Web Feature - See "Meet the Teachers Nights"

“The New Teachers Institute helps new teachers get acquainted with our programs.”   Laura Grable

Forty-five teachers and three administrators new to the Riverhead Central School District attended a four day summer institute to get acquainted with district programs, meet administrators, support personnel, and departmental chairs. Thirty-six of the staff members (including three administrators) are brand new. Twelve of the teachers or staff members who attended were already working in the district but missed the summer institute last summer or chose to attend again this summer.

“It gives our new teachers and administrators a chance to meet each other and to get to know the school in a relaxed informal way before the school year gets underway,” explained Laura Grable, the director of the district’s teacher mentoring program.

Teachers and administrators had an opportunity to sit in on a workshop with Sarah Ford, who introduced them to Phonographix, which is one part of the district’s Balanced Literacy program.

In addition, they participated in workshops on curriculum mapping, the Balanced Math program and the math initiatives being explored in the district as part of a grant program. They met with departmental chairs and principals to discuss procedures. They were also introduced to the support staff in the district, which includes psychologists, guidance counselors, sociologists, etc., who will assist them.

The district would like to warmly welcome these teachers and administrators!

Some tidbits about some of these new teachers:

Lorraine Carey (Pre-first at Phillips): "I was a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines for many years."

Linda Dowd (Earth Science 10 at RHS): "I worked as a Park Ranger."

Kevin Hewkin (Social Studies 7th at RMS): "Teaching social studies is a second career after 20 years of owning and operating an automotive collision shop in St. Louis. I once played in a band with Cheryl Crow and recently played the part of Bill Calhoun in "Kiss Me Kate," in the RCFA production.

Jeanne M. Stearns (4th grade at Riley): "I have an MA in social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work. I have been very active in RAPA and other district events."

Colleen Stalter (Elem. Math - Riley & Roanoke): "I previously worked in business and look foward to bringing this experience into the classroom."

Stacy Hewett (5th grade at Pulaski): "It's amazing what you can accomplish when you believe in yourself, and it's so exciting to see what a child can accomplish when she/he knows you believe in them!"

Jennie Bauerhhuber (1st Gr. at Phillips): "I changed careers and returned to school to pursue my Masters in Childhood Education. Previously, I worked as a pharmaceutical and medical sales representative."

Dan Vallance (ESL at RMS & RHS): "I have a Bachelor's degree in Visual Arts from SUNY-New Paltz and a Master's in TESOL from LIU at C.W. Post. My favorite sport is lacrosse, and I'm looking forward to helping with the schools' teams this spring."

Theresa Messina (Pre-1st at Aquebogue): "I have 7 children attending school in Riverhead--at least one in each level (Riley, Pulaski, MS, HS and one in college)."

Dave Leone (7th & 8th Gr. Science at RMS): "I am a rated chess expert and have played tournament table tennis. I have played drums professionally for many years, and have been involved in many field projects studying reptiles and amphibians of the Eastern U.S."

Michael Sherer (School Psychologist at Pulaski): "Before becoming a school psychologist, I got a broadcasting degree and worked at ESPN in Connecticut."

Jessica Cohen (9th & 10th Gr. English at RHS): "In addition to teaching, I enjoy acting in local plays and singing in bands."

Trevor Hewitt (Music & Chorus at Pulaski): "I am currently building a custom guitar from scratch."

Nadine-May Egbert (Music & Chorus at RMS): "I have been seen on "A Current Affair," "News 12 & 4," on the stage of Carnegie Hall, King Concert Hall and in the Hillman opera."

Christina Albani (Orchestrat at Pulaski): "I play the cello; I am a lifeguard; I was a world baton twirling champion."

Scott Kennedy (Math at RHS): "I studied British theater and acting in London in 2003 and was granted an honors thesis relating music to mathematics."

Cara Gianniollo (K-4 at Riley): "I worked as a Social Worker/Independent Living Skills Coordinator for 10 years while getting my master's degree in education."

Vanessa Belnavis (1st Gr. at Aquebogue): "I am interested in implementing different ways to communicate within the classroom, especially through sign language."

Jackie Digs (1st Gr. at Phillips): "I ran my own daycare center for many years. One of my goals is to write a children's book."

Jeanne-Marie Schmitt (Reading at Roanoke): "I have a great collection of dolls and old books."

Meet the Teacher Nights:

Tuesday, September 21 - Phillips Avenue Meet the Teacher Night,
7:00-9:00 pm, Phillips Avenue

Tuesday, September 21 - Riley Gr. K-2 Meet the Teacher Night,
7:15 pm, Riley Avenue

Wednesday, September 22 - Pulaski Back to School Night, 7:00 pm, Aud.

Thursday, September 23 - Roanoke Open House,
7:00-8:30 pm, Aud.

Looking Ahead . . .

Monday, September 27 - Thursday, September 30 - AC/CE Registration,
6:30-8:30 pm, RHS South Lobby

Wednesday, September 29 - Riley Avenue Gr. 3-4 Back to School Night,
7:15 pm, Riley Avenue

Wednesday, September 29 - Alternative HS Back to School Night,
7:00 pm, Alternative School

Thursday, September 30 - High School Back to School Night, 7:00 pm, RHS