NEW FACES AT CENTRAL ELEMENTARY

Danielle Hamblin (Our New Principal)

Ever since I was a little girl, I had a huge, black slate (yes, real slate) chalkboard in my basement where I would play “school” with anyone and everyone who would be my student. I loved gleaning ideas for “my classroom” from the lessons taught to me from my idols, my teachers. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, and I followed my dream. I spent 14 years teaching in Hunterdon County, and I chose to vary my curricular and student experiences by teaching kindergarten, first, second and third grade as well as Basic Skills and Gifted and Talented. I fulfilled multiple leadership roles some of which include: curriculum writing, staff presenter, mentor teacher, and enrichment program development.

My administrative experiences began two years ago in Hope School where I assumed the duties of the Assistant Principal and Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction. Due to the multiple “hats” that one wears in a small school district, I was afforded many opportunities as that of a principal.

I am proud to have stepped foot in the role of the student, the teacher, the parent (I have 2 children in White Township School District), and now, as the administrator in my educational journey. I am invested in ensuring that the relationships with all of these members of the learning community are valued and developed.

It is with great pleasure that I join the students, staff, and parents of Great Meadows’ Central School. I welcome you and your child(ren) to the 2007-2008 school year!

Melissa Kowtko

Miss Kowtko received her undergraduate degree from Montclair State University and her Elementary Teaching Certification from the College of St. Elizabeth. In the summer, she spends her time as a Traveling Art Teacher as well as a Camp Counselor at a local summer camp. She is an active volunteer for the March of Dimes and enjoys playing tennis and creating art during her free time. Having student taught last year in the second grade at Central School, she is thrilled to be a part of the Great Meadows Team and is eager to start her first year in such a welcoming school district. She looks forward to making first grade enjoyable and successful for all the children and having a memorable first year!

Marianne Woods

Marianne Woods is a graduate of Villanova University and holds a Masters from Rider University. She recently attended the Accelerated Certification for Teaching Program at the College of St. Elizabeth’s and holds a Certification of Eligibility with Advanced Standing. During the 2006-2007 school year, Marianne completed her student teaching and was an Instructional Aide at Central School. She is married with 2 children and currently resides in Long Valley.

Miss Gelok

Miss Gelok is a recent graduate from Bloomsburg University where she earned her degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Math. She now lives nearby in Independence Township. During the summer Miss Gelok works at a Jockey Hollow Day Camp where she is a unit leader to a group of seventeen girl scouts. She also coaches Varsity and Competition Cheerleading at Belvidere High School. In her free time, Miss Gelok enjoys running, scrapbooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She is so excited to be a teacher in the Great Meadows School District and can not wait for the school year to get started! Working in the fourth grade at Central School will be a fun and exciting experience for both her and her students!