introducing 2012-2013 ramsey middle school teachers and staff

1 | Ramsey Middle School Teachers & Staff

Principal Paul Marietta ([email protected])

I feel humbled and honored to be working at Ramsey Middle School. I come to Ramsey after

benefiting from numerous experiences in education including elementary classroom teacher,

special education teacher, basketball coach, high school dean of students, assistant

principal at an elementary school, consultant for a non-profit educational research

organization (McREL), professional development specialist for the Minnesota Department of

Education, and most recently as principal of Bancroft Elementary for the Minneapolis Public

Schools.

I have three children of my own, including one daughter in middle school who is 12 this year. My other daughter is 7 and my son is almost 2. My wife is a special education teacher for the

Stillwater School District and we reside in River Falls, WI. Between family and work, I try to find time to mountain bike, run ultra marathons, climb, and do triathlons. At school, you will often find me skateboarding with kids, playing guitar in the classrooms, or observing and learning with students.

Kristin Bergsagel ([email protected])

My name is Kristin Bergsagel and I have spent the past three years teaching 6th grade Language Arts in southwest Minneapolis. I graduated from St. Olaf College with majors in English and music and attended the University of Minnesota for my Master’s Degree in Education. Before becoming a teacher I spent many years working at a local children’s bookstore (some of you may know of it as the store with the purple door and the chicken!) where I truly discovered my love of young adult literature and middle school learners. As a Language Arts teacher I am passionate about fostering authentic inquiry and creative learning, helping my students to explore their identities and interests, using fun technologies, and making the classroom a joyful community. I ground my teaching by always considering what real-world readers, writers, and thinkers do.

When I’m not teaching I love to cook fresh food and explore local restaurants, walk my dog around our beautiful lakes, and of course, read. Favorite books include: The Wednesday Wars, by Gary Schmidt; Dairy Queen, by Catherine Gilbert Murdoch; True (…Sort Of), by Katherine Hannigan; Graceling, by Kristin Cashore; Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick; Found, by Margaret Peterson; Haddix, Rash, by Pete Hautman…and so many more! Can you tell I love books? I’m so looking forward to learning together.

English Language Arts:

Introducing 2012-2013

Ramsey Middle School

Teachers and Staff

RAMSEY MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 West 49

th Street, Minneapolis 55419

Minneapolis Public Schools

mailto:[email protected]























Kelly Marr ([email protected])

Hi my name is Kelly Marr and I have the privilege of teaching 6th grade English Language Arts at Ramsey next year. The past two years I have had the opportunity to work in Northeast Minneapolis as a 6th and 7th grade Reading Teacher, and most recently the Middle School Reading Coach. I earned my teaching degree through Hamline University’s Master in Teaching program where I received licenses in Elementary and in Middle School Language Arts. Last July I successfully completed my K-12 Reading endorsement through Concordia University. Teaching middle school is my passion. My goal for my students is to help them become life

long learners who know how to use reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to think critically about issues in and outside of the classroom. I believe in learning that is individualized and differentiated to make each student’s literacy experiences more engaging and relevant to their lives. A large component of my teaching has been the use of new technologies in my classroom and I look forward to expanding the role technology will play in my classroom at Ramsey. I live in Bloomington with my husband Mike, my daughter Madelyn and our newest addition, Leo Finnegan who was born on May 5th 2012! In my free time I enjoy reading, (of course!), gardening, baking, and painting. However, since I don’t have free time anymore I spend most of my weekends at soccer or dance practice followed by family hikes at the dog park.

