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 4Office of Special Programs,
Contact Information and Staff Bios

Dr. Constance Spohn, Director of Special Programs
>Contact: (518) 853-3185 ext. 4234
                 E-mail: cspohn@ffcsd.org
                 Fax: (518) 853-8643
                 Mail: Fonda-Fultonville Central School
                 112 Old Johnstown Road, P.O. Box 1501
                 Fonda, NY 12068-1501

Constance Spohn is director of special programs at Fonda-Fultonville. Her education includes a bachelor's degree and master's degree in home economics education from the State University College at Oneonta. She holds a doctorate in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University at Albany, and permanent certification as a teacher and school district administrator.

Ms. Spohn's work experience includes teaching occupational education, special education, preschool, high school and college students. She began her career at Madison Oneida BOCES in Verona. She taught career exploration courses to special education students and child care services to both special and general education students. From there she moved to the State University of New York, College of Agriculture and Technology, Cobleskill as a professor in the early childhood division. She also served as an academic advisor to approximately 45 students per year. One of her major responsibilities was to supervise students doing their practicum experiences in elementary schools and community agencies serving children and families. Her next move was to the University at Albany, where she worked as coordinator of the Greater Capital District Tech Prep Consortium and director of the Two-Year College Development Center. This was followed by employment with Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES as director of the Montgomery County 21st Century Community Learning Center Afterschool Program for middle school students. The program had three sites: Amsterdam, Fort Plain and Fonda-Fultonville. This work lead to her position at Fonda-Fultonville Central School District. Dr. Spohn has also done consulting for the United States Department of Education, the New York State Education Department, the National School-to-Work Office and the Center for International Leadership.

Along with these positions Ms. Spohn has experience in professional organization leadership on local, state and national levels. Among them, she has been state president of the NYS Home Economics Teachers Association, the NYS Occupational Education Association and has served on the National Tech Prep Network Advisory Board.
She has strong skills in grant-writing, curriculum and staff development, and most importantly, collaboration. [top]

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Counselors

Paula Vunk, Middle School Counselor
>Contact:  (518) 853-4747, ext. 4213
                 E-Mail: bfiorello@ffcsd.org

Paula Vunk is our full-time Middle School Counselor. This is her 20th year in the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District. She came to the position in the Middle School in April 2007 from the High School, where she worked as a counselor for eighteen years. She is pleased to be able to bring this experience to her current position.

Mrs. Vunk believes that the challenges Middle School students face are increasingly difficult. Her first and foremost priority is to be available to students who need extra assistance - in addition to the support they receive from parents and teachers - to find practical solutions to their problems. Counseling is available in many different areas including, academic support, organizational, study and test-taking skills, coping strategies, effective peer relations and social skills, conflict resolution, goal-setting/decision-making and career awareness and exploration. In addition to individual and group counseling, Mrs. Vunk teaches an eighth grade career class.[top]

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 Dr. Michael J. Fraser, Supervising School Psychologist
>Contact: (518) 853-3189 ext. 4227
                 E-Mail: mfraser@ffcsd.org
                 Mail: Fonda-Fultonville Central School
                 Psychological Services, P.O. Box 1501
                 112 Old Johnstown Road
                 Fonda, New York 12068

Dr. Michael J. Fraser is a graduate of Mount Saint Mary College, Fordham University and Southern California University for Professional Studies. He has been the supervising school psychologist at Fonda-Fultonville since 1994. Prior to that, he was the senior staff psychologist for the Greater Amsterdam School District.

His permanent certification is in both school psychology and elementary education. Dr. Fraser was a fourth and fifth grade teacher prior to becoming a school psychologist.

His main assignment is working with the Middle and High School students within the district. He also supervises psychology interns from both the College of St. Rose and the State University of New York at Albany. Dr. Fraser incorporates humor, sincerity and empathy in his counseling, and continues to try to make a difference in all he works with by guiding and offering positive solutions to difficult situations that many of today’s youth are encountering.

His work in the field of psychology and education has been acknowledged by both Governor George Pataki and Senator Hugh T. Farley. Currently he is the chairperson of the Surrogate Decision Making Program for handicapped individuals appointed through the Governor’s office.

Dr. Fraser continues to present national papers throughout the United States on topics relating to the field psychology and education. Various conferences where he has presented include the Annual National Association of School Psychologists Convention in Washington D.C., as well as the Annual New York School Psychologist Convention.
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Michael Frollo, School Psychologist
 

>Contact:

Phone: Monday and Wednesday: (518) 853-3189 Ext. 4254 
Tuesday and Thursday: (518) 835-2171 Ext. 27
Friday: (518) 853-3189 Ext. 5009
E-mail: mfrollo@ffcsd.org 

Michael Frollo works at both the Fonda-Fultonville and Wheelerville school districts. Mr. Frollo has been a psychologist for 20 years, working with students in numerous districts throughout the area. He has lived in the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District for the past 15 years with his wife and daughter.

