Spotlight

Kyle Merrifield

"I love seeing how proud the students are of the work that they do and how excited they are when they do well on a project."

- Kyle Merrifield, LMS Teacher

Lila Verstreate

"I strive to create an environment where my students feel supported, challenged, and excited to reach their full potential."

- Lila Verstreate, 5th Grade Teacher

Hana Muthanna

"My passion lies in building strong relationships with diverse communities and advocating for their needs."

- Hana Muthanna, Cultural Resource Specialist

Mohamed Albanna

"I'm honored to serve our district in this role because it gives me the opportunity to help to the students, staff and the community of Lackawanna."

- Mohamed Albanna, Cultural Resource Specialist

Nadin Noman

"I am fortunate to work closely with many students and families... something I hold in high regard and take considerable pride in."

- Nadin Noman, Cultural Resource Specialist

Kalie Sonnenberg

"I am deeply committed to supporting our students, teachers/staff, and the Lackawanna community."

- Kalie Sonnenberg, LMS Principal

Cortney Staniszewski

"I enjoy seeing the growth young children make throughout their first experiences in school."

- Cortney Staniszewski, Truman Kindergarten Teacher

Jeanne O'Connor

"Seeing these children that just needed a little extra time or practice grow and flourish, has been one of the greatest rewards of my career."

- Jeanne O'Connor, 2nd Grade Teacher

Entasar Saif

"My goal is to help students develop both the knowledge and confidence they need, while fostering a curiosity that will serve them well long after they leave the classroom."

- Entasar Saif, Biology Teacher

David Ristau

"I enjoy being able to inspire my students to be the best versions of themselves in school and out in the community."

- David Ristau, Math Teacher

Dewald Alberts

"I enjoy thinking outside of the box and try to use my past experiences abroad to get the job done."

- Dewald Alberts, ENL Teacher

Jill Dougherty

"I am eager to raise awareness about the importance of consistent student attendance for academic success."

- Jill Dougherty, Attendance Teacher

Heather Monti

"I enjoy being able to foster creativity in my students across different mediums."

- Heather Monti, Art Teacher

Amanda Kulinski

"I enjoy building a relationship with students that need assistance so that they know I am here to help them succeed in school and that they have someone they can rely on."

- Amanda Kulinski, Attendance Teacher

Natasha Benston

"I am dedicated to providing a safe and meaningful learning environment to the students in my classroom."

- Natasha Benston, First Grade ENL Teacher

Seham Juran headshot

"My goal is to make every transition into our district smooth and welcoming. I’m dedicated to ensuring every family feels supported as they join our diverse and vibrant community."

- Seham Juran, Account Clerk Typist for Registration

Maleka Nashir

"I am passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for families from diverse backgrounds."

- Maleka Nashir, Welcome Center Coordinator

Jennifer Smail headshot

"At my table with small groups of students we read, we laugh, and we make mistakes, but the kids are not afraid to give a challenge a try."

- Jennifer Smail, Reading Specialist

katie van oss headshot

"Each day, I look forward to seeing my students and widening their perspectives of how the Earth works."

- Katie Van Oss, Earth Science Teacher

Simmone Johnson headshot

"Having been born and raised in Lackawanna, it gives me great joy to help educate the community I come from."

- Simmone Johnson, ELA Teacher

karen kssinski headshot

"I do anything and everything I can throughout the day and school year to reach as many kiddos as possible."

- Karen Kasinski, Math RTI Instructor

Tina Gagliardo headshot

"I am dedicated to giving my students a safe and loving classroom community where they can feel confident to make mistakes as they are learning."

- Tina Gagliardo, Fourth Grade Teacher

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