Mathematics

Chris Halvorson ([email protected])

I was born and raised in Northern Minnesota. I have been married for almost 7 years to my amazing wife, Jill, who was also raised in Northern Minnesota. We have two energetic sons, Riley, 4, and Boede, 2. Together, we enjoy spending time outdoors, being with family, learning and traveling. We recently moved back to Minnesota after a 10 year residence in Las Vegas, NV, as we wanted to raise our boys with the same Mid-western family values we were raised with. After being a teacher for 14 years, I have decided that there is no better job than teaching. Each day I am constantly amazed when I watch students grow and learn. In addition to working with students, it is very rewarding to work with their parents. As partners in the

student’s education, it is imperative that the parents and I collaborate to help their student succeed. Randy Niemiec ([email protected])

I have been teaching math for 16 years. I have spent the last 11 years teaching at South High School in Minneapolis. I am excited about teaching middle school again after a long time in high schools and I’m excited about helping to create a new middle school program at Ramsey. I believe in bringing the real world into my math class and bringing my math class out into the real world. I am passionate about increasing the number of students from traditionally underrepresented groups in advanced math courses. I grew up in Minneapolis and went to school at Lyndale, Anthony, and Washburn. Even though I lived closer to Ramsey than Anthony, I never got to attend Ramsey because it closed shortly before I reached junior-high age. I majored in mathematics at Carleton

College. My wife is a science teacher at South High School. We have two children. They both attend Lyndale Community School and will eventually go to Ramsey.





























Social Studies

Kara Cisco ([email protected])

I began teaching social studies at six years old, although my students were plush, and my

classroom was our Richfield basement. Years later, I pursued my passion for teaching more

formally, first at Loyola University Chicago, where I earned a B.A. in International Studies, and

then at DePaul University, where I studied education and earned an M.Ed. in Teaching and

Learning. I taught seventh grade interdisciplinary social studies for Chicago Public Schools

before returning to Minnesota, where, for the past five years, I have worked alongside a small

leadership team as a founding staff member of SALT Environmental High School, located in

the Seward neighborhood of South Minneapolis. SALT, an experiential, project-based

environmental learning school, received the Minnesota Association of Alternative Program’s

prestigious “Program of the Year” award in 2009.

I have served as a panelist and guest speaker at numerous professional events, covering topics such as Web

2.0 applications in the classroom and social-emotional learning. I am thrilled to join the staff at Ramsey Middle

School and begin the school year in this wonderful community, and with such an esteemed staff. When I am

not teaching, I take pleasure in exploring our beautiful city with a kayak or a pair of cross-country skis. I reside

in south Minneapolis with my husband and daughter.

Paul Sommers ([email protected])

For more than 20 years I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work as an educator in middle and high schools in Chicago, IL, Brooklyn, NY, and Oxford, England. I have also worked in non-traditional educational settings in Brazil for a number of years. Most recently, I have been teaching Minnesota history to 6th graders in southwest Minneapolis. I am excited about the many possibilities that awaken with Ramsey’s opening this coming fall and look forward to helping create another high quality Minneapolis Public School. I believe strongly in the team approach to learning – teams of teachers, teams of students, teams of families, all mixed up– working together to create a strong educational environment that challenges all of us to grow. Let the fun begin!

Science

Kate Holland ([email protected])

My name is Kate Holland. I have been a Minneapolis public school science teacher for 15 years. I received my Bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, my Elementary Education License from St. Thomas University, and my Middle School Science License from Bemidji State. I love teaching science. I believe the best way to learn is to get your hands dirty and experience things. My science classes are fun and informative. I believe that students get a deeper understanding when learning through the arts. I enjoy integrating theater and visual arts into my science lessons. I was recently married; we live in St. Louis Park with our puppy, Hopper. I enjoy camping, being outdoors, and going to Twins games. I am originally from Wisconsin, and I am a huge

Packer fan.





























Beth Olson ([email protected])

My name is Beth Olson, and I have had the pleasure of teaching middle school science since 2005. I received my Master's degree from Saint Mary's University and my Bachelor's degree from Bethel University. In my free time I love to bike, go camping, and watch Twins games at Target Field! My favorite thing to do in the summer is travel to Colorado for whitewater rafting and hiking. Students in my classes learn through hands-on, discovery-based exploration and labs. I love incorporating technology into my lessons; I think it's a great way for students to stay engaged in their learning, while gaining great experiences in a fun way. I am really looking forward to being part of the new community at Ramsey Middle School and can't wait to meet

you all!