Mr. Frollo believes that everyone is faced with challenges throughout their lifetimes. Some challenges are greater than others. With support, guidance, understanding and hard work, everyone can meet the challenges that life gives to them. Once people take responsibility for their actions, learn to meet challenges and gain confidence in themselves, they can achieve anything they set their mind to. Sometimes it becomes a counselor's responsibility to help a child better understand life's lessons and help them see the strength they have within themselves. [top]

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Jessica Freis, School Psychologist Intern

 

>Contact:

(518) 853-3189
Mail: Fonda-Fultonville Central School
Psychological Services, P.O. Box 1501
112 Old Johnstown Road
Fonda, New York 12068

Jessica Freis is a school psychology intern from the University at Albany and will be at Fonda for the 2008-2009 school year. She attended Broadalbin Perth Central Schools and then went on to Elmira College for Childhood Education and Psychology. She will be working with Mr. Frollo at the Elementary school and Dr. Fraser at the Middle and High Schools. Jessica has been a substitute teacher, tutor, and summer camp counselor for several years. She is looking forward to this year at Fonda-Fultonville and is excited to work with students and staff at all levels to become a part of the school community. [top]

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Remedial Teachers

 Kathie Bush, Elementary Reading Specialist
>Contact: (518) 853-3332 
                 E-Mail: kbush@ffcsd.org

Kathie Bush has been a reading specialist at FFCS since 1992. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Education from SUNY at Plattsburgh and a Masters of Science in Reading from The College of Saint Rose. Mrs. Bush is married and has two children.

Mrs. Bush loves reading as you might guess. She truly believes that all children, even the struggling reader, can achieve success and gain proficiency given effective instruction and intervention, practice at home & school, and lots of encouragement. The reading support program that is used for helping the struggling reader is the Wilson
Reading System.

This system directly and systematically teaches students how to fluently and accurately decode. It is unlike traditional phonics programs in that instruction is very interactive and multi-sensory. This type of approach to helping the struggling reader complements the Voyager reading program that is taking place in the classroom. Reading groups meet in Mrs. Bush*s reading room. Groups are kept small (3-5 students) to allow for greater attention given to each student and also allows for greater student accountability and participation.

On a final note, it is the goal for every struggling reader to *KNOW* and *FEEL* success, to experience reading as an
adventure that can take them worlds away exploring all kinds of things. This is the goal that Mrs. Bush strives for. Essential elements to make this a reality are one team working together; teachers, parents and OUR student. Combine that with a lot of motivation and excitement and we are all looking at SUCCESS!   [top]

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Mary Finch, Reading Teacher
>Contact: (518) 853-4747 ext. 4250
                 E-Mail: mfinch@ffcsd.org

Mrs. Mary Finch received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the State University College at Oneonta and a Master's of Science Degree in Reading from the University at Albany, NY. She is permanently certified in two areas of education: Nursery School through Sixth Grade, and Reading grades K through 12. She has 23 years of teaching experience including a year teaching sixth grade, a year in Special Education, nine years as a First grade teacher, and 10 years in English Language Arts Academic Intervention Service instruction. In addition, for the 2004-2005 school year Mrs. Finch held the prestigious position of Reading First Tier II Coach. This position involved working with K-3 teachers and staff in training, coaching, and mentoring for effective Core Reading instruction based on the Big 5 philosophy of best practices in reading. Through this position Mrs. Finch received high level training from many experts in the area of reading, and working closely with peer coaches and State Education leaders in the area of Literacy. Mrs. Finch was a leader in her region, and praised highly for her work by the Northeast Regional Support Services Center.

Mrs. Finch's current position includes providing Academic Intervention Services in the area of English Language Arts to 8th through 12th graders. She is located in the Middle School in Room 22 where she works with small groups of children to improve their ELA skills. Students are scheduled for this support during a time that would least affect their classroom, such as study hall assigned time.

Mrs. Finch teaches and encourages her students to apply the skills they are learning to their daily work whenever possible. She strongly encourages daily reading for pleasure to develop their reading ability as well as to encourage the habit for life-long learning.
Mrs. Finch regularly attends conferences and seminars to maintain her level of expertise and remain aware of updates in New York State Standards. Mrs. Finch has also completed the New York State Reading Academy. She is a current member of the NYS Association for Compensatory Educators, the Montgomery-Fulton Reading Councils, the International Reading Council, and recently became a scriber to the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and educators.

Please feel free to contact Mrs. Finch through the school office, through your child's agenda, or through e-mail at mfinch@ffcsd.org. [top]

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Joan Murray, Elementary AIS Math Teacher
>Contact: (518) 853-3332
                 E-Mail: jmurray2@ffcsd.org

Joan Murray's teaching background includes 22 years as an elementary classroom teacher in grades K-5. She has enjoyed bringing this experience to her current position in the AIS department. Serving as a member of the scoring team for the fourth grade state math test for several years has been helpful in preparing students for this key assessment. During the past two years, Ms. Murray has taught AIS math in grades 1-6, inclusive.

