Schools

New Providence School District Welcomes New Faculty Members

District has 13 new faculty members working as teachers, guidance counselors and administrators.

Before the new school year began last week, new faculty members were welcomed into the New Providence School District at an orientation held by Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Miceli.

In total, there are 13 new faculty members who are now working throughout the district as teachers, guidance counselors and administrators.

New Providence High School

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Steven Siracusa — As a graduate of New Providence High School, Steven returns to the school to work as a Health and Physical Education teacher. Steven recently graduated from The College of New Jersey where he majored in Health and Physical Education.

Charles “Chuck” Carell — As a 2003 graduate from The College of New Jersey, Chuck comes to the high school as a Math teacher with five years of experience. He said he feels very excited and privileged to work in a great place like New Providence.

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— As the new High School Assistant Principal, Lauren comes to the district with teaching experience from Elizabeth and Franklin Township, and experience as the Assistant Principal at Northern Highlands Regional High School in Bergen County.

New Providence Middle School

Holly Pizzonia — With seven years of experience teaching on Long Island, Holly is a new Math teacher at the middle school. After earning her undergraduate degree in Business Management from Bucknell University, Holly started her career in television. She then earned her master's degree in Math Education from CW Post and started a new career in teaching.

Joan Rykus — With eight years of experience on the high school and middle school levels, Joan previously worked within districts in Staten Island and Westfield. She is now a new Math teacher at the middle school.

Stacey Weber — Stacey completed an internship at Madison before coming to work as a Guidance Counselor at the middle school in January. She said she enjoyed the last six months and is excited for the new school year.

Gina Bellitti — After making a career change eight years ago, Gina earned her master's degree at Seton Hall University and then worked in non-public schools. As a Special Education teacher at the middle school, with a concentration in Math, Gina said she is thrilled and excited for the new school year.

Salt Brook Elementary School

Rebecca Crawford — Rebecca just graduated from The College of New Jersey with a major in Math, Science and Technology, with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. She will be teaching students in second grade at Salt Brook and said she is very excited for the year ahead.

Barbara Denike — After achieving her undergraduate degree at Seton Hall University, Barbara earned her master's degree at Wagner College and Special Education Certification at Kean University. Barbara, a new Providence resident, is teaching Basic Skills In-Class Support for grades 5 and 6 at Salt Brook this year. She said she has taught students from pre-school to fourth grade and is delighted to get to know her students and their parents.

Sharon Stieve — Sharon comes to Salt Brook after working as a Teacher's Assistant in Livingston and after gaining experience as a Kindergarten and Second Grade teacher. She will be working as a Teacher Aide at Salt Brook this year. 

Allen W. Roberts Elementary School

John "Jay" Richter — John has 11 years of experience as an Elementary School teacher and a Middle School Instructional Leader in Morristown. As the new Assistant Principal at Roberts, John said he was born and raised in Berkeley Heights, and is happy to be close to home again.

Jennifer Berntson — Jennifer graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2010 with a major in Elementary Education and Math, Science and Technology. As a Pre-K Teacher Aide at Roberts, Jennifer was also born and raised in Berkeley Heights.

Raquel Witham — As a resident of New Providence, Raquel will be working as a First Grade teacher at Roberts this year and said she is excited to join the academic community.


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