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Marina Posse-Morey ([email protected])

Hello! I am Marina Posse-Morey, and I will be teaching English as a Second Language this coming school year. I am very excited to be a part of this new program. I am looking forward to meeting my new students and their families, as I believe education is a collaborative effort. I received an MFA in Education from Minsk Linguistic University, and since then my teaching experience has spanned two continents. I taught English and French as Foreign Languages in Belarus for 15 years, and since 1993 I have been teaching ESL at Sheridan Global Arts in Minneapolis. I enjoy supporting my students in developing their confidence, academic growth, and critical thinking.

Outside of my teaching I enjoy all genres of Art, reading,and traveling, but most of all spending time with my large family.

Special Education

Sarah Hedge - SERT ([email protected])

Hi! My name is Sarah Hedge. I am the Special Education Resource Teacher at Ramsey Middle School. Ramsey is my family’s neighborhood middle school, and I’m thrilled to be here. In 10+ years of experience as an educator, I have served as a special education teacher and coordinator, a service-learning coordinator, a program coordinator for urban environmental education programs, and a holistic health coach. Student strengths, needs, and goals are at the center of all that I do. I look forward to supporting each of my students as they strive to reach their potential, both in school and in the world. I earned my Master of Arts degree in Special Education from the University of St. Thomas, and my Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado College. I hold teaching licenses in Specific

Learning Disabilities and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, and I have certificates in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Orton-Gillingham Reading, and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Hablo español también. In my free time I enjoy cooking, being outside, and spending time with my husband, three kids, two cats, and dog. I welcome the opportunity to talk with families, so please feel free to contact me at any time.































Amber Gibbs – Autism Program ([email protected])

My name is Amber Gibbs and I am very excited to be on the new Ramsey Middle School Team as the Autism Teacher next year. I have worked with students with autism ranging in age from 2 to 30 for over 10 years and have loved every minute of it. I am a passionate advocate for their wellness and pursuit of education. I have been a teacher in the district for the past 4 years at Andersen and am excited to start a new chapter at Ramsey. I truly love our district, our families and our students, and there simply is no place I would rather be teaching. I strive to give each of my students a voice in the classroom, an environment conducive to learning, and opportunities to reach their fullest potential. In my free time I enjoy reading, biking, camping and relaxing with my cat and husband who

also works in the district. I also love hanging out with my niece and family. I have lived in the area since I was little and went through the Minneapolis Public Schools system myself, graduating from Southwest. I then went on to the U of M to earn my bachelors in elementary education and masters in special education. I am looking forward to the 2012-2013 school year and what it has to bring! Amber Honcharoff - Speech Language ([email protected])

I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist in the Minneapolis Public School District since October 2011. I began at Sheridan Arts Magnet and Sanford Middle School. I grew up in central North Dakota. I received my Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota. I received my Masters Degree from St. Cloud State University and completed an internship with the Minneapolis Public Schools. I also work part time with Aegis Therapies in Skilled Nursing Facilities around the Metro area. I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the New Ramsey Middle School.

Selena Garcia - Special Education Assistant ([email protected]) Leslie Bell Pashalek - Special Education Assistant ([email protected])

My name is Leslie Bell Pashalek. I’ve been in the Minneapolis Public School system for 14 years, 10 of those as a Special Education Assistant. Once upon a time, I was a student at Ramsey. Later, my mother, a retired special education teacher, taught there. And now I’m back at Ramsey! I have a family, including my husband, Mike, and my daughters, Lara and Anya. I enjoy reading, walking, gardening and so many other things. I especially like working with students and consider myself lucky to have a job where I can do that.








































Arts Integration Specialist

Elissa Cedarleaf-Dahl ([email protected])

I received my BA in Art and Spanish from Macalester College, and a Master's in Fine Art from Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2007. In 2002, I began working for the Minneapolis Public Schools and since then I have taught Art and Spanish, coordinated Summer School Programs, and directed Environmental Education trips for Middle Grades students to Ely, MN and the Black Hills of South Dakota. I also work as Adjunct Faculty at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. I have painted over 30 murals, many collaboratively, and have artwork on 6 continents after working as a free-lance artist for more than 15 years.

