WAIMEA — Parker School marked the start of the new school year yesterday.
“We are thrilled to welcome 60 new students to Parker this year,” said Emily Pagliaro, the school’s admissions director. “We are fortunate to have gained so many outstanding kids. They are joining us from Waimea, Hilo, Kona and Waikoloa, so really all of the Big Island is represented in our student body. We’re also excited to include many families new to the Big Island in the Parker School ohana.”
In addition, 11 new faculty and staff members have been hired for the 2017-18 school year.
Lauren Corrigan is the new technology teacher. She worked as an environmental engineer in Cincinnati, Ohio and as a lecturer at Ohio State University. In 2017, she was awarded for Outstanding Service to Students from the Department of Engineering Education at Ohio State University.
Gerry Delgado fills the role as chief operating officer. He came to Parker School after working as the business manager, technology coordinator, athletics coordinator and transportation coordinator for Laupahoehoe Charter School. Delgado has worked in the accounting field for almost 10 years.
Janice English is a new middle school math and science teacher. She taught in Tucson, Arizona, for 20 years before moving to the Big Island, and taught at Waimea Middle School prior to joining to Parker School.
Carly Faye is the new long-term substitute lower and middle school art teacher. She was an instructor of art and photography at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and won the Luis Jimenez Award for Large Scale Public Sculpture.
Stephanie Mannion joins the school as an upper school math teacher. She is originally from Natick, Massachusetts, and her husband is from Hawi. Her family moved to Waimea to raise their young son this year.
Bari Russo is the new long-term publications associate substitute. She brings 15 years experience in public relations and community outreach with nonprofits.
Naomi Smith is the new PAU assistant. She came to Parker School after teaching at Laupahoehoe Charter School for three years. She has been teaching more than 10 years in elementary education in both Texas and Hawaii, and has been awarded “Teacher of the Year” twice.
Scott Smith is a new middle school English teacher and the assistant debate coach. He has been in education for more than a decade, both in teaching and administration, and is certified to teach gifted and talented students.
Sandra Sato is the new information technology assistant. She was born and raised in Hilo, and worked for 23 years as a CAD operator at a local engineering firm.
Nani Widmer joins the school as PAU assistant. She has more than 15 years experience working with young children in after-school, daycare and hula programs.
Katie Woods is the new lower school Spanish teacher. She has worked at Parker in several different roles since 2009, including a position on the board of directors, a communications and marketing specialist and has taught lower school Spanish.