both in
and out of the education field to see how she can continue to grow and
learn. She expressed how much she has
enjoyed her work with faculty, students and parents here and that this decision
was a personal one. I had some advance
notice of this decision so I have asked Lisa Jones, current fifth grade
teacher, to assume the role of Interim Lower School Division Head. An interim fifth grade teacher will be hired
with the hope that both Mrs. Jones and the fifth grade teacher will continue in
their roles beyond one year, but ensuring that, if Mrs. Jones chooses to return
to the classroom, we will have a position for her.
The personnel changes have been announced as they have
occurred and so a recap of where we are at this time seems appropriate.
Starting at the top (literally – of the building!):
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Hunter Ward, who is currently a long-term
substitute in fifth grade, will become our Middle School Spanish and Language
Arts Teacher
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Mrs. Jones, who was a candidate for the Lower
School Division Head two years ago, and has been a fifth grade teacher here for
five years, will assume her new role as Interim Lower School Division Head in June
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Newsflash: As of late yesterday
afternoon, Liz Thompson has been selected as our third grade lead teacher. Liz taught here in second and fifth grades
for ten years before moving to FL with her husband. She’s back and we’re glad to have her!
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Mr. Ronan, a substitute teacher here for three
years, musical accompanist, and after- school music teacher, is assuming the
role as the second grade associate teacher.
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Mrs.
Waller, an associate in first grade for four years, is becoming the “new” lead
teacher.
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Jenny Wyllie, a teacher new to us, but fully
certified and wholeheartedly supported by our faculty, will be Ms. Fate’s
associate teacher.
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Kindergarten sees the return of Mrs. Wiedeman, a
current first grade teacher, as a lead and the move of Mrs. Crady from associate
of three years to lead teacher.
In addition to these internal changes (and Ms. Wyllie), we
will be adding a new Middle School French teacher, fifth grade lead,
pre-kindergarten associate, pre-school associate, and toddler lead teacher. We recognize that this is a lot of change in
one year. However, the balance of internal moves that provide growth and
development opportunities for our faculty, along with new hires who bring fresh
ideas and perspectives, will enhance and strengthen our school.
Enjoy this warm, nice day before winter returns tomorrow!