New science teacher brings fresh perspective to Park
Maggie Klaers and Ruthie Posada
February 18, 2019
Filed under Staff Profiles
Sophie Sigel, the science department’s newest member, will be teaching biology classes this semester. “I am doing some tutoring for English and science in the mornings, and I also teach biology,” Sigel said. According to one of Sigel’s biology students, junior Karie Chula, Sigel’s optim...
New physics student teacher starts career at Park
January 22, 2019
Filed under Staff Profiles
Student teacher Samantha Kamal said she got her start in physics through her lifelong passion for astronomy. She started on her path toward becoming a physics teacher when she discovered physics was a requirement to pursue her interest in astronomy. “I really liked astronomy, when I was really young. I liked le...
Math teacher hopes to start yoga classes at high school
December 18, 2018
Filed under Staff Profiles
According to math teacher Bobby Otto, yoga offers many benefits that have helped him manage stress. Because he thinks it also can help students, he is planning to start teaching a morning yoga class this upcoming semester. “(Yoga) is just a relaxation time, where you can start feeling your body, feel...
Student teacher aids Allison Luskey
November 1, 2018
Filed under Staff Profiles
Graduate student Jenna Wollitz said she is enjoying her work at Park as she spends time back in high school in pursuit of her master’s degree. “I am a masters student at Augsburg University, and I am going for my masters in education with an emphasis on health education,” Wollitz said. “Be...
Math teacher returns to full-time teaching
October 30, 2018
Filed under Showcase, Staff Profiles
After long-term subbing for math teacher Christina Begin last spring, Keisha Piehl said she decided to return to full-time teaching this year. According to Piehl, she is still adjusting to teaching full-time. “I am still working to find my groove on managing my time well,” Piehl said. “I really want to ge...
Ellen Pajor promotes student expression
September 27, 2018
Filed under Staff Profiles
How is your role classified throughout the SLP Nest? “I am the nest coordinator. That means I am the adult on site, if anybody needs anything, or if people come in and are new they can ask me. If you’re ever having an issue, you can come to me. My goal is to be as involved as the students wou...
Science teacher takes on added leadership role
February 23, 2018
Filed under Profiles, School clubs and activities, Staff Profiles
Science teacher and new Gifted and Talented advocate Alan Wachutka said becoming the Gifted and Talented adviser brought needed change for him to continue enjoying teaching. “I felt the change would keep me teaching longer and get out of a rut. It has been a number of years since I have done anyt...
Ellen George, cancer survivor
February 21, 2018
Filed under Staff Profiles
Book club adviser and library media specialist Ellen George said she vividly recalls her initial surprise after being diagnosed with stage four uterine cancer in 2005. “It was a surprise because I was only 50 years old and that just wasn't in my family history or anything. You just can't believe i...
eSports adviser prepares players for future
February 20, 2018
Filed under Staff Profiles
According to coach Jacob Utities, Park’s eSports team will play online in Nationals in June after an undefeated season. However, Utities said he still struggles with managing and expanding team. “I can’t really devote much time to each team because there are nine teams, and I am one person,...
New science instructor adds to equation
February 2, 2018
Filed under Profiles, Staff Profiles
The science department recently hired a new member to their staff, chemistry teacher Patrick Puskala. Puskala said arriving at Park was a jarring yet unique experience. “(Coming to Park) is kind of a shock, but I think it’s a nice place, (and) I like my students. I can’t say anything bad,”...
IB Coordinator strives to make a change
December 1, 2017
Filed under Showcase, Staff Profiles
As Jenny Magdal looks ahead to her third year as the International Baccalaureate Coordinator, said she hopes to continue inspiring students. According to Magdal, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program works to aid students in creating positive changes globally. “IB is a whole program t...
Spanish teacher feels excited to work with father
November 7, 2017
Filed under Showcase, Staff Profiles
When Spanish teacher Lydia Brubaker found out Park had an opening for a language teacher, she felt her dream was being fulfilled. “I always thought St. Louis Park would be the type of school I would want to teach at because when I was here I felt that I got a really good education,” Lydia Brubaker...
Noah Orloff, Marta Hill, and Emma Leff
As sophomore Kaylee Quick painted the senior wall, she said her first Roots and Shoots event was a fun way to honor the upcoming Earth Day. “I thought it was a really cool idea as a way to prepare...
Maggie Klaers, Ruthie Posada, and Emily Ziessman
Sophomore Keely Berntsen said yoga club has been a comforting and centering addition to her daily routine. “I like how it’s calming and a good start to the day and it gets me in a good place for...
As senior multicultural show host Sabnyyah Bilal fought to maintain the scheduled evening performance, she said she felt disrespected having to constantly stand up for her beliefs. “We...
Maria Perez Barriga, Gabriel Kaplan, and Katie Hardie
After being nominated for teacher of the year and becoming one of only nine finalists, band teacher Steven Schmitz said he felt enthused about the nomination, but cared most about what his students think. “It’s...
