We have three teachers leaving at the end of the year, and I am happy to report that the positions have been filled. I have hired Ashley Cecchetti, mother of rising first grader Emmalynne, to fill the vacancy created by Nancy Hardison’s departure. Nancy has quite ably taught middle school math and been an advisor for seven years, and we will miss her very much. Mrs. Cecchetti has a B.A. in Math from Hope College, a Masters in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University, along with completing additional graduate work at both Michigan State and Harvard. She also has four years experience teaching middle school math.
Both of our third grade teachers, Laurel Feinman and Rachel Harvey, have decided to move on next year. Having to replace both teachers, especially such skilled and dedicated professionals as Laurel and Rachel, at the same grade level presents a unique challenge, especially when the existing team is so strong. Fortunately, Ann Shenigo, who was hired as a full-time substitute for COVID relief at the beginning of the school year, has won our hearts and is willing to step in and take one half of the third grade duties. Ann earned a B.A. degree with a major in Elementary Education from Sacred Heart College. She is an experienced, master teacher who taught for many years at Holy Cross before they closed last spring. Among her many other responsibilities at Holy Cross over the years, Ann taught third grade. We are so lucky to have Ann on our staff.
For the other third grade position, I have hired Pat Rony, another quality teacher who became available upon the closing of Holy Cross. Pat taught fourth grade at Holy Cross for seven years and worked closely with Ann Shenigo during that time. Pat has a B.S. degree from Virginia Tech and a Graduate Certificate In Professional Studies--Elementary Education from what was then Lynchburg College. Pat and Ann are a proven team, and I am confident in their ability to lead the third graders to success.
As we finish out this year, I am excited to see plans coming together for next year. With these three key hires, I feel we will be ready for another fantastic year in 2021-2022.