This school year, she teaches second, third and fourth grade AIS math. AIS objectives are implemented to strengthen skills needed to be successful in the math program. Small-group instruction may be provided in the core classroom setting or in her AIS room. Strong emphasis on building self-confidence in math is evident in Joan's program.
Students are expected to demonstrate a positive learning attitude with respect to classmates and teachers alike.
Ms. Murray continues to strive for excellence in student demonstration of New York State standards with a comprehensive new program. Saxon Math is a highly structured, success-oriented program providing a solid foundation in all areas of mathematics.  [top]

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Ingrid Petoff, Reading Specialist
>Contact: (518) 853-4747 Ext. 3044 , Please leave a message with the Middle School office. 
                 E-mail: ipetoff@ffcsd.org

Ingrid Petoff is a former graduate of Siena College with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Finance. She later obtained a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Reading from The College of Saint Rose, and is permanently certified as a K–12 grade Reading Teacher. She has also completed training in the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading, writing, and spelling.

Ms. Petoff has taught in this district for many years as an Elementary Remedial Reading and Math teacher. Since the beginning of the 2003 school year, she has been providing Academic Intervention Services in reading and writing for Middle School students. Again this year, she has been assigned to work with AIS students, grades five through eight, in groups of four to ten, through a pull-out program.

Ms. Petoff looks forward to helping Middle School students improve their language skills, and encourages all parents of AIS students to get actively involved with their child’s education. She believes that it is never too late to learn reading and writing, and she hopes that families participate in literary exercises together on a daily basis.

Should you have any questions or concerns with your child’s AIS progress, you may leave a message for Ms. Petoff at the above-mentioned number, and she will return your call as soon as she is available. [top]

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Joan Malec Smith, Reading Specialist
>Contact: (518) 853-4747 Ext. 3044 , Please leave a message with the Middle School office. 
                 E-mail: jsmith@ffcsd.org

Joan Malec Smith earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Education (reading) from St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY. She taught for three years at the Geneva City School District in Geneva, NY before coming to FFCS in 1991. Here she has taught first and second grade, and most recently, remedial reading. This year, she is working with second grade students. Mrs. Smith lives in Broadalbin with her husband, daughter and son.

Learning to read is a complicated process. Mrs. Smith believes that it is the responsibility of the teacher to provide children with the tools they need to become confident, successful readers. Sharing a variety of strategies with children can make this complicated process a simpler one. [top]

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Jennifer DaBiere, Middle School Resource Teacher (math)
>Contact: E-Mail: jdabiere@ffcsd.org
                Phone: Middle School Office (518) 853-4747, extension 246

Jennifer DaBiere began teaching at Fonda-Fultonville Middle School in January 2002. She graduated summa cum laude from The College of Saint Rose in December 2000, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She earned her Master’s Degree in Childhood Special Education at Sage Graduate School.

The AIS math courses that she teaches are designed for students in grades 5-8 who have difficulty with and are at risk of failing mathematics. She meets with students for a 40-minute class period three times a week within a six-day cycle; her class sizes typically range from two students to six students.

This service supports the current core curriculum each student is learning. Primary focus is on concepts, computation skills, and problem solving. Students are given opportunities to practice working with the skills and concepts the core math teacher has introduced, as well as reviewing these concepts before a test.

Students who receive math support are expected to regularly complete homework assigned in the core math classroom, and to study their notes prior to quizzes and tests. These students are also encouraged to seek assistance outside of the core and AIS math classrooms. Mrs. DaBiere encourages her students to enroll in the Advantage After School Program held at our middle school. This program gives students an opportunity to complete homework with assistance from staff.

Mrs. DaBiere can be reached via e-mail at jdabiere@ffcsd.org or by calling the Middle School office. She checks her e-mail daily, and is usually available for telephone conversations from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Please do not hesitate to contact her with any concerns you may be having. Mrs. DaBiere looks forward to working with you to help students improve their math abilities. [top]

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Related Services

 Cindy Karp, Montgomery County Department of Social Services, School Based Preventive Caseworker at Fonda-Fultonville Central School District

>Contact:

  • Phone: Tuesday, (518) 853-8178,  Montgomery County Office Building

  • Phone: Monday, Wednesday through Friday mornings, (518) 853-3189 ext. 4200, Fonda-Fultonville Central School

  • Alternate contact number: (518) 853-8178

  • e-mail: ckarp@ffcsd.org

Cindy Karp is the School Based Preventive Caseworker for Fonda-Fultonville Central School and a preventive caseworker for Montgomery County.