I co-owned a North Minneapolis art gallery named “Offbeat,” worked at the Walker Art Center, and ran a kitchen at a Day Shelter on 17th and Chicago. I live in North Minneapolis with my daughter Lucia and husband Erik. I love to travel, play softball, bike, and compete in nordic ski races. I am very dedicated to Community Arts in Minneapolis.

Reading Teacher/Instructional Facilitator

Holly Kragthorpe-Shirley ([email protected])

I am excited to join Ramsey as a reading specialist and instructional facilitator. I have worked in Minneapolis Public Schools for the last 12 years as a social studies teacher, reading specialist, literacy coach, and instructional leader. My husband and I live in Southwest Minneapolis and have two children who attend Armatage Montessori. I hope to bring my passion for middle level education and literacy advocacy to Ramsey coupled with my experiences in facilitating, instructional coaching, and leading teams. After earning a BA at California Lutheran University in political science, I went on to obtain social studies and reading specialist licenses from the U of M as well as Master's in

Education from the U of M. This summer I begin my doctorate program in educational leadership at Bethel University. You will probably run into me at the lake, the co-op, the library, or gymnastics or swimming lessons with my kids . . . or at Café Maude with my neighbors!


























Student Support Services

Carolyn Tibbetts - Counselor ([email protected])

My name is Carolyn Tibbetts, and I am the licensed school counselor serving sixth grade students at Ramsey Middle School. I come to Ramsey with licensed school counseling experience in both the Stillwater Area School District and Minneapolis Public Schools. I have my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Spanish from the University of St. Thomas and my Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota. As a licensed school counselor, I feel honored and privileged to support the needs of all students by giving academic, career, and personal/social assistance. I love building and cultivating positive relationships with my students on a daily basis and helping them to become successful individuals and contributors to our community.

In my free time, I am a Big Brother Big Sister mentor and volunteer coach for adults with disabilities through Hammer Residences Incorporated. I also like to play tennis, read, and spend time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting and working with all Ramsey Middle School students and families this school year. Mary Beth Wyne - Social Worker ([email protected])

Hello, I’m Mary Beth Wyne, the school social worker for Ramsey Middle School. As a school social worker my philosophy can be summarized in a quote by one of my favorite educators, Kurt Hahn. He says, “Our mission underlies the belief that education is primarily preparation for life. If that is so, the success of a school must be judged not solely by the achievement of its students, but also by their development as people and human beings.” I received my undergraduate degree from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR, and my Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Minnesota. I have a history of working with youth as an outdoor educator, reserve teacher, special education assistant, and Autism Spectrum Disorder school social worker. Also, in addition to my work as a school social

worker I currently work as a psychotherapist for adolescents and families. I look forward to meeting the students and families at Ramsey—my door will always be open to visitors! Akua Kennedy - AE Behavior

I’ve been Dean of Students in the district for 7 years, the last 5 years I worked at Sheridan

Middle School where I was also the Athletic Director and Basketball Coach. I’m from South

Minneapolis but I graduated from North Community High School of “92”. I when to college

at Mississippi Valley State University and finished at North Hennepin Community College.

I’m great at building relationship, and getting students to look to the future. A lot of times

students don’t have someone they can talk to, I will be that ear to listen to any issues, and

also be that voice of reason as well as maintaining safety and security to our school. I’m

looking forward to working with the staff, students and parents of the Ramsey Community and committed to

having a great school year.
























