It’s a new school year here at Montoursville, and a new year brings in new teachers. From Math and English to the agricultural department, there are many new additions to our staff.
Any student can agree that the first days can always be nerve-racking, whether they’re switching schools or not.
The first year at a new school can really get the butterflies going in someone’s stomach. The same goes for teachers, too! That’s why it’s good to get to know them and welcome them to our school.
Some teachers, like Mrs. Linda LaCoe and Mrs. Jamie DiPalo, have already taught in different districts before continuing their journey here at Montoursville. While others are starting their first year teaching, like Mrs. Samantha Caseman and Ms. Beatriz Reyes.
“Believe it or not, I retired from Loyalsock in June, and then Mrs. Hewlett, she’s out until January so I am filling in for her until then,” said Mrs. Ashley Hewlett’s substitute teacher, LaCoe, who is covering for her while she is out on maternity leave.

When asked if she taught at any other schools, DiPalo said, “I taught at other schools before I came here. I taught Life Skills here at Montoursville and Emotional Support at Milton.”
Throughout a student’s career here at MAHS, it is not uncommon to be in a class that a student teacher from a college gets assigned to.
“I student taught here last year, and I started in December full-time,” Caseman said. “So it’s still kind of year one, but really the second school year.”
Another teacher here in the district who is out on maternity leave is Mrs. Paige McDonald.
Reyes, the substitute teacher covering for McDonald said, “I’ve had experience with student teaching before, but this will be the first time I have my own classroom.”
When asked if she student taught anywhere near the area, Reyes said, “I was living in Florida, so there was actually almost double the amount of seniors that there are in this class. Which is actually why I like it here. It’s nice because I feel like everyone knows everyone.”

Mr. Noah Phillips teaches agricultural science.
“This is my first year teaching,” said Phillips. “This class covers agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources.”
Even though this is his first year teaching here, Phillips said that he has deeply enjoyed his experience here so far. “The students are amazing to teach, and the facility and staff are welcoming, friendly, and helpful.”
On the other side of the school, DiPalo teaches Emotional Support. “[It] includes things like social skills, coping skills, self-advocacy, and problem-solving,” she said.
Students may think that they are very different from teachers. But that is not the case.
Events that kids look forward to like Homecoming, the talent show, and the holidays, are some teacher favorites too. LaCoe was ecstatic about the Homecoming parade.
“I’m looking forward to the floats for Homecoming because I have not been at a school that has ever done that.”
While LaCoe sits back and relaxes to enjoy the parade, Reyes has other plans.
“I’m going to be a judge for the floats, so I’m excited about that because I’ve never judged anything before.”
Caseman, having already been here for half the year last school year, already got to experience our unique events for the first time.
So this year, she’s excited to build up relationships with all of the freshmen that she has in class. “Being younger kids, new to the high school, it’s nice to be able to help them navigate the high school.”
Similar to Caseman, DiPalo has liked her experience so far at Montoursville and is looking forward to “getting to know the students and staff.”
“There’s a lot of school spirit here. I’ve noticed that when there’s a dress-up day, students really seem to respond to that,” said LaCoe. “Also there always seems to be a lot of treats and snacks that people can buy. That’s fun and very different from what I’m used to.”
Reyes said that Montoursville is “A very close-knit community” and she loved the atmosphere of the Fall Festival. She is also very excited about the play and musical.
Phillips is looking forward to, “Seeing all the students succeed with their plans this year and [watching] seniors head off on amazing adventures.” He also had some nice things to say about the students within our school.
“Every day, the students are ready and bring an open mind to learn, which makes what I do even more enjoyable.”
The new staff members are teaching the following subjects: Mrs. Linda LaCoe – Algebra I, Algebra IA, and Algebra IB Mrs. Samantha Caseman – Geometry and Honors Algebra II Ms. Beatriz Reyes – Honors Communication and Tech. Communication Mr. Noah Phillips – Agricultural Science Mr. Jacob Wasilko – Civics and Government, Honors Civics and Government, and AP Government and Politics Mrs. Jamie DiPalo – Special Education |
Featured photo (at top): Mrs. Samantha Caseman goes over an example with her fourth period geometry class. The students followed along and copied down notes. Photo by Lindsay Garber
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