Preventive Services are offered to families in crisis in which the children could be at risk of being placed into foster care. The service is voluntary to the family unless a family court judge has mandated that the family participate with Preventive Services. The goal of Preventive Services is to help families in crisis resolve their issues and prevent children from going into placement. Preventive Caseworkers attempt to help families by assessing their needs and safety concerns and linking them to services available in the community. Caseworkers have regular contact with the family and service providers if needed.  [top]

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Classroom Teachers

 Tamara Berberich, Learning Center Teacher, Grades 5 and 6
>Contact: (518) 853-4747. Please call the middle school office and leave a message on her voicemail. 
                 E-Mail: tberberich@ffcsd.org

Tamara Berberich resides in Johnstown with her husband and daughter. She attended college at SUNY Geneseo, where she obtained dual certification in the areas of Special Education and Elementary Education. She later obtained a Master's Degree at the College of Saint Rose. Mrs. Berberich has been teaching in the field of Special Education for more than 20 years. She has been at Fonda-Fultonville since 1986. Before that she worked with emotionally disturbed children at H-F-M BOCES.

Mrs. Berberich is currently teaching in the 5th grade Learning Center in the Middle School. Some of her students receive primary instruction in English/Language Arts and math in a self-contained class. Other students receive primary instruction in the regular education classes and receive support services in her classroom. However, all of Mrs. Berberich’s students receive science and social studies instruction in the general education classrooms. She believes very strongly that all students should be "included" into the general education environment as much as possible. Mrs. Berberich works closely with the regular education teachers on Team Seneca to ensure her students' acceptance in the "mainstreamed" environment. She also has the assistance of Mrs. MacNaughton, her teaching assistant. They work together to encourage students to work to the best of their ability and to strive to reach their fullest potential.

Mrs. Berberich and her class will be participating in all major fund-raisers, field trips, reward activities and projects that the other students on Team Seneca participate in. She hopes to provide her class with many exciting learning opportunities and is looking forward to a year filled with learning and laughter.

Mrs. Berberich advocates parental involvement and welcomes communication from parents and other teachers. [top]

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Michael Bushey, Middle School Resource Teacher
>Contact: E-Mail: mbushey@ffcsd.org
                Phone: Middle School Office (518) 853-4747
                Also, if you want, feel free to stop by the school and ask to speak with me.
                I am always willing to answer any questions, concerns or comments you may have.

Michael Bushey is a seventh grade Resource Room teacher. He was familiar with the Fonda-Fultonville area because he grew up just a short distance away in Mariaville Lake. He has an A.A.S. Degree in Forest Technology from the New York State Ranger School and a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources Management. Mr. Bushey received a Master's Degree in Special Education from the University at Albany. For three years he taught a self-contained class at Whitehall High School. This is his fifth year at Fonda-Fultonville.

Mr. Bushey brings a variety of experiences to Fonda-Fultonville, which he loves to share with the students. He believes all children can learn, when given enough time and patience. He also believes children have a lot to share with the world. In his Resource Room, he re-teaches material that students do not understand. He also helps students learn to be more organized. Mr. Bushey allows students to share their experiences with the class and with him, and he tries to do the same. One thing he loves about working here at Fonda-Fultonville is that he gets to consult in different classrooms. This allows him to share his experiences with all the students on his team and not just with his resource students. Mr. Bushey also works with Mrs. Scott. Mrs. Scott is the Teaching Assistant who covers some of his Consultant classes.

Mr. Bushey expects every student to succeed. They are expected to do their work, study for tests, be on time and be good citizens. He also expects students who are struggling to seek extra help on their own. Mr. Bushey would love to see his students be as independent as possible.

Finally, Mr. Bushey would like to ask you, as parents or guardians, to be involved in your children's education. Check your children's homework every night if possible and feel free to use the homework hotline. Also, support them in any school functions they may be involved in.  [top]

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Kristine Dickson, Elementary Special Education Teacher
 >Contact:E-mail: kdickson@ffcsd.org
               Phone: 518-853-3332, ext. 5247

Kristine Smith holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education/Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Literacy from The College of St. Rose. Miss Smith will be providing services to students, which include primary instruction in the English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. Students will receive instruction that is consistent with the grade level at which they are functioning. Miss Smith will also provide consultant teacher services for Science and Social Studies in the regular classroom. This is done to ensure that the students are receiving the support necessary to be successful in this setting. Finally, a Resource Room period has been established so that individual students or groups of students have access to additional assistance with their class work.

Miss Smith has the privilege of working with Mrs. Carol Strenkowski, a Teaching Assistant, who is well known and respected by the staff and students. At various times throughout the year, Reading Specialists and Speech Therapists will be also be working with students in the classroom.

Miss Smith is a firm believer in success for all. She maintains high expectations for her students. Each student arrives in the classroom as an individual who possesses unique talents, interests, and learning styles. As a Special Education teacher, Miss Smith believes that these characteristics must be fostered and incorporated into everyday instruction so that each student has the opportunity to excel. [top]

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Theresa House
>Contact: (518) 853-4415
                 E-mail: tcechnicki@ffcsd.org

Mrs. House is a 2003 graduate of SUNY Oneonta where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. From there she went on to complete her Master’s at SUNY Albany in Special Education with a concentration in Emotional Behavioral Disorders. Currently she is residing in Amsterdam. This is her fourth year teaching at Fonda- Fultonville. 
 
