MIDDLE SCHOOL LOOKBOOK
26-27
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM A CUSTODIAN AND WORK IN FACILITIES.
JOHN BANTA HE/HIM/HIS GRANDSTAND TEACHER AND LS HEAD TEACHER
ROBERTO ALMONTE HE/HIM/HIS CUSTODIAN
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH GRANDSTAND FOR EVERYBODY AND LEAD THE YOUNGEST STUDENTS IN HOMEROOM. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? STUDENTS MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT THAT I WALK A TOTAL OF 40 BLOCKS TO AND FROM SCHOOL EVERY DAY. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? THIS SUMMER I TRAINED MY PUPPY, CHARLIE, TO OBEY A FEW COMMANDS. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? A HOBBY I LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL IS PLANTING RANDOM THINGS TO SEE WHAT GROWS. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... THIS YEAR I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO A HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? INSTRUCTIONAL COACH, LIBRARIAN, TEACHER
ELYSA BLUMENTHAL SHE/HER/HERS LEARNING SPECIALIST
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MARVEL MOVIES. I'M A SUPER FAN! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I TRAVLED TO CAPE COD AND MAINE DURING THE SUMMER WITH MY FAMILY. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL, MY FAVORITE ACTIVITY IS VISITING BOTANIC GARDENS. I LOVE TO WALK THROUGH FLOWERS, PLANTS, AND FORESTS! THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... HELPING STUDENTS FIND BOOKS THEY LOVE TO READ!
MADI BRAY-TROPHIA SHE/HER/HERS AND THEY/THEM/THEIRS MS HEAD TEACHER
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH MATH TO GRADES BRIDGE-8TH GRADE. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I'M AN AVID BIRDWATCHER! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I TRAVELLED THE EAST COAST THIS SUMMER - I ATE TONS OF DELICIOUS FOOD AND SPENT ALMOST EVERY DAY ON THE BEACH! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LIKE TO MEET UP WITH MY FRIENDS AND PLAY BOARD GAMES. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... A COZY FALL SEASON (AND WINNING MY FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE)
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY?
ERICK BROWN CUSTODIAN
I AM A CUSTODIAN AND WORK IN FACILITIES.
MICHEL CARLUCCIO SHE/HER/HERS ART TEACHER AND YEARBOOK ADVISOR
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH K-8 VISUAL ART AND I AM THE YEARBOOK EDITOR. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I LOVE TO SING AND DANCE AT HOME. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? WENT TO THE BEACH A LOT INCLUDING GOING TO MARTHA’S VINEYARD FOR THE FIRST TIME! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? RIDING MY BIKE, VISITING MUSEUMS, SEEING MOVIES AND LOTS OF CONCERTS! THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... HAVING A GREAT TIME FILLED WITH LOTS OF LAUGHS IN THE ART ROOM.
KIM CHANDRA SHE/HER/HERS SENIOR FINANCE AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? HANDLES TUITION FOR ALL STUDENTS, PA RECORD KEEPING, PAYROLL FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I SPEND HOURS IN MY KTICHEN COOKING. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? THIS SUMMER I CONNTECTED WITH FRIENDS FROM HIGH SCHOOL. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE TO COLLECT STAMPS. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... TRAVELING
JUDY COHEN SHE/HER/HERS DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM THE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT GATEWAY. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? MY FATHER WAS AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I ENJOYED LOTS OF BEACH TIME WITH MY FAMILY. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? YOGA! THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... HAVING LUNCH WITH OUR LOWER SCHOOL STUDENTS
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD OF SCHOOL, DR. SHERRI HELVIE.
LISA CONCEPCIÓN SHE/HER/HERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I ENJOY CROCHETING! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? HAD A GREAT VACATION WITH MY FAMILY! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? ENJOY DANCING ALL DIFFERENT TYPES OF MUSIC! THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... AN AMAZING 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR WITH THE STUDENTS!
