W-B Area science lauded

By JANINE UNGVARSKY Times Leader Correspondent

WILKES-BARRE – The +Area+School+District%22>Wilkes-Barre Area School District thought its elementary science program is exemplary. In July, school officials learned that the state Department of Education agreed.

Michelle Williams, the district’s coordinator of elementary science and math, informed the school board Tuesday that the district was one of only five in the commonwealth to be recognized as having an exemplary elementary science program. There are 501 school districts in Pennsylvania.

The award, which was announced July 30 in Pittsburgh, earned the district a monetary gift to put toward the program, a plaque and a large framed wildlife print.

“It was with the support of Dr. (Jeffrey) Namey and the board and the work of the teachers that we were able to implement this program,” Williams said.

Superintendent Namey commended Williams for her role in the award-winning science and ecology program.

“She’s thanking everyone else, but believe me, she spearheaded the program. Job well done,” Namey said.

The board approved a number of personnel moves in preparation for the new school year. Margo Serafini, who has been serving as temporary dean of students at the Solomon/Plains Elementary and Junior High schools, was named to fill that position permanently.

Serafini is the sister-in-law of board President Jim Fisher. Fisher abstained from voting on the position and noted Serafini has worked for the district longer than he’s been on the board.

Other personnel moves approved included: Emily Ciliberto, Ashlee Rubasky and Stefanie Amico were changed from half-time to full-time teachers; Jeffrey Labatch, Matthew Mill, Tamara Phillips, Leah Cochran, Daniel Himlin, Todd Ankiewicz, Kathleen Maloney, Brandon Salvatore, Brandilynn Schmott, Jenifer Kukucka, Michael Ward and Erin Costello were appointed to full-time teaching positions.

Alan Landis, Margaret Mead and Scott Napkori were named half-time teachers; Reyna Sowden, Amber Jacobs, Genelle Hoban, William Ostroski, Susan Shaw, Christine Hayward and Christopher Anthony were named full-time substitutes.

Robin Nankivell, Amy Zoccola and Michele Woolnough were named full-time substitutes for the first semester of the 2008-09 school year. Elias Cross and Shirley Trivel were named half-time substitutes.

Thomas Telesa, certified public accountant, was appointed controller at a salary of $70,000. Todd Harding was appointed assistant purchasing agent. Ellen Emmert was appointed coordinator of human resources.