Currently, Mrs. House is teaching the 6th grade Learning Center and 6th grade Resource Room in the Middle School. Some of her students receive primary instruction in English/Language Arts and math in a self-contained setting. Those students are mainstreamed into the general education setting for science and social studies. She also teaches a Resource Room for students who are in the general education setting, but need a little extra support. She is assisted by Mrs. Mancini. Together they work to help each student be successful in all that they do. 
 
Mrs. House loves her job and looks forward to participating in the major fundraisers, field trips, and reward activities along with the rest of Team Mohawk. She hopes to create a classroom environment where each student’s individuality is fostered and where students feel safe and secure so they can learn. 
 

Mrs. House welcomes any communication and support or involvement from parents. The best way to reach her in school is through the agenda, e-mail, a note sent in with your child, or by phone.

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Nadine Cline, Learning Center Teacher, Grades 7 and 8
>Contact: (518) 853-4415 
                 E-Mail: ncline@ffcsd.org
                 Or, you can write to her in your child's agenda.

Nadine Cline is a resident of the community and her children attend Fonda-Fultonville. Ms. Cline teaches children with special needs and is also a parent of special needs children. She is aware of the programs that touch a special needs child's life because they touch her own as well. As a result, Ms. Cline gladly ensures that your child's program will be the best possible to fit their individual needs. However, for this to be effective, you must advocate for your child. Attending meetings, assisting with homework and corresponding with staff is vital for your child's success. Staff will assist whenever possible, but they must be aware of your needs.

At the end of each day, Ms. Cline writes in each child's agenda, and expects it to be signed daily. This is an exceptional tool for communication. It will only serve to benefit you and your child.

Her schedule changes every five weeks. A copy will be provided when requested. She teaches English and math to seventh and eighth graders. All students receive general support services when mainstream classes are reviewed. Material is re-read and homework is completed as time permits. No student should go home and say they have "no homework." There is studying to be done each night for all mainstream classes and seventh and eighth graders need to study their vocabulary for science class. All students should spend at least 15 minutes a night reviewing social studies. Expectations are very high once students reach seventh grade. Teachers are here to provide support to both students and parents.  [top]

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Art Dockerty, High School Special Education Teacher
 >Contact: E-Mail: adockerty@ffcsd.org
Art Dockerty has been employed by the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District as a Special Education teacher for 19 years. A graduate of FFCSD, Mr. Dockerty received his Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Education from SUNY Oneonta. He expects his students to work hard, attend school daily, and try their best. Mr. Dockerty is available to stay after school and help any student who may be having trouble with their work.

His schedule:

Per. 1- Algebra I w/Mrs. Waters
Per. 2- Economics
Per. 3- PI Pre-Math
Per. 4- PI Pre-Math
Per. 5- Resource Room
Per. 7- PI Consumer Math
Per. 8- Resource Room  [top]

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Deborah Oertel, Middle School Special Education Teacher
>Contact: E-Mail: doertel@ffcsd.org
                Phone: (518) 853-4747. Please call the middle school office and leave a message. 

Deborah Oertel is a married mother of two children. She has been a Middle School Special Education teacher for 15 years. Mrs. Oertel attended Plattsburgh State University for her undergraduate degree in Special Education and The College of Saint Rose for her master’s degree in Learning Disabilities. She has experience teaching in self-contained settings, delivering consultant teacher services, resource room support, co-teaching services and primary instruction to students in various curriculum areas.

Currently, she is working with eighth grade students. Mrs. Oertel supports her students in the four core academic classes. She is also co-teaching with Mrs. Silvernail in the math classes. All students are scheduled for a Resource Room period where she helps them prepare for quizzes and tests, re-teaches lessons from core classes, and helps with homework and long-term assignments/projects. Mrs. Oertel also teaches strategies for improving study, organization, writing, and reading skills.

She believes that all children need assistance in finding the way they learn best. When dealing with eighth grade students, she expects them to be active participants in their learning. Mrs. Oertel tries to provide information to students in the way they feel most comfortable. It is truly a combined effort in finding the most effective way for students to learn and retain information. Mrs. Oertel’s teaching assistant, Linda Scott, plays a valuable role in the classroom. Mrs. Scott supports students in all subject area classes and spends Resource Room time reinforcing concepts for those curriculum areas. She is excellent at creating study strategies for students. Mrs. Scott’s command of science and math material is an asset to the students. She is currently working with students in the Science Lab with Mr. Berberich. The program would not be nearly as successful without her input and creative strategies.  [top]

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Shelly Pacino, High School Special Education Teacher
>Contact: E-Mail: mpacino@ffcsd.org

Michele Pacino has been employed by FFCSD for 14 yrs. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Plattsburgh State University and a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration from Russell Sage College. She believes that every student is capable of learning, but the way each student learns and retains information might be different from student to student.

As a teacher, Michele believes that it is her responsibility to find the best possible teaching strategy for each child to ensure that each child is successful in the classroom.

Her expectations for each and every student are that they will have good attendance, be prompt and show respect to peers and adults in and out of the school setting.