PAM COTTO SHE/HER/HERS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND PLACEMENT
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I HELP WITH ADMISSIONS FOR NEW STUDENTS AND PLACEMENT FOR STUDENTS WHEN THEY GRADUATE GATEWAY. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I PLAYED RUGBY IN COLLEGE, (A LITTLE)! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? READING AND SPENDING TIME WITH MY CHILDREN, FAMILY AND FRIENDS. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? WALKING, HIKING AND EATING IN NEW PLACES. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... GETTING TO KNOW ALL OF THE GATEWAY STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES!
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH 6TH, 7TH, AND 8TH GRADE ELA.
RYANN COUGHLIN SHE/HER/HERS MS HEAD TEACHER
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I WAS IN THEATRE IN MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL AND I ALSO PLAYED BADMINTON.
WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I DID A LOT OF CHILLING, WORKING OUT, AND HANGING WITH MY FAMILY! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I ABSOLUTELY LOVE READING! THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... TEACHING 6TH GRADE! THIS IS MY FIRST YEAR WORKING WITH THIS GRADE :)
MARGHERITE DADIEGO SHE/HER/HERS MS HEAD TEACHER
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? BRIDGE SCIENCE TEACHER AND GRADE 6 MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHER. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I RAN A HALF MARATHON. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I JOINED THE NEW YORK MYCOLOGICAL SOCIETY. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE CROSSFIT AND DO IT THREE TIMES A WEEK. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... GETTING TO KNOW MY STUDENTS BETTER.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH MUSIC FOR THE WHOLE SCHOOL AND DIRECT THE ANNUAL GATEWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL.
MARISSA DAVIS SHE/HER/HERS MUSIC TEACHER
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? THEY'D PROBABLY BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT THAT I GO THE GYM MOST MORNINGS BEFORE SCHOOL! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? THIS SUMMER I ENJOYED A LOT OF REST AND RELAXATION. I READ BOOKS, SPENT TIME AT THE BEACH, SAW FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND DID A LOT OF CREATIVE WRITING. I ALSO DISCOVERED THAT I LOVE ESCAPE ROOMS! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I REALLY ENJOY COOKING! EVEN THOUGH I DON'T HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO DO IT, I FIND IT PEACEFUL AND RELAXING. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... THE MUSICAL!
MIKE DAVIS HE/HIM/HIS MS HEAD TEACHER
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM A MS SCIENCE AND MATH TEACHER. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I STARTED PAINTING 3 YEARS AGO AND CONTINUE TO DO IT AT HOME. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? OVER THE SUMMER I TRAVELED TO YELLOWSTONE, WENT HOME TO THE UK AND VISITED NORWAY AND ICELAND WHILE I WAS OUT THERE. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? THE HOBBY THAT I ENJOY IS GOING TO THE MOVIES. I TRY AND GO EVERY TWO WEEKS AND SEE WHATEVER IS OUT. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... GETTING TO KNOW THE STUDENTS THAT ARE MOVING UP TO 6TH GRADE MORE AND SPENDING MORE TIME WITH THE STUDENTS FROM LAST YEAR.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY?
GEORGIA DRAKOPOULOU SHE/HER/HERS LANGUAGE THERAPIST
I AM A LANGUAGE THERAPIST. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I SPENT MOST OF MY CHILDHOOD SUMMERS TRAVELING AROUND GREECE IN A VOLKSWAGEN CAMPER VAN! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I SPENT PART OF MY SUMMER VISITING MY FAMILY IN GREECE. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE COOKING, HIKING, AND DIVING INTO RESEARCH ON TOPICS THAT INTEREST ME. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO RECONNECTING WITH RETURNING STUDENTS, MEETING NEW ONES, AND FINDING MEANINGFUL AND ENGAGING WAYS TO SUPPORT THEIR LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION.
TANYA EHRLICH SHE/HER/HERS DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND PLACEMENT
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM THE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND PLACEMENT. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I LOVE THE CHICAGO BEARS FOOTBALL TEAM. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I VISITED PORTUGAL FOR A WEEDING THIS SUMMER! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE YOGA AND PILATES. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... ACCEPTING MORE GATEWAY STUDENTS!
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH MATH TO BRIDGE THROUGH 8TH GRADE.
