We’re pleased to introduce the eight new faculty joining the Minisink Valley Middle School community for this new school year!
John Augusta, Assistant Principal
Why are you excited to be joining the Minisink Valley staff?
Minisink Valley is known to be an outstanding school district. Going through the process of joining the district, specifically the middle school, has reaffirmed this for me. The people I’ve met have been wonderful. Great people make a school district great, and it’s easy to see why Minisink Valley has earned the reputation it has. I’m very excited to get started, to continue to grow professionally, and to contribute to the future successes of this district.
What do you want the community to know and expect about you in this new role?
In my role as middle school assistant principal, the community should expect someone who works extremely hard, who looks forward to building relationships with all stakeholders within our community, and who looks forward to developing a partnership with parents/guardians to help ensure the success of all students. The physical, social, emotional, and academic well-being of students is an essential focus. I very much look forward to serving this great community.
Katie Blydenburgh, Sixth/Seventh/Eighth Grade ELA and Social Studies Special Education Teacher
Why are you excited to be joining the Minisink Valley staff?
As a graduate of Minisink Valley, I am so excited to be returning to this community! Minisink provided me with a great education and now I get to provide that to our students. It’s clear that the entire staff works together to give students the best experience possible. Everyone has been so welcoming and I cannot wait to get started!
What do you want the community to know and expect about you in this new role?
I love being a teacher! I will do everything I can to support students and families during the challenging years of middle school. I believe that building relationships with our students and families is key to our success. Students all learn differently and I work hard to make sure students are supported and encouraged in the classroom. I am looking forward to a great year!
Travis Edwards, Physical Education Teacher
Why are you excited to be joining the Minisink Valley staff?
Excited to be a part of a long- lived tradition of amazing academics and athletics within the school district.
What do you want the community to know and expect about you in this new role?
Within this new role, I expect to help students find enjoyment in physical activity and develop a passion within a team building sport. Through this, students will be able to learn and develop understanding of their movements, to live a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Dylan Fau, General Music Teacher
Why are you excited to be joining the Minisink Valley staff?
Through my hiring process and through living nearby in Goshen, I have heard wonderful things about the Minisink Valley School District and I have had great experiences with the staff and administration I have met so far. I am looking forward to working within the community to instill a love of music in every student!
What do you want the community to know and expect about you in this new role?
I love music and am always looking to learn more about different genres, styles, and cultures of music. In addition to sharing my own knowledge of music, I am looking forward to learning about my students’ unique musical culture and experiences. When I teach my students about world music, classical music, rock history, etc., my goal is for them to learn to love the music as much as I do.
Victoria Ingrassia, Eighth-Grade FACS Teacher
Why are you excited to be joining the Minisink Valley staff?
I am excited to join the Minisink Valley School District staff because they continue to do great things as shown by the success of their students.
What do you want the community to know and expect about you in this new role?
The community can expect me to work hard for the students, continue to be innovative with my lesson plans and be open and understanding of all student needs, I have an open door policy and look forward to meeting and speaking with all the families and students in my FACS classes.
Lauren Pullen, Sixth-Grade Teacher
Why are you excited to be joining the Minisink Valley staff?
Over the past several months of getting ready to start my new position at Minisink Valley, I have heard and seen just how wonderful this district can be. Most of all, every conversation has included positive comments about its teachers, students, resources and the district as a whole. Every person I have met has expressed their willingness to be a resource and shows pride in their role. I am thrilled to be joining a school that has such devoted, enthusiastic and helpful colleagues.
What do you want the community to know and expect about you in this new role?
As a new member of Minisink Valley, I want nothing more than to learn and grow with my students. I am very excited to help them dive deeper into what they will be learning throughout the year, while also creating an inclusive environment with them. We will be each other’s cheerleaders and biggest supporters, allowing them to do their very best this year.
Meagan Quinn, Sixth-Grade ELA and Social Studies Teacher
Why are you excited to be joining the Minisink Valley staff?
I’m excited to be joining Minisink Valley because of the incredible staff and students who I have had the privilege of getting to know during my student teaching and substitute experiences. These positive experiences have shown me that there is no place like Minisink and that this is where I am meant to be!
What do you want the community to know and expect about you in this new role?
I don’t want to be viewed as just a classroom teacher. I want to be involved in the Minisink community and have my students and their families see me at local events with my Golden Retriever, Clover. I strongly believe that communication is a very important key to success, and I’d like my future students to know that I deeply support them both in and out of the classroom!
Kaitlin Santos, Sixth-Grade Teacher
Why are you excited to be joining the Minisink Valley Staff?
Since joining the Minisink Valley family I have received nothing but open arms, endless support and kindness. I have heard only great things about this district and I am so excited to be part of such a welcoming group! The staff is creative and genuinely happy to help students grow and expand their horizons. I am thrilled to be part of a team that strives for excellence and puts the needs and values of the students first!
What do you want the community to know and expect about you in this new role?
I have been teaching just almost seven years now with four of those working in the sixth-grade. This grade is my absolute favorite! There are so many fun and meaningful activities that incorporate our curriculum. In my classroom I value collaboration, creativity, communication and a good work ethic. I always encourage my students to try their best and to ask questions when they need help. I want the community to know that I strongly believe in the phrase “it takes a village.” We are all here to support each other and raise wonderful scholars!