NYS Tests
9th grade RCT Science
11th grade ELA Exam.

Her teaching assistants will be Marie Cook, Sue Hinkle and Kris Marcellino.

Schedule
Per.1 Biology
Per.2 Resource Room
Per.4 Resource Room
Per.6 Earth Science
Per.7 Eng 11
Per.8 Eng 11
Per.9 Anatomy/ Resource Room [top]

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Sara Luft, High School Special Education Teacher
>Contact: (518) 853-3182, voicemail is 4492.
                 E-Mail: sluft@ffcsd.org

Originally working in the middle school, Sarah Luft moved up to the high school four years ago . In her years with FFCS, Ms. Luft has enjoyed the interactions with students and has learned much from them. Prior to her job with FFCS she worked at a small alternative school for students with emotional disabilities, while attending The College of Saint Rose for her Master's Degree in Special Education.

Ms. Luft's beliefs as a Special Education teacher are that everyone is capable of learning and everyone learns differently. As a teacher she tries to find her students' differences and presents the material accordingly. Her teaching style is creative and promotes independence. Ms. Luft holds her students to high standards, which are achieved by participating in classroom assignments. She expects all of her students to be an active member of the "learning community." Each student is expected to complete class-work, homework assignments, and to perform satisfactorily on tests.

This year Ms. Luft is teaching self contained Global History I, Global History II, and US History. She is also a Co-Teacher with Mrs. Brown, for Global I, and Ms. Razics for Global II. She also provides instruction in Resource Rooms.  [top]

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 Diane Scott, Elementary Special Education Teacher
>Contact: E-Mail: dscott@ffcsd.org
                Phone: (518) 853-3332, during 10:15 am - 10:50 am or 2:15 - 2:45 p.m.

Diane Scott has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Utica College and a master's degree in special education from The College of Saint Rose. Diane has worked with many individuals with various disabilities. After graduating from Utica College, she was employed as a childcare worker in a group home for teen-age girls, who were Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS). She was employed as a corrections officer in a county jail as well as a child protective caseworker. At the time Ms. Scott was working for social services, she became interested in pursuing a degree in special education because of the many children she worked with who had special needs. 

The services Ms. Scott offers are primary instruction of English/Language Arts (ELA) and math. Students receive instruction at the grade level at which they are functioning. Another service she provides is being a direct consultant teacher. Ms. Scott goes into the student's regular classroom and assists with what their teacher is instructing, making it possible for them to benefit in regular instruction. She also is in the resource room, which is supplementary instruction in an individual or group setting.

Ms. Scott has high expectations of her students. She believes that the higher the expectation, the more students will rise to the occasion and meet that expectation. She feels that her job as a special education teacher is to close the gap between where a student is functioning now and where they are supposed to be functioning for their age and grade level. 

This year her students usually have homework every night except on weekends. Each night they will have a book that they need to read to an adult. They are expected to read and highlight the specified vowel sound. Students will have spelling homework as follows:

Monday: Write spelling words five times each
Tuesday: Put spelling words in ABC order
Wednesday: First five spelling words need to be put in sentences
Thursday: Last five spelling words in sentences and study for spelling test on Friday. 
Friday: The spelling test will be given. 

During the week they will also have workbook pages that focus on the concepts they are learning. Students who have Math with Mrs. Scott will have two Math worksheets each night (1 fact practice and 1 homework).

There are others who work with Mrs. Scott in her classroom this year. Roseanne Yager is her Teaching Assistant, who works with her second grade group. Jill Hulett is the Speech Therapist, who comes in and works with those students that receive speech services. Mrs. Scott and Ms. Hulett work closely together with the class on articulation, language, word order, reading, writing, punctuation, and phonics.  [top]

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Linda Sova, High School Special Education Teacher
>Contact: E-Mail: lsova@ffcsd.org

 Linda Sova is a native of New Brunswick, NJ. Her teaching career began in 1969 as a teacher of the deaf, which she did for eight years at the Katzenbach School for the Deaf in Trenton. She has worked in several school districts in NY State including Milford, Schalmont and Schenevus in grades K-12. In 1995 Linda began at FFCS, working with students in high school special education classes. She divides her day between teaching primary instruction courses in English and Social Studies and resource rooms.

Ms. Sova believes that all students have the ability to reach their full potential to become productive, happy adults. Each student is an individual with unique talents, interests and learning styles. Communication between home and school is important to help students reach their goals. She encourages all students to be respectful, independent and to follow their dreams.

In her spare time, Ms. Sova acts in local community theater and volunteers at the Frothingham Library in Fonda. She lives in Fultonville and has two sons. Trevor is a student at FFCS and Matthew is a fitness instructor/personal trainer in NC.  [top]

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Alicia Magruder, Special Education Teacher
>Contact: E-Mail: amagruder@ffcsd.org
                Phone: 853-3332 ext. 5258

Alicia Magruder has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a certification in Special Education and Elementary Education Grades 1-6 from Marist College. Miss Magruder has worked with many students with various needs. Knowing she has wanted to be a teacher for years, Miss Magruder substituted full-time from December-June of last year until she found a permanent position here at Fonda-Fultonville. Miss Magruder couldn’t be more thrilled to share her first true teaching experiences here in such a wonderful district.

