Samantha Cates is the new Science Teacher at Silver Creek High School. She is initially certified in Biology Grades 7-12 and Chemistry Grades 7-12. Cates attended SUNY Fredonia.

High School Principal Heather Krystofiak said, “I knew from the first time I interviewed her that she could bring something really magical to Silver Creek.”

Krystofiak highlighted Cates’ excitement for her subject area, which she called “pretty impressive.” She said the Science Department was “wowed” by Cates’ interview. “I’m super excited to have her,” she added.

Cates is starting immediately, rather than waiting for next school year. Her four-year probationary appointment began in May.

Occupational Therapists Laura Quinn, left and Bailey Tonello, right, are pictured with Megan Cook, Director of Special Education, center.

“I’m also very excited,” Cates said. “I love science, and I want to make sure everyone else loves science too.”

Katherine Orcutt is the new Silver Creek Middle School Counselor. She has pending School Counselor certification. Her four-year probationary appointment begins Sept. 1.

Middle School Principal Sydney Neubauer said throughout Orcutt’s interview, she could feel herself nodding along with all of her answers. “I’m really excited for Katherine to start,” Neubauer said. “I cannot wait until next year starts with what she will do at our school.”

Orcutt said, “I appreciate this opportunity and I’m excited to get started in the fall.”

Like Orcutt, both of the district’s new Occupational Therapists will begin Sept. 1. Bailey Tonello begins her one-year probationary appointment with a salary of $44,500. Laura Quinn begins at a salary of $51,800.

School Counselor Katherine Orcutt, right, is pictured with Middle School Principal Sydney Neubauer, left.

Megan Cook, Director of Special Education, said Tonello is “a ray of sunshine” around the building as she has already begun her tenure at Silver Creek on a temporary basis. Teachers and students have provided positive feedback about Tonello already, and the district is excited to bring her on board officially.

“She’s always willing to help in any situation,” Cook said. “We’re just blessed to have her as a Black Knight.”

Tonello said she is happy to officially join the district.

Quinn was previously with the district through an outside agency, but now joins the district full-time. Cook said, “She knows our kids, she knows our school, she knows our systems. We’re just excited to have her come back officially as a Black Knight. … Her journey brought her back to us, and we’re excited to have her.”

Quinn said, “This place felt like home. It felt like a good place to come back to. I’m excited to come back and get started.”

Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston said, “Congratulations to our four new hires. It’s really exciting to start to see the team grow, and it just feels really good when we know it’s the right people.”