Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
Greetings Cambridge Parents:
As we prepare for the opening of the 2010-2011 school year, I want to formally introduce the new faculty and staff members who will be joining us as well as announce changes in some of the roles of our returning teachers.
Please join me in welcoming Patsy Reese as our new, part-time Business Manager. Patsy and her family have been involved with Cambridge since the first years as she has served as a founding board member, secretary and treasurer, and board chair. Patsy knows the school’s mission and vision intimately as she has served in a myriad of capacities through the years.
After acquiring a BBA accounting degree from James Madison University, Patsy received her MBA in Finance from the Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania). Her employment experiences include working in the financial worlds of auditing, accounting, and strategic planning as well as marketing and consulting.
Patsy has also volunteered faithfully through the years including serving as a literary tutor, board member for Faith Presbyterian Church, finance committee member and bible study leader at Timonium Presbyterian Church, and a volunteer in numerous capacities for Grace Fellowship Church.
Patsy has a great heart to serve, and she is eager to use her talents and experiences to continue the growth of Cambridge School. As Patsy and Janice Pope have met often in the last two months, her transition into the role has been a smooth one. Patsy's responsibilities will continue with the financial and facility aspects of the school. She will serve as the school liaison to St. Charles and will be the point person for facility matters.
Late in the 2009-2010 school year, Laura Adams announced that she would be leaving full time work to prepare for the birth of her and her husband Kevin’s first baby! Through her time at Cambridge, Laura has established herself as a wonderful teacher who continued to grow and embrace Cambridge’s curriculum and philosophy. During her tenure, she created a highly organized classroom atmosphere that framed the learning experiences of our 1st graders. As a parent of one of those first graders, I know first-hand how diligently and tirelessly Laura worked to give the most to our students. And, while we will miss her every day presence, I am thrilled to announce that she will be returning in a mentor’s role to work with the new first grade teacher, Julie Celano. With Tracey Meeks returning as the 1st grade assistant, a solid 1st grade teaching team will be prepared to offer a dynamic experience to our students.
Julie Celano, a recent graduate of Liberty University, received a BS in Elementary Education with a specialization in English and Social Sciences and a minor in Youth Ministry. A Dean’s List honoree, Julie participated as a student blogger for Liberty University; her blogs and articles can be viewed at www.libertyu.com. Julie is thrilled to have the opportunity to use her “encouraging and compassionate nature” and “passion for today’s youth” to help mold, shape, and nurture our first grade students.
Katie Kavalsky has joined us as the part-time 1st-5th grade Spanish teacher. A graduate of the University of Maryland with double majors in Social Work and Spanish, Katie completed her Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and then received her license from the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. During her academic studies, Katie had the opportunity to study abroad at La Universidad Nacional Evangelica located in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Her internship included leading English classes twice a week for Dominican children and assisting in the organization of children and youth ministries in the community. Related experiences include working as the Assistant Director of High School Ministries at Central Presbyterian Church, serving as an advisory board member at Eastern University Leadership Grant Program, and working at the children’s ministry summer camp at Grace Fellowship Church; through this particular opportunity, Katie also served in Nogales, Mexico, where many of our 8th graders and alumni have served.
Last spring, we announced to the incoming 4th grade parents that Heather Jordan and Nan Woods would combine their experience and talents to lead the 4th graders together in a combined class. Through the summer, they have worked together on the curriculum and classroom. I know that Heather and Nan will work together excellently and provide a wonderful experience for our 4th grade students.
Kyle Fisher, a recent graduate of Virginia Tech, will be serving as an intern to the 8th grade under the supervision, guidance, and tutelage of Scott Buresh. Kyle graduated with a BA in Communication and History; during his college years, Kyle was accepted to the editorial board of Philologia, an undergraduate research journal and then published an article in the spring of 2010. A person of strong convictions and faith, Kyle has tutored middle school students through volunteer YMCA programs, spent six weeks on a missions trip to Croatia for Campus Crusade for Christ, and served as a co-director of Campus Media Team. Kyle’s presence in the classroom will allow Scott to manage the number of responsibilities placed before him which includes supervisory responsibility for all the faculty members including the mentors and those in oversight capacities.
Christa Bauer returns to Cambridge after a long absence! Former 1st grade teacher at Cambridge, Christa left to begin a family. Now, daughter Paige will be entering our Kindergarten program, and her mom will be working with Stephanie Der as her part-time assistant. I know that Christa will provide wonderful support to Stephanie and to the 2nd grade students, and our students will benefit immensely from the experience, knowledge, and character of both Christa and Stephanie.
Sarah Batley, whose son Quinn will be re-joining Cambridge as a 6th grader, is thrilled to be the new Explorers teacher. Sarah received her BA in Business Psychology from Miami University as well as an Associates Degree from the Institute of Biblical Studies; currently, Sarah is studying towards her MA in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute of Theology.
Sarah’s most recent work experience has been as a home-school educator; in this role, Sarah provided elementary and middle school education for three Batley boys as she coordinated curriculum research and selection, designed syllabi, and supported educational opportunities outside of class. From August 2001-2008, Sarah served as the Associate Director of Women’s Ministries at Grace Fellowship Church; her numerous responsibilities included developing and executing the vision of women’s ministry to 1500 women, creating and implementing ongoing training program for women leaders, and designing church wide events.