THOMAS EINOLF HE/HIM/HIS MS HEAD TEACHER
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I CAN SAIL! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I WENT TO A WORLD CUP SOCCER GAME, TRAVELED, AND STUDIED. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? PLAYING SOCCER! THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... ADDING MORE HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES INTO THE MATHEMATICS CLASSROOM!
CAROLINE ELIFF SHE/HER/HERS LANGUAGE THERAPIST
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? LOWER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE THERAPIST. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I LOVE WATCHING COLLEGE FOOTBALL - GO LONGHORNS! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? THIS SUMMER, I TRAVELED HOME TO TEXAS, SPENT TIME ON THE JERSEY SHORE, CELEBRATED MY PARENTS' BIRTHDAYS IN MICHIGAN, AND WELCOMED A NEW NEPHEW! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE COOKING NEW RECIPES, PLAYING MAHJONG, AND TRYING NEW RESTAURANTS! THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING NEW GAMES, SHARING LOTS OF LAUGHS, AND MAKING MEANINGFUL MEMORIES WITH MY STUDENTS!
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM A CUSTODIAN AND WORK IN FACILITIES.
ALFREDO FABIAN HE/HIM/HIS CUSTODIAN
DIÓGENES ESCAÑO HE/HIM/HIS CUSTODIAN
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM A CUSTODIAN AND WORK IN FACILITIES.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH 8TH GRADE RESEARCH.
BONNIE HALLORAN SHE/HER/HERS MS LEARNING SPECIALIST AND PROGRAM COORDINATOR
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I LOVE BIRDWATCHING AND STARGAZING! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? THIS SUMMER, I VISITED ACADIA NATIONAL PARK IN MAINE, WHERE I WENT ON SOME AMAZING HIKES AND ENJOYED SPECTACULAR VIEWS. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE TO HIKE AND TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF NATURE. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING TO KNOW ALL OF OUR NEW STUDENTS AND PARTICIPATING IN THE TEACHER VERSUS STUDENT COMPETITIONS WE HAVE PLANNED FOR THIS YEAR!
MAE HARKINS THEY/THEM/THEIRS ADVANCEMENT & COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? YOU'LL USUALLY SEE ME AROUND SCHOOL WITH MY CAMERA! I TAKE PICTURES OF SCHOOL LIFE AND SHARE THEM WITH FAMILIES. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? STUDENTS MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW I COME FROM A VERY BIG FAMILY. I HAVE 7 BROTHERS AND 1 SISTER AND I EVEN HAVE 40 FIRST COUSINS! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? THIS SUMMER I WENT TO LBI WITH MY COUSINS, PLAYED GAMES WITH FRIENDS, AND TRIED GARDENING. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE MAKING CERAMICS! I HAVE A STUDIO WHERE I MAKE ALL DIFFERENT TYPES OF POTTERY. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... HALLOWEEN! I LOVE SEEING EVERYONE'S CREATIVE COSTUMES AND PLAYING FUN GAMES ALL DAY.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY?
WILL HARRISON HE/HIM/HIS SENIOR PSYCHOLOGIST
ADMINISTRATION & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT GROUPS. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? THAT I'VE WORKED IN HOSPITALS, RESIDENTIAL AND GROUP HOMES PRIOR TO COMING TO GATEWAY. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? TRAVELED TO SEVERAL CARIBBEAN ISLANDS. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE TO COOK. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... OUR SCHOOL MUSICAL.
PRANEE HEDDON SHE/HER/HERS ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ASSOCIATE
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ASSOCIATE, WHICH MEANS I PAY THE SCHOOL’S BILLS.
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I AM A SMALL LADY WHO WORKS IN BUSINESS OFFICE. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? THIS SUMMER I TRAVELED. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE TO GO ON WALKS. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... DOING MORE EXERCISE.
SHERRI HELVIE SHE/HER/HERS HEAD OF SCHOOL
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I WAS BORN ON THE AZORES ISLANDS, AND I GREW UP IN ALASKA. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I STARTED WRITING A NOVEL. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? KAYAKING--AND I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO KAYAKING ON THE HUDSON RIVER! THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... SEEING STUDENTS IN THE MORNING AS THEY ARRIVE AT SCHOOL!
