As the school year is coming to end, seniors aren’t the only ones planning their departures. Teachers and staffulty will also embark on new endeavors, which will cause changes in several departments.
The majority of the changes happening are in the English Department. One of the most significant changes will be the absence of ELD 3, English 1 and AP Literature and Composition teacher Ms. Vanessa Hadikusumah, who decided to take a year off to serve the homeless.
“What I imagine is that next year I will see the less hopeful, heavier, harsh realities of life,” Ms. Hadikusumah said. “I think the year will strip my life down to the essentials and will give me a different perspective about my own life.”
During Ms. Hadikusumah’s time off, English teacher Ms. Wendy Van Thiel will teach ELD 3 classes and English teacher Ms. Jessica Shunkey will teach an AP Literature and Composition class.
In addition to Ms. Hadikusumah’s leave, AP Language and Composition teacher Ms. Sarah Penalora will most likely transfer to the Athletic Director position, since Athletic Director Mr. Cary Smith plans to return to being a counselor.
Although Ms. Penalora’s proposed transition to Athletic Director is not finalized yet, the board is expected to review the appointment by July or August.
This change will cause English teacher Ms. Dawn Neufeld to pick up her AP Language and Composition classes and teach alongside Ms. Erica Dolter.
“I am so excited to teach AP Language and Composition next year, as I will be examining rhetoric and argument,” Ms. Neufeld said. “I will also be looking forward to teaching ‘In Cold Blood’ for the first time as well.”
In the Activities office, ASB Financial Clerk Ms. Penny Egan is retiring from her position after working at the high school for 32 years. In-house applications for the position closed on May 21, and her replacement has not been determined yet.
“It’s going to be tough to replace her,” Mr. Lohman said. “Someone super qualified will be hired for the position, but it is going to be tough.”
The History and Social Science Department will also be impacted by some small changes.
History teacher Ms. Stacy Rudzik has decided not to continue teaching AP Government for the upcoming school year.
“A lot of us were trying to make AP Government a year-long class,” Ms. Rudzik said. “Unfortunately it didn’t happen and my department was aware that I wasn’t interested in teaching it the way it is currently organized.”
History teacher Ms. Robyn Selders will take over AP Government and Ms. Rudzik will only teach regular U.S. History next year, joining AP Psychology teacher Ms. Kyla Hjerstedt and AP U.S. History teacher Ms. Sue Noice.
TCHS School Newspaper