Staff Spotlight

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Thomas Gropp, IG 2nd grade teacher - "He has a great sense of humor and an easy-going approach that makes students feel safe and safe and cared for. He is also a terrific colleague – he shares good ideas and is flexible in collaborating with his team."

- Principal Lucas Hiley

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Kevin Gibbs, EIMS Head of Security - His proactive approach and calm demeanor have created a secure environment where students and staff can thrive. His commitment to our safety does not go unnoticed, and we deeply appreciate the peace of mind he provides.

- Principal Max Zeller

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Jacque McAllister, LP Counselor - "Ms. McAllister has supported the social emotional needs of our students for many years. Her humor and sense of calm in difficult situations is an asset to our team!"

- Principal Meghan Bello

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Doreen Goossen, EHS Dir. of Counseling - "Her knowledge, combined with her ability to think outside the box, allows us to continue to provide quality programs for our students while adjusting to changes in leadership.

- Principal John Gammon

chelsea sullivan

Chelsea Sullivan, HR Social Worker - " She is an integral part of our team and is skilled at creating a safe and trusting environment where students feel comfortable expressing their feelings. We are so fortunate to have her.

- Principal Jessica Legere

Cheryl Jakobovic

Cheryl Jakobovic, DE. Librarian - "Cheryl's unwavering commitment to inclusivity shapes our school community. She ensures out media, collection reflects a rich tapestry of voices. Her passion inspires staff, making our library a welcoming haven for all.

- Principal Tim Roach

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Ciera Izzo, IG Nurse - "Mrs. Izzo is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the health of our students. She is a great teammate, working with families and teachers with ease. She is graceful under pressure and always can be relied on in stressful medical situations."

- Principal Lucas Hiley

Kowalski

Judy Kowalski, LP Teacher Aide - "She has the 'patience of a saint'! Our students benefit from her unending support and care. We are very lucky to have her!"

- Principal Meghan Bello

Khieta Davis

Khieta Davis, EIMS 6th Grade Teacher. "Ms. Davis is known for the creativity, dedication, and love that she brings to her classroom each and every day. Students are excited each day to enter her classroom and leave filled with joy."

- Principal Max Zeller

yvonne

Yvonne Lipani, LP Math Interventionist - "Mrs. Lipani shares her math wizard skills with our students daily! Our students have made wonderful progress in this area, and we know Mrs. Lipani's hard work has contributed to that success."

- Principal Meghan Bello

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Katie Groat, HR Student Success Coach. - "Katie supports students' social emotional needs and plays a vital role in helping Helendale run smoothly. She fosters strong relationships with students, families and staff. We are so fortunate to have her.

- Principal Jessica Legere

Yue

Trina Yue, DE Building Secretary "Her dedication to families, students and staff goes above and beyond. Trina is constantly looking for ways to improve protocols in the office and is considered a go-to person for just about anything. We are so fortunate to have her!"

- Principal Tim Roach

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Gretchen Vandermortel, IG Special Ed. Teacher. "She has such patience and grace in her role. She makes great connections and builds relationships with students and adults she works with. She is always brainstorming solutions, and always puts students first.

- Principal Lucas Hiley

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Kim Clark, EHS School Psychologist. "Kim is our only full-time school psychologist at EHS. Her attention to detail regarding CSE Meetings, Manifestations and acting as a liaison to our Pupil Personnel Services Office while keeping up with many new changes has proven to be very challenging this year. Kim takes on all these duties and more with a smile. Thanks for all you do to help Eastridge shine!"

- Principal Dave Dunn

jason

Jason DeJohn, LP STEM Teacher. "Mr. DeJohn brings the F.U.N. to learning. Students engage in new experiences daily that allows for innovation and curiosity to bloom!"

- Principal Meghan Bello

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Diana Gonzalez, Teacher Aide at EIMS - "Diana has such a big heart for the needs of our school community. She is always willing to go outside of her daily responsibilities to make sure each and every student is successful. The love and dedication that she brings makes our school community a better place."

- Principal Max Zeller

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Kelsey Romal, DE Special Education Teacher - "If you looked at the definition of a self-contained special education teacher in the dictionary, you would see a picture of Kelsey. The kindness and care she shows for her students is just so genuine!"

- Principal Tim Roach

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Laurel Collins, School Secretary - "These two are the faces of our main office. Mrs. Collins is known for her larger-than-life personality. She loves to dress up in costume and participate in theme days. Mrs. Bishop is the quiet force who is kind and hard working. They go together like peanut butter and jelly!" - Principal Hiley

- Principal Lucas Hiley

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Heidi Bishop, Attendance Clerk at IG. "These two are the faces of our main office. Mrs. Collins is known for her larger-than-life personality. She loves to dress up in costume and participate in theme days. Mrs. Bishop is the quiet force who is kind and hard working. They go together like peanut butter and jelly!"

- Principal Lucas Hiley

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Beth Abel, HR Special Education Teacher. - "Beth is a student centered and strength centered educator. She incorporates diversity and inclusion for all students by supporting them through challenges and collaborating effectively with members of the HR community."

- Principal Jessica Legere

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Tarra Lavere, EHS Secretary - "If we are ever short staffed, Tarra works in overdrive to keep things running smoothly. We are thankful for her and all she does for EHS!"

- Principal David Dunn

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Andrea Catalfano, LP Social Worker - "Mrs. Catalfano is always there to support our students' social emotional needs. She truly loves her job, and it comes across in every interaction you have with her!"

- Principal Meghan Bello

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Pat Yandow, EIMS Social Studies Teacher - "Pat is an integral part of our school community and truly has a heart and passion for our students each and every day. He is a constant support and leader. Pat is highly valued and appreciated by both students, families, and staff."

