New staff participate in orientation

Elizabeth Fedele is excited to be part of the district’s new venture in starting a pre-K three-year-old program. Fedele was one of the teachers participating in the district’s new staff orientation on Aug. 26.

“I can’t wait for the first day of school,” said Fedele.

Fedele had the chance to meet her students and their families at the pre-K three-year-old Meet the Teacher event. Her students enjoyed ice pops and the chance to use the playground outside the school.

“It was really wonderful to see everybody,” said Fedele. “It was a really happy day. Everyone seems excited for the program. I feel honored to run the program. This feels like the perfect place for me and everyone has been so supportive of the new program.

The new teachers met in the library where teacher Sarah Martin, director of the mentor program, opened the discussion. They next had a meeting with the leaders of the Webutuck Teachers Association.

The new teachers were joined by the new teaching assistants in the library where they met administrators, and they all took part together in an icebreaker exercise.

Following the icebreaker exercise, new staff, mentors and administrators enjoyed

lunch prepared by Dan Trotter, director of food services, which included sandwiches, salads, cookies, iced tea and lemonade.

After lunch, new staff toured the buildings, reviewed the district handbook, checked their classroom, and prepared for the first week with their mentors.

Skyler Fountain, who grew up in Millbrook, is excited to have her first teaching job close to home.

“I’m super excited to start, said Fountain, who will teach four-year-olds in the pre-K program. “I’ve gotten really good energy from everybody.

“If you get involved as a teacher, you can become part of this community. Since it’s a small community like Millbrook, I know the value of that as a student and hopefully I’m going to see the value of that as a teacher.”

Melissa Maier is a special education teacher who has taught in her 13-year teaching career at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. She moved to Millerton in June, has enjoyed her time in the area and appreciates the warm welcome from the district.

“I’m really excited to meet the new faces. Every year always brings new excitement,” said Maier, who will work with kindergarteners.