The services that Miss Magruder offers are primary instruction of the English/Language Arts and Mathematics at the Kindergarten and First Grade level. Another service she provides is going into classrooms to assist the student’s general education teacher with lessons, direction or keeping students on task. This makes the students time spent in their general education class more beneficial. We are also very thankful to have Mrs. Gail Jambo to assist throughout this school year.

Miss Magruder has great aspirations of being the best teacher she can be. She has also set high goals for herself as well as the students this year and is truly confident the students will make great leaps and bounds. [top]

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Classroom Assistants

Marie Cook, High School Teaching Assistant 
Marie Cook has been employed by the Fonda-Fultonville School District for seven years. She started as a teaching assistant in the middle school for two years. She then came to the high school as an interpreter for the deaf and hearing-impaired. Her first deaf student was a junior at the time. Since his graduation, Ms. Cook has been working with Art Dockerty, special education teacher. She assists him with students in all areas, especially in math. She has enjoyed watching students mature. In her spare time, Ms. Cook teaches American Sign Language at Fulton-Montgomery Community College. [top]

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Suzanne Hinkle, High School Teaching Assistant
Suzanne Hinkle has been employed by Fonda-Fultonville for 17 years. She started out as a 1:1 aide, then a Resource Room aide, Learning Center aide and now a teaching assistant. Mrs. Hinkle has six credit hours from FMCC and has passed the Teaching Assistant test given by New York State Education Department as required by the "No Child Left Behind" Act. She is a graduate of FFCS as is her husband, her three children and soon her grandchildren.
This year she works with many teachers. She is a "push-in" teaching assistant with students in earth science with Mr. Jack Bacchia, Global Studies II with Mr. Sean Thompson, and does primary instruction studies with Ms. Michele Pacino, Mr. Art Dockerty and Mrs. Sarah Luft.  [top]

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Patti MacNaughton, Middle School Teaching Assistant
Patti MacNaughton is married with two children and lives in Fonda. She is a Fonda-Fultonville Alumni. She has been working in the Fonda-Fultonville School District since 1990.

Mrs. MacNaughton is in her fifth year of working with Mrs. Berberich in the 5th grade Learning Center. She assists students in their regular education classes. Before that she worked in the elementary school with Mrs. Hanson. Mrs. MacNaughton has completed the Teacher Assistant program at FFCS and passed the NYS Assessment Test for teaching assistants and paraprofessionals.  [top]

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Kris Marcellino, High School Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Marcellino is married and has four sons. All four sons have graduated from FFCS. For the past five years she has worked in the Middle School as a one-to-one aide with Mrs. Berberich, as well as assisting other children in the classroom. This year (2005-06) she has a new position in the High School as a Teaching Assistant.

Mrs. Marcellino has passed the state Teaching Assistant exam and has taken summer classes at FMCC toward her certification. She has also attended numerous conferences and workshops on special education related topics.

On a personal note, Mrs. Marcellino and her family have opened up a seasonal ice cream parlor in Amsterdam, which she and her sons operate in the summer. [top]

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Laurie Smith, Elementary School Teaching Assistant
Laurie Smith is a graduate of Fonda-Fultonville. She has been employed by the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District for 12 years. She has worked as an elementary teacher's aide for 10 years and moved to a teaching assistant position in the Special Education Department during her 11th year.

Ms. Smith has completed six credit hours at Fulton-Montgomery Community College in early childhood education and sociology as well as a child abuse course at Russell Sage College in Troy. She had most recently taken and passed the NYS Assessment Test for teaching assistants and paraprofessionals.  [top]

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Carol Strenkowski, AIS Remediation Teacher Assistant
Carol attended Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA. In August 2003, she passed the New York State Teacher Assistant assessment. Carol has been employed at Fonda-Fultonville with the Academic Intervention Services program for 13 years. Prior to employment at FFCS, Carol volunteered many hours to the reading programs in the Elementary and Middle School. For two years she shared the advisor position of National Junior Honor Society with Mrs. Elizabeth DiCaprio.

Currently, Carol works with students in grades K-8 in the areas of English/Language Arts and math.

Off campus, she enjoys volunteering with Literary Volunteers and an association with Family and Child of Schenectady. [top]

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Linda Scott, Middle School Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Scott started her career at Fonda- Fultonville School, in September of 1991, as an Elementary Aide for the second grade. In 1995, she moved to the position of Middle School Special Education Aide, in the 5-8 Resource/Learning Center. She has been working under the Supervision of Special Education Teacher, Deborah Oertel since that time. In 1998, Mrs. Scott was promoted to a Teaching Assistant primarily working with the Grades 7& 8 Teams. Areas she specializes in are the math and sciences as well as social studies and English. Mrs. Scott is a graduate of Canajoharie and SUNY@ Morrisville with an AAS Degree in Applied Science. During her tenure in Special Education, she has taken advantage of the many In-Service Programs offered to strengthen her abilities in working with the students.

