Dr. David Hopson
In addition to getting the grounds and buildings ready for the return of students, we also have to ensure that we have the appropriately certified staff ready to interact and teach students. As we rapidly move towards the first day back for students (August 31) we have nearly completed the process of filling open positions. As I’ve mentioned in prior columns, the process of hiring new staff involves much more than just a building principal but rather is a group process whereby teaching staff and others get a chance to be involved in the hiring process. I want to take this opportunity to thank all those individuals who have sat on selection committees this spring and summer for both teachers, adjustment counselors, and our high school principal.
To begin the introduction of these new staff members to the community, I’ll provide their position in the district and a brief background. As in past years, we have a great group of new staff joining the Gateway family with a wide range of experience, education, and backgrounds. I hope each of you will help welcome these individuals to the district.
In the Welding Program, our only Chapter 74 (state approved vocational program), we are pleased to be able to welcome Mr. Paul Atkinson who was the metals teacher at Easthampton High School. Mr. Atkinson brings a wealth of experience in both the private manufacturing world and from being a teacher. Given the difficulty of having a vocational program in a comprehensive high school, and the past success of our welding program, we are fortunate to be able to continue this program with such a talented instructor.
We have a new high school mathematics teacher. Joining our mathematics department is Daniel Stahelski. Mr. Stahelski is a recent graduate of Westfield State University with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and is coming to us after teaching in Fall River.
We are also pleased to announce that we have secured two individuals to fill our open positions as adjustment counselors. At Littleville, Mr. John Morgan brings us significant experience in counseling and is essentially returning home as he is a Gateway graduate. Mr. Morgan has both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Eastern Nazarene College. We also are pleased to welcome Ms. Elizabeth McCormick as a shared adjustment counselor and behavioral specialist for Littleville and the Middle School. Ms. McCormick brings a wealth of experience to the district and has a Bachelor’s Degree from AIC and a Master’s Degree from Springfield College.
In the Middle School we welcome two new teachers, one in fifth grade and one in sixth grade. Ms. Kristen Gladu joins the fifth grade team bringing her experience as both a fourth and fifth grade teacher in Holyoke. Ms. Gladu has both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Westfield State University. Ms. Abigail Forcier joins the sixth grade team and brings her experience as a fourth and fifth grade teacher from Swift River and Lanesborough Schools. Ms. Forcier has a Bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University and a Master’s degree from Lesley University.
As a high school special education teacher, we welcome Ms. Michele Klemaszewski who brings a wealth of experience from the White Oak School, Chicopee High Schools, and as an adult instructor (and director) for the Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center. Ms. Kemaszewski has her Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Purchase and her Master’s degree from Westfield State University.
I will not reintroduce Mr. Jason Finnie our high school principal as he was highlighted in an earlier column. I can say that Mr. Finnie has been very busy getting settled in and ensuring everything is ready for our junior and senior high school students and staff.
