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connections
News and campus highlights connecting the New Way Academy family. Summer 2017 | Volume 1 | Issue 4
Exciting Staff Changes! We are pleased to announce that this summer, teachers Melissa Vallejo and Katie Jillette will transition into new positions that will allow them to continue to work with students and also be instrumental in leadership and support of their peers. Melissa Vallejo will take on the position of Assistant Head of Kindergarten through 8th grade and Katie Jillette will assume the role of Assistant Head of High School. Lauren DuBois will also move into a new role as Director of Engagement. She will continue her work with students through high school student government and our student internship program. Her first charge is to create a parent association, helping to streamline and grow the momentum among our school community. Please share in our congratulations to these three teachers. We could not be more proud of them and their continued journeys at New Way!
Katherine (Katie) Jillette (left) • Master’s degree from ASU • Certified Special Education Teacher • Began teaching in 2008, through Teach for America Melissa Vallejo (center) • Master’s degree from NAU • Certified Special Education Teacher • Nationally Certified STEM Teacher • ASU Teacher Candidate Mentor •N ational Science Teachers’ Association member Lauren DuBois (right) • Bachelor’s degree from ASU in 2014 • Valley Leadership Advance graduate •N ational Council of Teachers of English member • Grand Canyon University Teacher Candidate Mentor
Melissa Vallejo has been a member of the New Way community for over 12 years and is excited about joining the admin team and supporting staff to provide an engaging educational experience. She believes in high expectations that foster student accountability, pride, and success, and feels that the best way we can facilitate our students’ independence is by meeting them at their learning style. One of Melissa’s favorite New Way memories was moving from the old New Way campus to our new school. “The move was daunting and hopeful, and to see our school community come together to ready this campus was nothing short of awesome.” Katie Jillette has spent much of her time at New Way as a high school math teacher, chair of the math department, as well as the MAP data coach. Katie is looking forward to focusing on the unique needs of high school students and teachers as the team
continues to grow. She is passionate about supporting teachers to guide the creative use of active student engagement strategies. One of Katie’s favorite things about New Way is the community formed between students, staff, and families. “It really does feel like a supportive family, and it is a privilege that our students share so much of their lives with us.” In addition to transition focused instruction, Lauren DuBois is passionate about developing young leaders and an engaged campus culture. She is looking forward to enhancing campus engagement through her new role and serving the school community she has grown to love, including our parents, volunteers, and alumni. Lauren’s favorite New Way event is the Mr. New Way pageant. “It showcases our incredible students before they graduate, is unbelievably funny, and gives back to great causes in our community.”
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