CHRISTIAN HICKS SHE/HER/HERS MS HEAD TEACHER
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH ELA TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I HAVE AN 85 POUND DOG. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I WAS IN MONTANA ALL SUMMER! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE TO SKI! THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... I AM SO EXCITED TO READ AND TEACH SOME NEW BOOKS!
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I ADVOCATE FOR THE STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
HEATHER IRONSIDE SHE/HER/HERS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT AND FAMILY ADVOCACY
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? STUDENTS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT I'M AN AVID GOLFER! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I FINISHED 2 CROCHET PROJECTS! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? GOLF AND CROCHETING. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... WORKING WITH THE NEW TEACHERS AND SEEING THE NEW STUDENTS!
JOANNA KARASOULAS SHE/HER/HERS DIRECTOR OF LANGUAGE AND LITERACY
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I WORK WITH GATEWAY LEARNING SPECIALISTS, LANGUAGE THERAPISTS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN BOTH DIVISIONS. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? QUESTIONS LIKE THESE STUMP ME! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I VISITED FAMILY IN GREECE. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE PRACTICING YOGA. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... MEETING NEW STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM THE STORYTELLER AND EDITOR FOR GATEWAY! THAT COULD LOOK LIKE SENDING OUT WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS WITH SCHOOL UPDATES, MANAGING OUR SCHOOL'S WEBSITE, CREATING VIDEOS ABOUT GATEWAY TO SHARE, BEING THE INHOUSE EDITOR, AND MUCH MORE! I ALSO HELP PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY KNOW AND LEARN MORE ABOUT GATEWAY.
ASHLEY KNAUER SHE/HER/HERS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I WAS ON A GAME SHOW, THE PRICE IS RIGHT, AND I GOT TO PLAY PLINKO! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I READ A LOT OF AMAZING BOOKS! LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT A RECOMMENDATION! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I DO LOVE READING, BUT I ALSO LOVE TO DANCE! THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... SOME OF MY FAVORITE GATEWAY TRADITIONS, LIKE FIELD DAY AND THE SPRING MUSICAL!
KORYN KNUDSEN SHE/HER/HERS MS HEAD TEACHER
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH 6TH GRADE ELA AND 6TH AND 7TH GRADE HUMANITIES WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I LOVE ROLLERCOASTERS - THE SCARIER THE BETTER! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I SPENT WEEKS IN THE MOUNTAINS OF COLORADO AND THE RED-ROCK CANYONS OF UTAH. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I AM STILL QUITE OBSESSED WITH PICKLEBALL AND TAKE EVERY CHANCE I CAN TO GET IN SOME GAMES. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... LEARNING ALL THE NEWEST GEN ALPHA SLANG AND THEN RAGE BAIT STUDENTS BY USING THE WORDS ALL WRONG. ALSO, OVERPLAYING THE FIVE THEMES OF GEOGRAPHY AND OTHER CRINGE SONGS ON MY PLAYLISTS.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM THE MIDDLE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST AND I TEACH SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
LISA LEVENSON SHE/HER/HERS SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I'M AMBIDEXTROUS! THIS MEANS I CAN WRITE WITH EITHER HAND! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? THIS SUMMER, I SPENT LOTS OF TIME RELAXING BY THE POOL WITH A GOOD BOOK IN HAND—TWO OF MY FAVORITE WAYS TO UNWIND AND RECHARGE! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE TO READ ON MY KINDLE! THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... WATCHING STUDENTS GROW BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM!
RACHEL LI SHE/HER/HERS STAFF ACCOUNTANT
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM AN ACCOUNTANT IN THE BUSINESS OFFICE. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I AM VERY QUIET. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? IT WAS NICE TO HAVE SOME TIME TO RELAX AND RECHARGE. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE TO TRAVEL AND PLAY BADMINTON. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO USE VERACROSS PROFICIENTLY.
