NDE Welcomes Strategic Hires to Enhance Student-Teacher Ratios

As Notre Dame Elementary School (NDE) looks forward to the upcoming school year, excitement is in the air. With a steadfast commitment to enhancing student experiences, NDE has made strategic hires to ensure a superb learning environment and maintain a strong student-teacher ratio. These additions reflect the school’s dedication to providing personalized attention and support for every student, lighting the way to excellence.

This year, we are thrilled to welcome Miss Alexa Randall as the new 1st Grade Instructional Assistant. Miss Randall, who has been a beloved extended care teacher, is now transitioning to assist Ms. Kiley Oritist, our dedicated 1st grade teacher who is entering her third year at NDE. Miss Randall’s enthusiasm and diverse talents promise to bring a fresh dynamic to the classroom.

Joining the 2nd grade team is Mrs. Natalie Aho, stepping in as the new Instructional Assistant. Mrs. Aho, a devoted mother of four, has been an active member of her children's Catholic school communities. She brings her experience and a nurturing approach to our students, aiming to create a supportive and structured learning environment. Additionally, we are delighted to announce that Ms. Angie Navarro, previously our instructional assistant and long-term 7th grade homeroom and math substitute teacher, is transitioning to the role of 2nd grade classroom teacher. Ms. Navarro's internal growth within NDE is a testament to her dedication and versatility.

In 3rd grade, we welcome Mrs. Liz Zapien as the new Instructional Assistant. Mrs. Zapien, with her extensive background in early childhood education, is excited to work alongside Ms. Sydney Klaiman, our 3rd grade teacher. Their collaboration is set to enrich the educational experience for our students.

Our 4th grade class will benefit from the help and assistance of Mr. Luis Sanchez, who will be assisting Mr. Schiller. In 5th grade, we are enhancing our teaching capabilities by having two lead teachers, Mr. Charlie Skidmore and Mr. Derrick Crouse, working together to broaden the subjects and educational experiences offered.

Upper School ELA will see a significant improvement with the addition of two specialized teachers. Mrs. Samantha Kern will focus on ELA, while Mrs. Lori McConnell will concentrate on literature studies. Their combined efforts will provide a comprehensive and enriched curriculum for our students.

Our extended care team is also expanding. We are pleased to introduce Ms. Supriya Haldankar and Mrs. Jill Wright to our elementary extended care program, growing our team to three members. Additionally, Mrs. Katie Case will be joining our preschool extended care team, ensuring that even our youngest learners receive attentive and caring supervision.

To further enhance communication and functionality throughout the school, we welcome Mrs. Emily Sanchez to our administration team. Her experience and commitment to the NDE community will be invaluable.

Lastly, we are excited to have Ms. Karen Velasquez join us as our new Spanish teacher. With a robust background in educational leadership and language instruction, Ms. Velasquez is poised to make a significant impact on our Spanish program.

These strategic hires and transitions are part of NDE's ongoing commitment to excellence. As we look forward to another successful school year, we remain dedicated to nurturing each student’s academic growth and personal development.