- Principal Max Zeller

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Patricia Randall, DE PE Teacher - "Patti never misses an opportunity to bring staff together in efforts to build relationships. Her desire to create an impactful and safe PE program is unmatched."

- Principal Tim Roach

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Sue Kamb-Shepard, IG Special Education Math Interventionist - "Ms. Kamb has been teaching for a LONG time, but time has not dulled her commitment to helping students. She gives her ALL to helping her students learn. She goes above and beyond, supporting students AND their teachers."

- Principal Lucas Hiley

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Tracy Wood, HR ENL Teacher - "Tracy engages our English as a New Language families in all aspects of their child’s school. She communicates and collaborates with staff members, care givers, and community organizations to welcome new students to HR. She brings a wealth of information to us about the many cultural experiences our students bring with them."

- Principal Jessica Legere

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Mike Doyle, EHS Science Teacher -"This year Mike and Elena took on the advisership of our new morning video show where announcements are now streamed live from our recording studio. They help guide the student-broadcasters and have done a great job expanding the roles for students to help with the technology behind the scenes."

- Principal Dave Dunn

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Elena Celorio, EHS English Teacher -"This year Mike and Elena took on the advisership of our new morning video show where announcements are now streamed live from our recording studio. They help guide the student-broadcasters and have done a great job expanding the roles for students to help with the technology behind the scenes."

- Principal Dave Dunn

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Robert Beeley, EIMS Social Studies - He has a gift at building relationships with our students, families, and staff. He goes out of his way for all students to be successful. He has great pride in the grace, compassion, and care that he gives to his students every day.

- Principal Max Zeller

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Nicole Charles, DE Math interventionist - Nicole and Megan are two of the most positive and professional people you could ask for. They build relationships first with students and that allows them to get to the hard work.

- Principal Tim Roach

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Megan Howe, DE Math interventionist - Nicole and Megan are two of the most positive and professional people you could ask for. They build relationships first with students and that allows them to get to the hard work.

- Principal Tim Roach

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Grace DiMaria, IG 2nd Grade Teacher - "Miss. DiMaria is known as the ‘child whisperer.’ She is an unsung hero in many ways. She is patient, firm, kind, and thoughtful. She is a master of her craft and a proud IG alumna."

- Principal Lucas Hiley

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Barb Egan, HR Attendance Clerk - "Barb greets students and their families when they arrive or are picked up early. She is a smiling, friendly face and is helpful to parents and guardians. She is always listening and supporting staff members and leading with positivity."

- Susan Walz, Interim Principal

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Theresa Fountain, EHS English Teacher - "In addition to Theresa's teaching duties, she quietly takes on the challenge of collecting new and used clothing for our community closet. She also organized our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration."

- Principal Dave Dunn

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Hanna Spruill, LP 3rd Grade Teacher - "Mrs. Spruill understands the importance of personalizing instruction for our students; they always get what they need to be successful in the classroom!"

- Principal Meghan Bello

Brenda Wirth

Brenda Wirth, EIMS Teacher Aide - "No matter the hardships that are thrown Brenda’s way, she goes above and beyond to support students, families, and staff. She is a shining light in our school community and truly has a gift at building relationships that make a difference.

- Principal Max Zeller

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Lis Eberts, IG 1st Grade Teacher - "Mrs. Eberts and Mrs. Keefe are a dynamic duo. They are a terrific team who continue to learn and grow as veteran teachers and create special experiences for their students throughout the year. "

- Principal Lucas Hiley

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Kim Keefe, IG 1st Grade Teacher - "Mrs. Eberts and Mrs. Keefe are a dynamic duo. They are a terrific team who continue to learn and grow as veteran teachers and create special experiences for their students throughout the year. "

- Principal Lucas Hiley

Jillian Carley

Jillian Carley, DE 5th Grade Teacher- "Jillian is finishing her 2nd year and has already touched the lives of so many of her students. At year’s end, they are all seen walking out of her room in tears as they don’t want the year to come to a close."

- Principal Tim Roach

Jill Langdon

Jill Langdon, HR Kindergarten Teacher - "She has an incredibly positive attitude, builds strong relationships with students and families. She is an expert at breaking down communication barriers with families, as well as a strong mentor for new staff."

- Principal Sean D'Abreu

Pat Flanagan

Pat Flanagan, EHS Business Teacher- "Mr. Flanagan's leadership for our annual Homecoming activities helped to bring back the excitement of grade level competitions during Spirit Week."

- Principal Dave Dunn

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Bambai Rocco, DE Reading Teacher - "Bambai is a long-standing member of the DE staff and is a phenomenal reading teacher. She is always a leader in regard to our Intervention reading services and is seen as a go-to member of our faculty."

- Principal Tim Roach

Danielle Moulton

Danielle Moulton, EIMS Secretary -"Danielle deserves continuous praise, as there is not a task or need that she cannot fulfill. She has a heart for our staff, families, and students. She helps to make our school run and always is the first to help support.

- Principal Max Zeller

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Maria Rodriguez, Transportation - “Maria was kind, understanding, and listened to my concerns without defensiveness. Her demeanor was extremely customer focused, helpful, kind and what any head of transportation would want from someone leading and representing their team."

- District Parent

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Amanda Estes, IG Teacher - "Mrs. Estes is a consummate professional. She thinks outside the box in support of all students. She builds relationships with students with her gentle, caring manner but holds them to high standards."

- Principal Lucas Hiley

Danielle McRae

Danielle McRae, HR Teacher - "She is always willing to go the extra mile to lead her team and give advice. She sees and supports students and families as individuals and valuable members of the EICSD community."

- Principal Sean D'Abreu