MELANIE LORENZO SHE/HER/HERS SCHOOL SECRETARY
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM THE SCHOOL SECRETARY AND AFTER SCHOOL COORDINATOR. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I HIKED 100 MILES IN 5 DAYS IN SCOTLAND.
WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I SPENT A LOT OF MY TIME AT THE BEACH. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? FILM PHOTOGRAPHY AND ROLLER SKATING.
THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... ALL THE FUN ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS WE HAVE PLANNED!
MARINA MRAKOVCIC SHE/HER/HERS CONTROLLER
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I WORK IN THE BUSINESS OFFICE. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I SPEAK CROATIAN. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? TRAVELED TO EUROPE-CROATIA WITH MY CHILDREN. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE TO GO TO PARKS AND THE BEACH. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... STUDENTS' PROJECT PRESENTATIONS, THE MUSICAL, AND FIELD DAY.
ALLYSON MURPHY SHE/HER/HERS MS HEAD TEACHER
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH ELA TO 6TH AND 8TH GRADE. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I'VE BEEN ON TV BEFORE! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? THIS SUMMER I HIKED ZION NATIONAL PARK. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? SPENDING TIME WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS, PLAYING SPORTS AND TRAVELING. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... CELEBRATING ALL THE LITTLE WINS—IN THE CLASSROOM, IN SPORTS, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN!
JULIE NGUYEN SHE/HER/HERS DIRECTOR OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM THE DIRECTOR OF MIDDLE SCHOOL. I OVERSEE THE MIDDLE SCOOL DIVISION (GRADES 6-8) AND TEACH SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE UPPER BRIDGE PROGRAM. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I HAVE BEEN SKATEBOARDING SINCE I WAS 16. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I WENT ON A CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP WITH MY FAMILY. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LOVE COOKING! THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... ALL THE JOY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL!
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY?
EMY OKUYAMA SHE/HER/HERS ASSISTANT TO DIVISION DIRECTORS
I AM THE ASSISTANT TO DIVISION DIRECTORS. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? BEING A TOURIST IN MY OWN CITY AND WALKING AROUND NEIGHBORHOODS THAT I DON'T VISIT OFTEN. APPRECIATING WHERE I LIVE! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? EMBROIDERING AND SEWING THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... MEETING EVERYONE AND BEING PART OF THE GATEWAY COMMUNITY
GABE PEÑA HE/HIM/HIS PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH PHYSICAL EDUCATION TO THE WHOLE SCHOOL AND COACH BOYS BASKETBALL, SOCCER, AND SOFTBALL. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I AM NOT A FAN OF ROLLERCOASTERS! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? READING AND RELAXING! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? WORKING OUT/EXERCISING. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... GETTING TO KNOW ALL OF OUR NEW GATEWAY STUDENTS!
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? TEACH PE TO UPPER LS & ALL MS STUDENTS. COACH GATEWAY LIONS IN SOCCER, BOYS BASKETBALL, & SOFTBALL.
JOEL PEREZ HE/HIM/HIS PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER AND ATHLETICS COORDINATOR
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I HAVE FOUR CHILDREN AND ALL FOUR COMPETED IN NCAA DIVISION 1 ATHLETICS. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I VISITED THREE MLB STADIUMS THAT I HAVE NEVER VISITED BEFORE, CITI FIELD IN NY (METS), PNC PARK IN PITTSBURGH (PIRATES), & FENWAY PARK IN BOSTON (RED SOX). I HAVE NOW VISITED 16 MLB STADIUMS IN MY LIFETIME. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? ENJOY SPENDING TIME WITH MY FAMILY, TRAVELING, AND WATCHING SPORTS. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... GETTING TO KNOW ALL NEW STUDENTS TO GATEWAY AND COACHING THE GATEWAY LIONS!
SOPHIE PICKARD SHE/HER/HERS MS HEAD TEACHER
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM A MS ELA AND RESEARCH TEACHER. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? THIS SUMMER, I TRAVELED TO LONDON AND QUEUED FOR WIMBLEDON. I ALSO MOVED FROM ALEXANDRIA, VA TO MANHATTAN, AND I HAVE BEEN EXPLORING NEW NEIGHBORHOODS, MAKING NEW FRIENDS, AND TRYING NEW RESTAURANTS. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? TENNIS, READING, AND PAINTING. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... THIS YEAR, I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING MY STUDENTS! I AM ALSO EXCITED TO LEARN FROM MY EXPERIENCED COLLEAGUES.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? DEVELOP MATH CURRICULUM AND PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONAL COACHING FOR MATH TEACHERS.
