Published in the September 2, 2015 edition
MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Stephen Ralston (at right) introduced four new middle school teachers at the school department’s new teacher orientation program on Aug. 26. From left, adjustment counselor Erin Clasby, special education teacher Kelsea Dolan, school psychologist Dana Cho, library media specialist Rachael Pokrovski and Ralston. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The school department formally welcomed 16 new teachers and faculty members to the school system on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Superintendent of Schools Jane Tremblay introduced the new faculty members to the public during the school department’s new teacher orientation program at Lynnfield Middle School. She said she was very excited to welcome the new faculty members to Lynnfield Public Schools.
“I am thrilled that you are here with us,” said Tremblay. “One of the things I enjoyed most was sitting down and talking with each of you individually. I told some of the administrators I loved that you wanted to come to Lynnfield so badly. You wanted to be here for all of the reasons we want you here. We want you here because you care desperately about the students we are privileged to serve.”
Tremblay said many of the new teachers said they feel “blessed” to be working in a school district that values collaboration. She said collaboration truly sets the district apart from other schools.
“You will be talked at and talked with more in this district than you will probably want to,” Tremblay joked. “You will never work harder than you do for Lynnfield Public Schools and the students, but you will never be more rewarded either.”
Tremblay also encouraged all of the new faculty members to reach out to her regularly and to come visit her at the school department’s new central office located at 525 Salem Street. She said the new teachers can reach out to all four principals if they need any help.
“We are happy to help you because we want you to become the best educator that you can possibly be,” said Tremblay. “And the reason why we want to do that is because number one its good for you and number two its good for our kids. That’s our job and that is why we are here.”
After Tremblay concluded her remarks, she introduced the school system’s leadership team. Technology Director Vincent Ruocco will be beginning his first full year on the job and said he’s more than willing to help the new teachers with the district’s technology initiatives.
“We are happy to help you in any way possible,” said Ruocco.
After Tremblay introduced school officials, high school social studies department head Michael Boulay, high school psychologist Lydia Rundell-Gjerde and high school special education teacher Gerard Coughlin gave an overview of the Lynnfield Public Schools Induction Program, which is a mentoring program for new teachers.
Boulay said all of the new teachers will be assigned a mentor. He said new teachers will be required to meet with their mentors once a month during seminars. He said the meetings are mandatory.
“We want you at every meeting,” said Boulay.
Tremblay agreed.
“(The seminars) are non negotiable,” said Tremblay. “You need to go to them.”
Coughlin said the mentoring program is designed to help new teachers improve their teaching practices. Rundell-Gjerde said the program will cover a variety of topics such as legal issues, individualized education plans (IED) and working with parents.
Lynnfield Teachers Association President Lorie Kelly welcomed the 16 new faculty members at the end of the new teacher orientation program.
“You have landed in a great place,” said Kelly.
Tech specialist
Tremblay formally introduced new technology integration specialist Sara Perkins before the four principals introduced their new faculty members. Perkins, who previously worked for Wilmington Public Schools, will be joining forces with current technology integration specialist Jennifer Judkins this year.
“You will see her a lot,” Tremblay said of Perkins. “Our two technology integration specialists will enhance every piece of technology that you have in your classroom. They will co-teach with you and will help you plan lessons. They will do what they can to make your job easier and make the experience for our students richer.”
Elementary
The school department hired five new elementary teachers this year.
There are three new teachers at Summer Street School. Amanda Cincotta is a new preschool teacher. Emma Bartlett is a new special education teacher at Summer Street. Jennifer Moore is as long-term substitute teacher for Summer Street first grade teacher Tara LaGreca.
Huckleberry Hill is welcoming two new teachers this year. Lynne McCumber is the new third grade teacher at Huckleberry Hill. Katie Souza is a long-term substitute teacher for Huckleberry Hill fourth grade teacher Katie Puopolo.
Middle school
Lynnfield Middle School is welcoming four new faculty members this year.
Erin Clasby is a new adjustment counselor at LMS. Kelsea Dolan is a special education teacher. Rachael Pokrovski is the new media center teacher at LMS, and Dana Cho is the new school psychologist.
High school
Lynnfield High School is welcoming six new faculty members this year.
“We are excited to have everybody on board,” said High School Principal Bob Cleary.
Adam Dell’Aria is a new English teacher at LHS. Ella Bitman will serve as the high school’s adjustment counselor. Kristin Kruszyna is a new foreign language teacher.
Emily LeBlanc is a new math teacher. Christine Smith is a new special education teacher. Lastly, Christina Tsakirellis is the newest member of the high school’s English department.
