|
Staff
Using the Wisconsin State Standards, the Wisconsin Early Learning Standards and the K4 and K5 MPS Learning Targets, the 68th Street Early Childhood Center (ECC) staff designs an exciting program for young children. Through continuous research, reflection and rethinking, the staff strives to provide the best practices in early childhood education and ultimately, promote greater student success.
Staff members at 68th Street ECC are not only experienced, but passionate about teaching. With patience and compassion for young learners, teachers provide positive feedback and daily encouragement. Students trust their teachers and learn they can rely on them for support. Teachers collaborate with parents, administration and community members in an effort to establish a strong support network for the children enrolled at 68th ECC.
Please click on a staff member’s name to view their biography.
Administration
Teachers
Specialists
Paraprofessionals
Educational Assistants
Handicapped Children’s Assistant (HCA)
Administration |
|
| Jacquelyn Humphrey, Principal |
|
| |
|
| Erna Smejkal, Secretary |
|
| Ms. Smejkal has been the school secretary at 68th Street School since 2001. She loves her job! Her favorite aspect of the school is that it is small with only kindergarten students. The school is a great place because parents know that their children can get a wonderful education and are safe here. |
| |
|
|
Teachers |
|
| Amy Hendricks, Room 207 A/P, K3/K4 |
|
| Ms. Hendricks has been teaching since 1998. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from UW-Green Bay in 1998. She obtained her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UW-Green Bay in 2003. Her favorite aspect of being a teacher is seeing children learn and grow throughout the school year. She enjoys it when students get excited about learning – she finds it a rewarding experience. Students like Ms. Hendricks’ classroom because it is a safe, caring and fun environment in which active learning takes place. She likes 68th Street School because every child is allowed to learn at his or her pace. Children are challenged at their level and encouraged to do their best. Both parents and staff work together to give students the best education possible. |
| |
|
| Robbin Luna-Popowycz, Room 206A/P, K3/K4 |
|
| Ms. Luna has been teaching since 2002. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from Alverno in 2001 and her master’s degree in Adaptive Education in 2006. Her favorite aspect of being a teacher is watching the children learn something new every day. Students enjoy Ms. Luna’s classroom because she makes learning fun and interactive. Ms. Luna loves to read books, teach the alphabet and numbers, perform science experiments and learn about animals. She likes 68th Street School because we work in “family groups” so children get to know students outside of their classroom. The staff cares about the students and considers each child an individual and works to meet their unique learning needs. |
| |
|
| Debra Jones, Room 202A/P, K3/K4 |
|
| Ms. Jones has been teaching since 1991. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from UW–Whitewater in 1988. She obtained her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University in 2007. In addition, she has earned several credits in African-American studies. Her favorite aspect of being a teacher (although there are many) is that no matter what is happening inside the school or out in the community, the students put a smile on her face and warm her heart. Students like Ms. Jones’ classroom because she provides a child-centered classroom that is bright, inviting and changes throughout the year. She likes 68th Street School because she teaches at the kindergarten level she enjoys the most. She appreciates the wonderful team she works with each week. Her co-workers are supportive and welcoming. |
| |
|
| Mary Weinberger, Room 201A/P, K3/K4 |
|
