Dear Parents,
It’s hard to believe that we’re past the halfway mark of summer, but another school year is quickly approaching. I’m excited to share a few updates with you.
First, several bittersweet goodbyes. Natalie Donado and Lelia Harig served our students admirably for many years on the school’s administrative team, both cheerfully taking on new responsibilities whenever asked of them. As they move on to new opportunities, we sincerely wish them well and thank them for their devotion to Embers.
We’re equally sad to say goodbye to three teachers and an aide. As her wedding approaches later this year, Mary Grace Noteman moves to teach closer to where she and her fiancé will live, and with a family connection at her new school, too. Cassie Miller is excited to move closer to family, continuing to teach Kindergarten in her hometown. Madeline Black will begin teaching in a school her brother’s children will attend. And Kelly Harig moves on to pursue higher education. Each of these ladies brought a personal touch to caring for their students at Embers, and we know they’ll continue to grow as great teachers.
Last, but certainly not least, we say goodbye to the following families whose youngest Spark completed 5th Grade at Embers at the end of the spring term: Allen, Bayzoo, Bilim, Carpenter, Cataniag, Coyle, Duffy, Fernandez, Maloney, Roth, Sather, Simutis, and Zacharewicz. Whether you were here for one year or many, you’ve made a mark on our community. We’ll miss sharing the joys of these elementary years with you but know that your Sparks are well-prepared to thrive in the years to come!
We’re welcoming several new faces to Embers this coming school year, as well as several role changes.
Gwen Carter, an Embers Academy and University of Dallas graduate, will be returning to us as a Preschool aide this fall. Gwen studied education at UD and is excited to give back to Embers.
Kristine del Rosario is taking on a new role as a Kindergarten teacher this year, making the switch from Preschool. Kristine taught Kindergarten at her former school and brings years of experience and credentials as an educator to this crucial year for our students.
Kim Eckert is returning to Embers as a 1st Grade teacher. Kim is a Willows Academy graduate and previously taught 3rd Grade at Embers for seven years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. The Eckerts live in Arlington Heights and will have a daughter at Willows and two sons at Embers this year, too. Welcome back!
Julie Galluzzi, a wonderful Embers mom and volunteer (she even helped coach our XC team to victory last fall!), brings many years of classroom experience to 1st Grade as the long-term substitute for Julie Donovan while she is out on maternity leave to begin the school year. The Julies have been collaborating since the beginning of June to help create a smooth year for their students.
Grace Witry joins us as a 2nd Grade teacher after a year of teaching 2nd Grade at Mary Seat of Wisdom. Grace is a graduate of Benedictine College but grew up in Park Ridge, also having been an instructional aide at St. Paul of the Cross.
Emily Casaletto is taking on a new role as a 5th Grade teacher this year, making the switch from 2nd Grade. She’ll be teaching both sections of 5th Grade history/geography and math, as well as some P.E. classes. Emily is already cooking up some plans to retool 5th Grade history in exciting ways.
Brenda Fernandez recently participated in an excellent workshop led by the Polis Institute in Jerusalem, hosted at Northridge Prep., on teaching languages through total immersion. Brenda is working hard to apply ideas from the workshop to our Spanish curriculum and will be teaching all K-5th Spanish classes this year. But Meredith Carpenter will remain on the team, helping us to continue to expand our Little Sparks offerings!
Kate DeCanto has been an all-star parent volunteer at Embers in recent years. This year, she’s taking on a part-time role as Social and Hospitality Coordinator, leading the charge in planning and executing our school-sponsored social events and hospitality opportunities, working with our many dedicated parent volunteers.
Christina Williams is now the Director of Operations and Business, taking on several important new responsibilities in addition to her other work for us. Christina will continue managing our parent ambassadors and playing a critical role in driving parent formation opportunities.
Speaking of new faces, please join me in welcoming Julie Donovan’s son and future Spark, Brendan James, born July 26 at 1:37 AM. The Donovan family is doing well, especially Molly, who is thrilled to finally meet her brother. If you would like to support the Donovans, a meal train can be found here.
One final note: Michael Gray, who admirably leads our Embers Dads Club, is organizing a Dads’ Workday on Saturday, August 17 at the school. Michael is looking for dads willing to help with various projects around the school–some painting, landscaping, wall hanging, and the like. Whether you’re a highly skilled professional or a novice willing to help, we could use your hands and muscle. (And there will be lots of food and fellowship, too.) I’ll be there, and I hope to see you! Sign up here. Or contact Michael here.
Stay tuned as the school year approaches for more updates, including new extracurricular opportunities for students. Thanks be to God, Embers Academy has another exciting year ahead!
Sincerely,
Christopher Goffos
Headmaster
cgoffos@embersacademy.org