Mrs. Scott has resided in the district for 28 years with her husband, Alan. Together they have raised three children, Tracy, Adam and Ian, all who have graduated from Fonda-Fultonville. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends and doing things around her home. [top]

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Robin Wiltey, Teaching Assistant
Robin Wiltey moved to Fonda 18 years ago with her husband Blaine who is an alumnus and past board member with six years service. They have two children, Jeffrey and Christopher, both graduates of FFCS. 

Mrs. Wiltey was born and educated in Boston, graduating from South Boston High School with National Honors. Mrs. Wiltey has had a variety of careers including reading to children in a Head Start Program for the City of Boston, attending hair dressing school for two years at the Mildred Academy, working for Boston City Hospital on the emergency floor admitting office and in accounts payable at H.E. Harris & Co. 

Mrs. Wiltey has worked at the district for 13 years. Originally, she worked with high-risk students in the remedial program tutoring with Apple computers and BOCES software. Currently, she is working in the Distance Learning Lab with AP classes in Psychology, Holocaust History, Mythology English, Investment Strategies, and French V. She monitors study halls both in the high school and middle school. Over the years she has taken a number of computer classes, a self-defense class and yoga. Mrs. Wiltey has worked in the after-school program for two years for the middle school and taught yoga, study skills and computer classes. She has served as a class advisor for the Class of 2003 at FFCS, been on the Parish Council at St. Cecilia's Church and has taught Sunday school for a number of years. [top] 

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Gail Jambo, Elementary Teaching Assistant
Gail Jambo spent 8 years working for H-M-F BOCES with E.M.R.and T.M.R. Skills Development Students. In 1988 she was hired as a one-on-one Teacher Aide at F.F.C.S. Mrs. Jambo completed the 6-credit Teaching Assistant course at F.M.C.C. and became a Teaching Assistant in the Middle School, working with Grades 5-8 students in a Skills Class.

In the year 2000, she moved to the new Elementary School working with Grades K-4 Special Needs Students. She also passed The No Child Left Behind Test.

For the past 10 years, after school and during vacations, Mrs. Jambo has worked for Liberty doing respite with Special Needs Children. She loves helping all children and seeing many happy faces when they succeed in their everyday work!

Mrs. Jambo has spent the past 24 years working with children in the education field! [top]

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Andrea Mancini, Middle School Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Mancini is a Teaching Assistant who is currently working with the sixth grade Team Mohawk students. She holds an Associate Degree from Fulton- Montgomery Community College. Mrs. Mancini has been employed by the Fonda- Fultonville Central School District for the past eight years. Mrs. Mancini also works at the After School Program held at the Middle School. [top]

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Dale Coupas, Elementary Teaching Assistant
Dale Coupas is a Teaching Assistant for the Special Education Department in the Elementary School. She works in the Resource Room helping 4th grade students with math, reading, English and language arts with Ms. Kristine Smith. Before she started working for FFCS she worked for HFM BOCES with many different teachers. At one time, many years ago there were 11 HFM BOCES classrooms in our school.

Mrs. Coupas has taken many college courses, but with four boys to raise she never completed enough to become a special education teacher. All four sons graduated from FFCS. Mrs. Coupas also also has six grandchildren, and the two oldest are now attending FFCS. [top]

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Speech Therapists

Jill Hulett, Speech Pathologist, Shannon Argersinger, Itinerant Therapist (HFM BOCES)
>Contact: Phone: 853-4747 ext. 5001
Jill received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communication Disorders at the College of Saint Rose. She completed her program in May of 2003. While receiving her Master’s degree, Jill worked as a Speech Therapist for H-F-M BOCES until she joined the faculty at Fonda-Fultonville CSD in August of 2004. Jill also provides speech and language services to Early Intervention and pre-school aged children through local agencies and local counties.

Shannon Argersinger received her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders from the College of St. Rose in May 1999, and a Master’s Degree in Literacy K-12, from SUNY Albany, in May 2003. Shannon began working for H-F-M BOCES in March 2000 and is currently working through BOCES at the Fonda-Fultonville CSD and Gloversville Middle School.

While providing speech and language services to the K-12 population, Jill and Shannon consider individual student needs. Push-in services (provided directly in the classroom) are provided when students demonstrate need in curriculum based areas. Pull-out services (provided in a separate location) are provided when students demonstrate needs that can not be addressed within a larger setting. Determining the appropriate type of therapy is essential to student growth; therefore, they work collaboratively with team members to best meet the needs of each individual student.

Jill and Shannon are available to discuss student needs during the school day. Please feel free to contact them by calling 853-4747 ext. 5001. [top]

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This site is maintained by Cuyle Rockwell, Communications Specialist, according to Web guidelines used by the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District. All Rights reserved. This website produced by the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service, Albany, NY © 2004
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