| Ms. Weinberger has been teaching since 1994. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Communication from UW–Milwaukee. She obtained her master’s degree in Teacher Leadership from Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Her favorite aspect of being a teacher is the learning. She provides instruction on amazing topics such as animals and careers. She guides creative projects, chaperones super field trips and mentors students as they participate in fun activities. Students should know that Ms. Weinberger wants all students to try their best, come to school ready to learn and have lots of fun! She likes 68th Street School because the school educates only kindergarten students. The school is comfortable with a “small town” feeling inside. The staff works very hard to design and implement the most effective and appropriate curriculum for kindergarten students. The preschool curriculum is tailored to reach students at unique ability levels. |
| |
|
| Mary Patterson, Room 107, K5 |
|
| |
|
| Dianne Wicht, Room 106, K5 |
|
| Ms. Wicht began teaching in 1968. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in Vocal and Instrumental Music along with an educational certification for K-12 from UW–Milwaukee in 1968. She obtained her master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University in 1988. |
| |
|
| Barbara Moeser, Room 102, K5 |
|
| Ms. Moeser has been teaching since 1978. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from UW–Madison in 1978. She obtained her master’s degree in Montessori Education (AMI) from the Midwest Montessori Institute in 1986. Her favorite aspect of being a teacher is seeing children light up with excitement when they learn something. Students enjoy Ms. Moeser’s classroom because they have fun while learning. Students should know that she has two children and a dog. She likes 68th Street School because the staff works and collaborates with other grade level teachers on a weekly basis. Everyone at the school cares and loves the children. |
| |
|
| Gina Sabatinelli, Special Education Teacher, K3-K5 |
|
| Ms. Sabatinelli began teaching in 2005. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from UW–Milwaukee in 2002. She obtained her teaching certification in Special Education from UW–Milwaukee in 2007. Her favorite aspect of being a teacher is witnessing the growth and joy in children and appreciating the difference instructors make in their lives. She values her role as a teacher, helping to shape the future of young learners. Students like Ms. Sabatinelli’s classroom because she always puts her students first. She encourages learners to speak openly and express themselves. She likes to have fun but also gets down to business and makes sure students are performing. Ms. Sabatinelli tries to make learning fun and enjoyable while offering praise when students do something well. She likes 68th Street School because of the strong parental involvement and the importance each family gives to education. The staff is very caring. Many parents wish the school went beyond K5! |
| |
|
| Annette Beamon, Special Education Teacher, K3-K5 |
|
| |
|
|
Specialists |
|
| Lola Kennedy, Art Teacher |
|
| |
|
| Donna Simmons, Social Worker |
|
| Ms. Simmons earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee. In 1993, she began her career in school social work at MPS. She enjoys working with families and values the different tasks and challenges inherent in her job. She loves guiding such young learners and seeing the positive impact she is able to make on their lives. Ms. Simmons appreciates the dedication of the staff at 68th Street School. Teachers focus on enabling young students to be the best they can be. In doing so, the staff ensures that these young students have a solid educational base upon which to build future academic success. |
| |
|
| Ruth Stark-Jordan, Literacy Coach |
|
Mrs. Stark-Jordan has worked for MPS since 1996. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education from UW-Milwaukee. She has earned administrative licenses in Principal (K-12), Director of Instruction, Supervisor and Coordinator. Mrs. Stark-Jordan has also been honored to serve as the Early Reading First grant coordinator for the U.S. Department of Education.
As the 68th Street School Literacy Coach, Mrs. Stark-Jordan provides literacy support, mentoring, curriculum planning and professional development. She works with the teachers and staff to guide teaching strategies and instructional practice. To Mrs. Stark-Jordan, 68th Street School is a great place to work because it is a family-centric school. The staff members believe in the ability of every child to achieve academically, socially and physically.
