FHS has made several changes to classes and teachers for the start of the 2016-2017 school year. These changes regarded classroom switches, teacher changes and building transfers.
Mrs. Valerie Marburger, former computer applications teacher at FHS, was moved to the elementary school. There, she teaches different topics for grades kindergarten through sixth grade. She starts out with typing and mouse skills for the younger grades and moves to word processing and coding for the older kids.
“The difference that I have noticed [between teaching at the high school and the elementary school] so far is just that I cannot assume the student knows anything about the computer,” Marburger said.
After Marburger’s move to the elementary school, her classroom was given to Communications teacher Mr. Brad Baldwin. Baldwin previously held this class in the library.
“Since I have moved to a classroom from the library, I have definitely noticed a change in the learning environment. Students are less distracted and seem more comfortable talking in class,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin is now the only communications teacher for sophomores, who are required to take this course to graduate. Baldwin, who started working at FHS last year, previously taught Communications and English 12.
After Baldwin was moved to his classroom, Mr. Tom Hickey took over the room in the library, converting it to a computer lab. He now teaches Secondary Computer Applications, the required technology course for freshmen that Marburger previously taught.They will primarily focus on software applications to master video, spreadsheets and web-based applications.
Hickey was previously the technology coach for the district and a math and science teacher prior to that. He is now a part-time technology coach and part-time technology teacher.
The computer lab in the library is also home to the CAD classes, taught by Mrs. Amanda Bovard.
Ms. Jessika Fontaine, prior learning support teacher, now teaches the Life Skills class. This class focuses on skills to help students determine and prepare for future careers. The Curriculum includes finding a career path they would like to pursue. To help this, the class will visit several community resources to help students determine what career would be best for them.
“This year, I am now the one teaching the lessons as well as providing encouragement to the students. While this year is very different from my previous years teaching, I feel and am very blessed to have this opportunity,” Fontaine said.
Fontaine previously held the position of learning support teacher, assisting other teachers in building lessons and encouraged the students to finish the required work.
Since Fontaine was moved to the faculty lounge where teachers ate lunch, the faculty lounge is now located in Hickey’s old office, where the lounge used to be located.
Mr. Aaron Fitzpatrick now teaches CCBC American Literature and Public Speaking, a course that continues the college in high school offerings for English classes that began last year with Mrs. Catherine Schulz’s CCBC English Composition and Concepts of Literature classes. Mr. Ed Shepard now also teaches Statistics and Financial Literacy. Another addition added to the class offerings this year is Physics 3, taught by Dr. Brian Wargo.
Administrative Assistant Mrs. Linda Keener and Guidance Office Secretary Mrs. Joyce Brenner’s retirement will be effective as of Oct. 4. Ms. Amanda Krampy, current attendance secretary,will become the Guidance Office’s secretary after the retirement of Brenner.Mrs. Tion Piehler, current middle school administrative assistant, will take over Keener’s job as administrative assistant at the high school.
Mrs. Brandi Burger, current Biology and Human Anatomy and Physiology teacher, will be resigning from her position at FHS, pending the hiring of a new science teacher. She will become the biology teacher at Fox Chapel Area High School. This resignation will be in effect by the end of October.
Taking an early retirement from FHS is Mr. George Miklas.He is currently a special education teacher. He will be leaving Freedom to go to West Liberty University. Interviews for a replacement are currently going on.