International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Massena High School
IB Faculty
Mrs. Normile
jnormile@mcs.k12.ny.us
IB Program Coordinator
Theory of Knowledge
Psychology SL
Business Management HL
Number of Years Teaching: 21
Number of Years Teaching IB: 20
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Education:
BS in Management Information Systems, Clarkson University
MBA, Clarkson University
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Hobbies/Interests:
Prior to beginning a career in education, I was an Applications Analyst at Alcoa's headquarters in Pittsburgh. My love for education led me to a career change into teaching. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family (husband, step-daughter, and twin sons), and I am mildly addicted to Jazzercise-on-Demand. I am also the Director of Communications for the Guild of International Baccalaureate Schools of the Northeast Region.
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Mrs. Thomas
cthomas@mcs.k12.ny.us
Group 1
English A: Literature HL Year 2
Number of Years Teaching: 28
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Number of Years Teaching IB: 10
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Education:
BA in English Literature, St. Lawrence University
MA in Secondary English Education, Goddard College
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Hobbies/Interests:
I’m a reader but surprisingly I am an audio book fan and listen to books more than I watch television or even listen to music. I love the Toronto Maple Leafs and enjoy most sports (watching, not playing). Alternative music is my favorite with groups like the Foo Fighters and Vampire Weekend being some of my favorite bands. I am a fan of music festivals and concerts and attended Osheaga in Montreal and have been to 50 + concerts throughout the years. My French bulldog is like my second child and I kick myself for not getting one sooner. I taught in South Korea during the summer of 2004. While I have no prior work experience besides part time retail jobs in hs and college, I did get my real estate license in 2007 and briefly sold real estate while teaching full time.
Mrs. Vierno
avierno@mcs.k12.ny.us
Group 1
English A: Literature HL Year 1
Number of Years Teaching: 20
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Number of Years Teaching IB: 3
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Education:
BA in English Literature, St. Lawrence University
MA in Literacy and Education, SUNY Potsdam
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Hobbies/Interests:
I am proud to say I have taught English in some capacity at every secondary grade level (7-12). Outside of school I spend most my time between various hockey rinks and barns. I also love spending time at home with my family!
Mr. DeRushia
dderushia@mcs.k12.ny.us
Group 2
French B SL Years 1 & 2
Number of Years Teaching: 26
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Number of Years Teaching IB: 3
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Education:
Associate's Degree, Arts and Sciences, Onondaga Community College
BA in French/Secondary Education, SUNY Potsdam
MS in Instructional Technology, SUNY Potsdam
Hobbies/Interests:
I am thrilled to be teaching French B to the students at MCHS. The IB curriculum pushes me to keep learning and delight in being a lifelong learner. I want my French B students to learn how to communicate, take risks, care for others and create a balanced life.
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I lived in France for two years and love to travel. I also enjoy hiking, reading and spending time with my family.
Mr. Boyle
jboyle@mcs.k12.ny.us
Group 2
Spanish B SL Years 1 & 2
Number of Years Teaching:
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Number of Years Teaching IB:
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Education:
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Hobbies/Interests:
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Mr. Paquin
gpaquin@mcs.k12.ny.us
Group 3
History of the Americas HL Year 2
Number of Years Teaching: 31
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Number of Years Teaching IB: 11
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Education:
BS, Teaching, SUNY Plattsburgh
MS, Teaching, SUNY Potsdam
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Hobbies/Interests:
Avid Golfer, Politics
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Mr. Covell
kcovell@mcs.k12.ny.us
Group 3
History of the Americas HL Year 1
Number of Years Teaching: 20
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Number of Years Teaching IB: 13
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Education:
BA in Social Studies, SUNY Potsdam
MS in History Education, Cortland State
Hobbies/Interests:
I enjoy challenging students to think critically and for themselves. To not simply accept history as it is told, but rather to explore, examine, analyze, evaluate and bring to life historical sources. To tell the story of the past as they see it.
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I enjoy spending time with family, hunting, CrossFit, and anything in the outdoors. I played hockey and Lacrosse in college... oh and I can juggle.
Mrs. David
cdavid@mcs.k12.ny.us
Group 4
Biology HL Years 1 & 2
Sports, Exercise & Health Science SL
Number of Years Teaching: 17
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Number of Years Teaching IB: 10
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Education:
BS in Biology and Wildlife Biology, Virginia Tech
MS in Natural Resources, Cornell University
MS in Teaching, SUNY Plattsburgh
Hobbies/Interests:
Cooking, baking, seeking out great food, skate skiing, classic skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, backpacking, running, strength training, reading (audiobooks!), taking walks with the dog :)
Mrs. LaGarry
jlagarry@mcs.k12.ny.us
Group 4
Biology SL
Number of Years Teaching: 18
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Number of Years Teaching IB: 15
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Education:
BS in Biology, SUNY Potsdam
MS in Teaching, SUNY New Paltz
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Hobbies/Interests:
Photography, cooking
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Mr. Croasdaile
jcroasdaile@mcs.k12.ny.us
Group 4
Physics SL
Number of Years Teaching: 28
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Number of Years Teaching IB: 21
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Education:
BA in Physics/Art, Juniata College
BS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Clarkson University
ME in Material Science, Clarkson University
MS in Teaching Secondary Science, SUNY Potsdam
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Hobbies/Interests:
Time with our kids and grand-kids, kayaking, disc golf, hiking, and racing cars.
Mrs. Violi
rvioli@mcs.k12.ny.us
Group 5
Math Applications & Interpretations SL
Math Analysis & Approaches SL Year 1
Number of Years Teaching: 26
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Number of Years Teaching IB: 15
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Education:
Bachelor's Degrees in Mathematics and English Literature
Master's Degree in Teaching
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Hobbies/Interests:
I enjoy helping students learn that they can overcome the academic challenges that are often associated with upper level mathematics. It is extremely rewarding to watch them grow in both ability and confidence throughout the course. This is a great milestone for them to reach prior to college; they learn that they can succeed with hard work and persistence. I also love to travel and spend time with family and friends.
Mr. Dabiew
mdabiew@mcs.k12.ny.us
Group5
Math Analysis & Approaches SL Year 2
Number of Years Teaching: 22
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Number of Years Teaching IB: 10
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Education:
BS in Mathematics and Education, SUNY Potsdam
MS in Information and Communication Technology, SUNY Potsdam
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Hobbies/Interests:
Sports, hunting, outdoor activities, spending time with family.
Mrs. Pennington-Lee
apenningtonlee@mcs.k12.ny.us
Group 6
Visual Arts SL/HL
Number of Years Teaching: 3
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Number of Years Teaching IB: 2
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Education:
B.F.A. in Art Photography, Syracuse University
MS in Art Education, Syracuse University
Hobbies/Interests:
Before coming to Massena, I managed the studio of the visual artist Carrie Mae Weems. Through that work, my ideas about art and what it is capable of grew beyond measure. I'm a vinyl record collector. I love to travel, walk in the woods, and spend time with my family. Some hobbies include photography, basketball and lacto-fermenting vegetables.