VALERIE RAFAL SHE/HER/HERS DIRECTOR OF MATHEMATICS
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I AM AN ONLY CHILD. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? TRYING NEW RECIPES WITH MY DAUGHTER. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? READING FICTION BOOKS. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... WATCHING OUR STUDENTS GROW AS MATHEMATICIANS.
JOHN SACAZAS HE/HIM/HIS IT SUPPORT TECHNICIAN
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? PROVIDE TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE TO ALL STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I USED TO ROLLER SKATE AROUND THE CITY. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I GOT INTO CARD COLLECTING AND VISITED A LOT OF CARD SHOWS. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? KARAOKE. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... CONNECTING WITH NEW STUDENTS AND TEAM MEMBERS!
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH MATH TO BRIDGE AND MIDDLE SCHOOL.
TALIA SOMMA SHE/HER/HERS MS HEAD TEACHER AND CURRICULUM SPECIALIST
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I DO POTTERY AND HAVE MADE MOST OF THE DISHES IN MY HOUSE WITH MY OWN HANDS. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I WENT TO COSTA RICE AND SURFED EVERY DAY! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING TO KNOW EACH OF MY STUDENTS AND CREATING A CLASSROOM WHERE THEY FEEL SUPPORTED, CONFIDENT, AND EXCITED TO LEARN. I’M ESPECIALLY EXCITED TO SEE THEIR GROWTH THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND CELEBRATE ALL OF THE LITTLE MOMENTS AND BIG ACCOMPLISHMENTS ALONG THE WAY.
JOSEPH SONENSHEIN HE/HIM/HIS MS HEAD TEACHER
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM A 6TH GRADE ADVISOR AND TEACH GRADES 6-8 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I ENJOY BOWLING, WIFFLE BALL, AND TENNIS WHEN MY ACHY BODY AGREES TO DO THOSE THINGS. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I GOT INTO EXPLORING NATURE, HIKING THROUGH STREAMS, ADMIRING THE GIANT REDWOODS FROM BELOW AND ABOVE, AND HUGGING SOME TREES. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LIKE COLLECTING AND SELLING VINTAGE TOYS. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... MEETING NEW STUDENTS AND SEEING FAMILIAR FACES!
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH HUMANITIES TO 6TH AND 8TH GRADE.
APRIL SURATOS SHE/HER/HERS MS HEAD TEACHER AND CURRICULUM SPECIALIST
WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I LOVE ALL THINGS CHOCOLATE. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? BOOK NOOK KITS. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? GOING TO THE MOVIES. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... TRYING NEW RECIPES.
SAVANNA WEINSTEIN SHE/HER/HERS SCHOOL NURSE
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I AM THE SCHOOL NURSE. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I HAVE A CAT NAMED MISO. WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? THIS SUMMER I SPENT TIME RELAXING, TRYING NEW RESTAURANTS, SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND ENJOYING SOME MUCH NEEDED SUNSHINE! WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? RUNNING IN THE PARK! THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO HELPING EVERYONE HAVE A HEALTHY, HAPPY, AND FUN SCHOOL YEAR.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT GATEWAY? I TEACH HUMANITIES AND RESEARCH. WHAT WOULD STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU? I ONCE RODE A BICYCLE FROM SEATTLE TO SAN FRANCISCO! WHAT DID YOU GET INTO THIS SUMMER? I PLAYED A LOT OF SOCCER WITH MY SON. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU LOVE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL? I LIKE TO KICK BACK AND LISTEN TO RECORDS OR THE RADIO. THIS YEAR I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO... BECOMING A BETTER TEACHER AND GROWING AS A PERSON!
JAKE HEAD HE/HIM/HIS MS HEAD TEACHER