Forestville officially welcomes new hires
OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Susan Walterich, the district’s new Library Media Specialist, is welcomed by Board of Education President Amy Drozdziel, left, as Board of Education Vice President Andrew Spengler, right, smiles during a recent Forestville Board of Education meeting.
Peter Hanzly, who was recently hired as a Social Studies teacher at Forestville Middle/High School, is welcomed by Board of Education President Amy Drozdziel at a recent Forestville Board of Education meeting.
OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Susan Walterich, the district’s new Library Media Specialist, is welcomed by Board of Education President Amy Drozdziel, left, as Board of Education Vice President Andrew Spengler, right, smiles during a recent Forestville Board of Education meeting.
Peter Hanzly, who was recently hired as a Social Studies teacher at Forestville Middle/High School, is welcomed by Board of Education President Amy Drozdziel at a recent Forestville Board of Education meeting.
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FORESTVILLE -- At the latest Forestville Board of Education meeting, new members of the district were officially welcomed by the board in a yearly tradition. President Amy Drozdziel proudly proclaimed, "Once a Hornet, always a Hornet," as each new hire took their turn down the handshake line.
Middle/High School Principal Dan Grande began by welcoming Peter Hanzly, who was recently appointed as a Social Studies teacher at the Middle/High School. Grande called Hanzly a "really nice addition" to the district, and highlighted his desire to add higher level courses to the district. Grande also mentioned that Hanzly's sister is also a teacher at the district.
Grande then welcomed Heather Jackson, who was recently appointed as School Secretary for the upcoming school year. Jackson was also appointed as Central Treasurer for the district. Grande called Jackson "a breath of fresh air," and a "natural fit." Grande credited the work Jackson and her colleagues have done putting together athletic calendars to highlight the school's sporting events each day, and also noted that Jackson's children are Forestville graduates.
New Forestville Elementary Principal Shauna McMahon then took her turn welcoming new hires to the district. She first welcomed Nicole Nopper, who was hired as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. McMahon said to Nopper, "We're just so happy to have you here."
McMahon then welcomed Mindy Gillette, a Floater Monitor Aide, who she called "an instant asset to the classroom and also the school." McMahon added, "She's just always there to help and is really learning exactly how to tailor her approach to the students' needs.
We are very, very fortunate to have her."
McMahon concluded the welcome ceremony by highlighting Susan Walterich, who was appointed as the district's new Library Media Specialist. Walterich brings over 16 years of experience to Forestville, most recently as a school librarian in Hamburg. "We are very excited to bring her experience to our district.
I really enjoyed our conversations thus far, and I look forward to continuing our work this year," McMahon said. "Welcome to the Forestville family."
The district also approved a handful of new hires and tenure appointments. Heidi Zimar was appointed as a Floater Monitor Aide; Jeff Heim was appointed as Trap Team Coach; and Pat Valvo completed the probationary period of his employment and was appointed to a permanent part-time Bus Driver position. Stephanie Accardo-Sanchez and Amy Gier were approved as substitute teachers, while Hailey Work and Carrie Ann Mueller were approved as substitute Floater Monitor Aides.
Special Education Teacher Laura LeBaron was granted tenure effective Sept. 3, while Music Teacher Jay Hagen is set to receive tenure effective Nov. 11.