Mrs. Jeri Krish has been a staple of the GHS community for 33 years in our World Language Department. Her impact on students and faculty has been so positive and uplifting. In order to reflect on her wonderful career, her former student and current colleague Carmina Villegas joined the pod to co-host the episode. Mrs. Villegas’s “lightning round” of questions will brighten your day. Listening to Mrs. Krish reflect on her time working with students through the medium of world languages will encourage you to be more empathetic, compassionate, and kind. Mrs. Krish is part of the retirement class of 2024 and we wish her well in her next endeavors!

Mr. Greene and Mrs. Diaz discuss the band and orchestra program for the district, which begins in Goshen Intermediate School. GIS offers 4th graders the chance to learn band or orchestra instruments, with exposure to instruments starting in 3rd grade through events like concerts and instrument demonstrations. Parents receive an email with enrollment information via a website link and form. Students need a working instrument, preferably rented from a reputable store, and the lesson book "Essential Elements Interactive." Lessons are 30 minutes weekly in small groups, with a rotating schedule to avoid missing the same class each week, and teachers help students understand lesson charts in each classroom. Parents can support their child by encouraging weekly independent practice and listening to their practice sessions or even arranging video chats with relatives for performances. Check out the Google Site with information!

Char O’Connor has been the school nurse in Goshen Intermediate School for the past 20 years. Her work with families, students, and teachers has helped us all grow in tremendous ways. Her care for the community and her thankfulness to Goshen for their support is infectious. Char is looking forward to her upcoming retirement this next year. Listen to this episode to hear her reflection on a career full of service, joy, and growth through struggles. 

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Reach out for private therapeutic yoga sessions

Kathy Higgins has been a 6th grade teacher in Goshen for 22 years, and is commemorating her 37th year in public education. Her desire to help students better themselves is a fantastic model for all aspiring and current educators. She has seen a lot of change throughout her career, and her focus through much of those changes is to help students become critical thinkers and evaluators of information as they grow into adults. Mrs. Higgins is part of the “Class of 2024” retiree group and she is looking forward to new adventures and experiences! This episode is a great reflection on a career of service to our Goshen family.

Rick Sternkopf is a proud Goshen resident who works and lives in Goshen. His commitment to the Gladiators spreads from working with foundational skills with our youngest students all the way through coaching our high school athletes. Rick is passionate about the Scotchtown Avenue Student growth and excitement that elevates the community every day. Tune in for a great conversation with Mr. Sternkopf.

Anabel Tavkar is in her 2nd year as a 4th grade teacher at Goshen Intermediate School, but her 16th year overall in education. Her experience as an English language learner and immigrant from the Dominican Republic has inspired her passion for language acquisition for all learners. She loves working with the 4th graders, and is happy that Goshen has quickly become a new family for her and she treats her classroom as such. Anabel’s story is compelling and anyone would be lucky to have their student in her class!

Valerie Natt is currently a 3rd grade teacher at Goshen Intermediate School, but she has worked across the Goshen district in 3 of our schools! She is also the founder and director of the GIS Drama Club, which has inspired and given opportunities to hundreds of kids! Her passion and drive for kids emanates in her work and this conversation. You can’t help but be encouraged when listening to her. Her advice to students, which she shares at the end, is powerful for all of us.

You can get tickets to the upcoming GIS Musical here:

Roy Reese’s experience in public education began in the 1960’s as a teacher. He  has had several roles in education including coach, athletic director, stage lighting manager, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent, just to name a few.  Formerly he served as both Principal of Goshen High School and Superintendent of Goshen School District. He has also worked with many college programs and other districts as well. Mr. Reese has “retired” a few times, but continues to pour into teachers and students through taking on interim administrative roles, advising and teaching college students, and volunteering with the GHS Stage Crew. He says he doesn’t “go to work” every day, but he enjoys “going to school.” That philosophy manifests itself with how Mr. Reese works with kids and adults alike in his awe inspiring student-centric approach to learning and leadership.