Sarah’s passions center on her family and her love of ministry. As a volunteer, Sarah’s experiences include working summer camps with Young Life Capernaum, serving meals for Agape’s Children’s Center, Martha’s Place, and the Ronald McDonald House, and working as a Volunteer Women’s Director at Calvary Bible Church.
Sarah is a wonderful addition to the Cambridge faculty as her myriad of experiences and her continued pursuit of Christ will touch all those around her.
Much has taken place over the course of summer in terms of sixth grade staffing. Two new teachers, Lisa Snodgrass and Justin Kauffman, will be leading the unit classes. Belinda Bauman, lead sixth grade unit teacher for the past two years, will be serving as their mentor. Maria Dubois, Cambridge parent and former lead teacher of the Explorers program, will take over responsibilities as science teacher. The two math classes will be taught by Nancy Lanzi and Jason Cvach.
Lisa Snodgrass comes to us with an extensive array of experiences in both the educational and missions fields. Graduating with a BS in Marketing/Communications from Shepherd University, Lisa earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Baltimore and a Master of Education degree (Curriculum and Instruction) from Loyola College. Lisa’s classroom experiences include teaching 12th grade journalism at Gilman School, 9th and 10th grade English at Catonsville High School, middle school English and Language Arts at Loyola-Blakefield, and substitute teaching at Federal Hill Preparatory School. Lisa also gained valuable experiences at the Baltimore Civitas School, a 1st year Baltimore City public transformation school, where Lisa assisted in many facets of opening and operating a new school.
Away from the classroom, Lisa, over a span of 15 years, has led, mentored, counseled, and taught an array of youth missions experiences including time with Reign Ministries (Royal Servants, International), Grace Fellowship Church, and more recently in the Sandtown/Winchester neighborhood of southwest Baltimore.
This past spring, I announced the hiring of Justin Kauffman for one of the 6th grade unit positions. Husband and new father, Justin relocated to Baltimore from Harrisonburg, Virginia. Justin earned his B.A., magna cum laude, in English from Bridgewater College with a concentration in Modern Literature. Justin’s experiences include teaching 8thand 10th grade English at Fishburne Military School as well as working as a summer school English tutor. His work experiences further include employment as a staff publisher, a writing consultant, and a French tutor. Justin’s passions include researching, presenting, and publishing various works including a myriad of literary analyses, sermons, and articles for several journals. Justin comes to us with a great heart and passion to learn, a desire to immerse himself into the Cambridge community and philosophy, and an excitement to impact our students.
Belinda Bauman, as many of you know, has a great heart for Cambridge and for the sixth grade studies. She will be using her experience and knowledge to walk alongside Justin and Lisa by serving as their mentor. Twice a week, Belinda will be meeting with both teachers and visiting in classrooms. She will aid in their development of curriculum, planning of unit events, and understanding of Cambridge; throughout the year, Belinda will be offering support wherever needed.
Jason Cvach is no stranger to Cambridge as he has helped lead Chapel worship for the past few years and has worked with a number of our students on a tutorial basis. A graduate from Liberty University with a BS in Multidisciplinary Studies (with an emphasis in Music and Biblical Studies), Jason has been self-employed in a number of fields including educator tutor and guitar instructor. Jason is also owner and president of Fishinglores Incorporated. As an educational tutor, Jason has specialized in math tutoring and has a strong reputation in understanding students and helping them to achieve to their very best.
Maria Dubois, mother of two Cambridge students, graduated from James Madison University Cum Laude with a B.A. in Dance and a minor in Theater. Maria then moved onto the University of Maryland Baltimore County where she completed post baccalaureate coursework in biology. Her work experiences include a position as a research associate in the Department of Biological Services and the Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Maria has also assisted on several publications in the field of Applied and Environmental Microbiology. With these educational and work experiences, Maria will transition smoothly into the role of 6th grade science teacher in which the primary focus will be the study of biology. I know that Maria is extremely excited about her new teaching role, and that she will have a strong impact on her students.
With Cambridge’s continued growth, two of our veteran teachers have been asked to take on oversight roles. Claudia Twist, a teacher at Cambridge for 10 years, will oversee the “specials teachers” which includes the teachers of physical education, Spanish, science, and fine arts. Sheila Mund, one of the original Cambridge teachers, will oversee the teachers and the programs for 1st and 2nd grades. With the additional oversight roles, our hope is to provide the support and encouragement needed to our teachers and staff.
I do want to take a moment to thank Scott Buresh and the other staff members and teachers who spent many hours this summer to contact, meet, and interview the many new teachers who will be joining us. Because of their diligence and commitment, we will be moving forth with wonderful additions to the Cambridge faculty who will strengthen a returning group of stellar teachers and staff. Cambridge continues to be blessed to have men and women who feel called to serve our students and parents.
I look forward to seeing you all in a few short weeks and especially look forward to greeting your children.
God bless,
Steven T. Song
Head of School