|
| |
|
| Martha Rogers, Speech/Language Therapist |
|
| Ms. Rogers has been teaching since 1969. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications Disorders from Marquette University in 1969. She obtained her master’s degree in Communications Disorders from UW–Whitewater in 1972. Her favorite aspect of being a teacher is working with children. Students enjoy Ms. Rogers’ classroom because students learn to be more effective communicators. Learners should know that Ms. Rogers is serious, but fun! She likes 68th Street School because it is small and focuses on educating young children. She values the good class discussions — child-to-adult, adult-to-adult and child-to-child. She likes the school because of its philosophy of continuous improvement. Teachers try to do their job better each day. |
| |
|
| Merle Cleator-Weckworth, Diagnostic Teacher |
|
| |
|
| Theresa Flegel, Special Education Supervisor |
|
| |
|
| Janet Bean, Psychologist |
|
| |
|
| Amy Lugo, Psychologist |
|
| Ms. Lugo began working as a school psychologist at MPS in 1997. Her favorite aspect of her job is working in classrooms with both teachers and students. She enjoys the students because of their willingness to learn new things. She appreciates 68th Street because of its small family environment. Everyone is willing to help out and work together. |
| |
|
| Margaret Williams, Occupational Therapist |
|
| Ms. Williams has been working as an occupational therapist in MPS since 2001. Her favorite aspect of her position is influencing the individual learning styles and enhancing the well being of each child. She enjoys working with the young learners because they are still discovering new skills and have so much energy and enthusiasm. She values 68th Street because of the school’s approach to learning and the collaboration with parents. The school is great because the staff constantly works as a team with supportive families and children. |
| |
|
| Barbara Todd, Physical Therapist |
|
| |
|
Crystal Hoecherl, School Nurse |
|
| Ms. Hoecherl began her career as a nurse in 1987. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from UW–Madison in 1987. Her favorite aspect of being a nurse is empowering staff and students to care for themselves. Students enjoy Ms. Hoecherl’s office because they can come here to feel better. She expects students to treat themselves, other students and the staff with respect. She likes 68th Street School because she is able to see the rapid growth and development of the little learners. The staff works well together to meet the needs of the students. |
| |
|
Sherry Anderson, Cook Assistant |
|
| |
|
Raymond Watson, Engineer |
|
| |
|
| Darrell Dulaney, Building Service Helper |
|
| |
|
|
Paraprofessionals |
|
Yvette Holley |
|
| |
|
Dana Johnson |
|
| |
|
Tia Smith |
|
| Ms. Smith has been working as a paraprofessional educational assistant since 1995. Her favorite aspect of her job is being able to work with all three kindergarten levels. She likes teaching young students because they are eager to learn. Her favorite aspect of 68th Street School is the hugs given by learners to show how much they like you. The staff is a good team and pleasant to work with. The children know that the teachers and staff care about their progress and want them to succeed. |
| |
|
Cheryl Randall |
|
| Ms. Randall began teaching in MPS in 1997. Her favorite aspect of work is singing and playing games with the students. She likes working with young learners and getting to know their parents. The staff at 68th Street School is committed and dedicated to the children and their success. |
| |
|
|
Educational Assistants |
|
Katherine Person |
|
| Ms. Person began her position with MPS in 1991. Being an office assistant enables her to meet all of our parents and students — she especially loves the babies! She enjoys helping the young learners at 68th Street and mentoring them to become positive, hard-working people in the future. She likes 68th Street because of the unique focus of the school teaching only three-, four- and five-year-old children. Ms. Person sees the children as future graduates that are young and impressionable. |
| |
|
Donna Tess |
|
| Ms. Tess has been working as an educational assistant since 1995. Her favorite aspect of work is collaborating with the staff and children. She helps students begin their school careers on the right path and guides them toward a solid education while enjoying the learning process. She likes teaching because of the satisfying and rewarding smiles and hugs as students learn and grow. 68th Street School is a great place because of its size. Ms. Tess is able to follow the students during their years here and witness their progress. The school is in a good location and the students interact and grow together. As a year-round school, the continuous learning helps students retain knowledge and achieve more. |
| |
|
| Elnora Bowen |
|
| Ms. Bowen has been working as an educational assistant since 1990. Her favorite aspect of work is the enjoyment she gets from working with children. She likes being able to help students learn. She enjoys 68th Street School because of its year-round schedule. The school is a great place because all of the staff is friendly and very welcoming. |
| |
|
| Rita Rice |
|
| |
|
|
Handicapped Children’s Assistant (HCA) |
|
Dana Young-Cornelius |
|
| In 2001, Ms. Young-Cornelius began teaching in MPS. Her favorite aspect of her job is working with children. She enjoys learning something new each day alongside the students. To Ms. Young-Cornelius, 68th Street School is a great place because of its small, family-sized building. The staff works as a team and is concerned about the well-being and progress of all of the young students. Teachers and staff love the children, who are the first priority of the school. |
| |
|
|
|