Amy Kunkel - Response to Intervention ([email protected])

I am a former special education teacher working on a Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. I have been working as a consultant with the Minneapolis Public Schools for two years, helping teachers make informed, data-based decisions regarding their students’ learning. My experience working with kids with learning and behavioral difficulties has helped prepare me to implement evidence-based interventions to support students with diverse learning needs.

Meredith Peterson - PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) ([email protected])

I am a student at the University of Minnesota working on my Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. I have been working with Minneapolis Public Schools for the last two years implementing academic and behavioral interventions for students in need of additional supports. My focus is supporting adolescents with emotional and/or behavioral disorders; I have been working with this population for over 7 years.

World Languages

Rita Farah - Arabic ([email protected])

My name is Rita Farah and I am a graduate student at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN. I am currently working on my licensure--K-12 in ESL (English as a Second Language)-- and have just finished all my Master classes in Education. My passion to teach and become an effective teacher was one of the impetuses that lead

me to enter the school of education. I truly believe how sacred my mission is to be an

Arabic teacher and introduce my culture, the Arabic culture, to my students and help them

understand and respect other peoples’ cultures and languages. I totally agree with the

picture that compares the teacher's life to a candle that lit others' routes and in that spirit, I

will always be the lit candle that will shine my students' ways, throw the door wide open for them, and make

enormous positive differences in their lives. I also believe in the importance of team-work among teachers and

how imperative it is to learn from one another and help one another. Teaching students from the heart will not

only gain respect, but a true happiness and inner peace.

University of Minnesota Doctoral Candidates























Katelyn Suo - Spanish ([email protected])

My name is Katelyn Suo, but I go by Katie. I completed my undergraduate degree in Spanish and History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Go Bucky! During my junior year I was able to study abroad in Granada, Spain. One of the loveliest places I’ve ever been. More recently, I just finished my initial licensure and Master’s program at the University of Minnesota for Spanish and ESL. This coming year at Ramsey I will be teaching Spanish! I’m really looking forward to collaborating with other teachers and putting into practice everything I’ve learned over the passed year! I hope to instill in my students a passion for global mindedness and tolerance. I grew up in New Richmond, WI, just across the St. Croix River from Minnesota. This

summer I’ll be teaching ESL in Madison, WI before moving back to Minneapolis to embark on this new adventure. When not teaching, I enjoy cooking, traveling, and trying new ice cream shops around the cities. I also enjoy reading books of all kinds. I’m always looking for a good book, so I welcome any recommendations! In addition, I like to complete in marathons and triathlons. I finished my first Ironman last September. I’m looking forward to a great school year together!

Music

Andy Nelson - Band ([email protected])

I am excited to be a part of the Ramsey Middle School music faculty! I have taught instrumental music in public schools for ten years, including Ramsey Junior High in St. Paul, Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists and the Brooklyn Center Public School system. Over this time I have been fortunate to collaborate with many composers-in-residence as well as work as a section coach for MMEA All State Band Camp. I developed a curriculum that stresses intrinsic motivation and empowers students to make decisions about their education. Originally, I hail from Apple Valley, Minnesota, where I come from a musical family (my sister plays with the Minnesota Orchestra occasionally!). I received a BM in Music with a focus in Jazz Studies from DePaul University, Chicago in 1997 and a Master of Arts in Education

from the University of St. Thomas in 2010. In addition to teaching, I have played saxophone with or appeared on recordings with The Ronn Easton All Star Soul Review, The Pizazz Band, Charanga Tropical, Exotik-a-go-go, Mike Stern, Jimmy Haslip and Bob Mintzer, and many more. I enjoy biking, running, golf and learning the trombone. I have an amazing wife and two children as well as three cats (one too many!). Toyo Lang - Orchestra/Strings ([email protected])

