Name |
Description |
Fine Arts |
Judy Bell, Art Teacher |
I am Mrs. Bell, the art teacher. My role is to provide art classes to all students in Grade K-6. Students have the opportunity to draw, paint, work with clay,do printmaking, use scissors and glue, construct art works and work with fibers. They also learn to appreciate art work done by famous artists. but most importantly, they learn to be creative! |
Katie Podyma, Music Teacher |
As one of the general music teachers this year, I will be teaching Kindergarten through sixth grade, as well as the fifth grade choir. I will teach the children about music from other cultures, as well as incorporating a lot of singing, dancing, acting and movement into every class. For the younger grades, I will be focusing primarily on singing, dancing and using instruments to help learn about steady beat. The older grades will be focusing on broadening their musical vocabulary, singing in rounds, playing recorder and learning how to play many other instruments. It should be a wonderful musical experience for every grade! |
Ben Whelan-Morin, Music Teacher |
Mr. Whelan-Morin is joining us this year as one of our new General Music Teachers and the 6th Grade Choir Director. He comes with extensive teaching experience in the Waterbury Public Schools in Connecticut and at the William E. Doar, Jr. Public Charter School for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC where he was nominated as a finalist for the DC Mayor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Performing Arts. Mr. Whelan-Morin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from The Hartt School for the Performing Arts and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University. In addition to teaching and directing award-winning children’s choruses, Mr. Whelan-Morin is also a professional singer, actor, and performer. One time, he had an opportunity to perform with the legendary Stevie Wonder! He welcomes, excitedly, the opportunity to work with the students at Riverside and is looking forward to what should be a fantastic school year! |
|
Physical Education |
Cathy Conte & Eric Bernatzky |
|
|
Curriculum & Instructional Support |
Flo Kane, Math Specialist |
As the math resource teacher at Riverside, I collaborate with teachers to plan, prepare, and present engaging math lessons for students. I support the math program by accessing resources, sharing recent research, co-teaching in classrooms, and providing learning activities for students. Math is everywhere and we are all mathematicians! |
April Cage, Instructional Coach |
As an Instructional Coach, it is my role, to help create a culture of collaboration that fosters critical thinking, data analysis, and reflection every day. I assist teachers, by modeling best practices, planning, providing evidence-based research, resources and feedback. I support instructional specialist in reading and math in order to narrow the achievement gap. All of this together helps teachers see the impact of their instruction on students. |
Lisa Callahan & Heather Thurmond, Title 1 Reading |
|
| Krishna Belino, Reading Specialist |
|
Lisa Holm, Literacy Collaborative Coach |
|
Linda Aldridge, Reading Specialist |
|
| Melissa Chang, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher |
|
| Cathy Martin, Librarian |
|
Pamela Messersmith, School Based Technology Specialist |
As the SBTS, I plan and implement instructional technology and technology training in our school; provide curriculum integration support; perform level 1 troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment and software; serve as liaison with technology resources; and I conduct training and support technology installation as needed to fulfill division-wide needs. |
|
Student Services |
Sally Rahama, Social Worker |
My primary role as the school social worker for Riverside ES is to participate in the special education screening and eligibility process. I also provide crisis intervention, behavioral consultation and individual, group, and family counseling. I serve as liaisons between home, school, and community. I am involved with child abuse reporting and monitoring as well as collaborating with community agencies to offer services through the Virginia Comprehensive Services Act. The primary goal is to remove any barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling his or her academic potential. |
Yolanda Spears, School Counselor |
As school counselor I:
empower all students to achieve academic success through a comprehensive guidance program
facilitate students’ academic, social and emotional development
work collaboratively with families, teachers and the community to be advocates for a goal-oriented learning environment
educate students to embrace diversity, become responsible citizens and be productive individuals |
Colette Hill, School Psychologist |
As school psychologist it is my role to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. I work with administrators, teachers, students and families to address learning and/or behavioral issues that are interfering with a student’s learning. I evaluate students within a multidisciplinary team to determine eligibility for special education services. I also work with students individually and in groups to address their particular needs using different strategies. I collaborate with teachers and administrators to develop intervention plans to address learning or behavioral issues. I work to enhance understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures and backgrounds. In a nutshell, I help students to achieve their best in school, at home, and in life. |
| Madina Masumi, School Counselor |
My role as a School Counselor is to help each student reach their full potential by identifying their personal, social, and academic goals. I meet with students individually, in groups, and conduct monthly guidance lessons surrounding a variety of topics. Supporting the students’ emotional development and helping them through problems is also a focus. Collaborating with parents, teachers, and staff assists me to better understand and meet the needs of our students. |
Renee LaRose, Speech |
|