My first teaching job in Minneapolis was at Ramsey over 15 years ago. I have since taught strings and orchestra at Field, Willard, Lincoln, Cityview PAM, and Brookside PAM, and I currently teach at Barton and Lake Harriet. It is good to be back. My husband and I live in the neighborhood, and my son went to Ramsey IFAC from kindergarten through 8th grade. When I saw a group of Suzuki violinists perform at a string teachers’ workshop, I knew that was what I wanted to do. So after my college years at Gustavus Adolphus I traveled to Japan to study with the founder of the Suzuki method, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. I opened my own private teaching studio for many years. I perform as a free-lance musician with many community groups on violin and viola and

enjoy playing in a string quartet. I also like to knit and read mysteries.



























Office Staff

Paul Marietta- Principal ([email protected]) Vicki Berg- Secretary ([email protected])

I am thrilled to be at the new Ramsey Middle School. I have worked with students and families in MPS for 12 years. It has been a very rewarding time for me to watch the students be creative, discover their strengths and grow into mature, young men and women. What an exciting time middle school is for each of them! When I’m not at work, I enjoy the outdoors with camping, biking, boating, walking, canoeing and just living life. Family and friends are very important to me so my many adventures include my friends, grandkids and other family members and new friends I meet along the way. My desire is help our students, families and community at Ramsey Middle School. I look forward to meeting you!

Bob Krugerud - AE-Technology Safia Qanyare - AE: Family Involvement

I was born and raised in Mogadishu, Somalia. On February 24, 2000 my family and I moved to the United States of America. In the early years of my life, I was not fortunate enough to have formal education because of the civil unrest in my country. In my first year of moving to America, I was enrolled in high school. Needless to say this was a very difficult transition for someone with no prior education and who didn’t speak the English language. But due to hard work and support from the wonderful teachers of East Mankato High School and my family, I was fortunate enough to graduate with honors. After high school, I studied at Minnesota University in Mankato, graduating in 2008 with a degree in Microbiology and a minor in Chemistry.

I started working as medical interpreter in 2005 and also had the opportunity to translate. I have interpreted for doctors, nurses, and social workers. I also interpreted in conferences, meetings, and interviews. Each one of the jobs has provided me with a wealth of knowledge, experience and satisfaction to be able to have such an important role in establishing communication between non-Somalia speakers and Somalia speakers. I intend to use this experience in helping the student in Ramsey Middle School to achieve their educational goals and become better members of society. I am happily married with two beautiful girls who mean the world to me and fill my life with joy. I am active in a variety of civic and cultural organizations and enjoy traveling and reading.
























Gail Hansen - Nurse

My name is Gail Hansen and I am the Licensed School Nurse at Ramsey Middle School. I have been a School Nurse with Minneapolis Public Schools for nine years and a nurse for over 20 years. During my time as a school nurse I have worked in a variety of settings including elementary schools, the CHEER program (for students 18-21 years old), and most recently Anthony Middle School and Early Childhood Special Education. I received my Bachelor of Nursing Degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison (Go Badgers!) and my Masters Degree from the University of Minnesota. Prior to becoming a school nurse I worked in many different areas including public health, adolescent health care and as a medical missionary in Honduras.

I enjoy working with middle school students because of the energy and excitement they bring to learning and life. Helping students to become more aware of their health and ways in which they can impact it are some of the things I enjoy about school nursing. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband Del and our five year old daughter Evelyn. My other interests include running (I have run over 50 full and half marathons), camping and scrapbooking. I am excited to be part of the Ramsey Middle School staff.

Positions still to be determined as of May 30, 2012: Technology Integration Specialist

Physical Education


http://rms.mpls.k12.mn.us/

612.668.4040

School Hours: 9:10 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.

Back to School Event: Thursday, August, 23rd

, 5:30 p.m.

Transportation Information: Mid-August

First day of school: Monday, August 27th

http://rms.mpls.k12.mn.us/

introducing 2012-2013 ramsey middle school teachers and staff

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