Cool Tools 2018-19 by pollyalida

Polly-Alida Farrington

Pollyalida — 2018-11-11 23:44:36 UTC

I live and work in the Albany area and have been a librarian for over 40 years. How did that happen? I used to work at RPI in Troy, then left to start my own consulting business over 20 years ago. After 20 crazy years of traveling and teaching all over the country, I'm now stepping back a bit and mainly doing online teaching, like this workshop! When I'm not working, I'm in my garden, reading, cooking, visiting with friends or traveling. We recently went to Finland. This photo was taken outside the Sibeliustalo music hall in Lahti Finland. We scrub up ok sometimes. :)

Dawn Hohmann

dawn_hohmann — 2018-11-14 23:38:44 UTC

I'm a science teacher in the Rochester City School district. I have been teaching full time for the past fourteen years. Before that I worked as a registered nurse in high risk labor & delivery. I enjoy teaching biology and hope to inspire students to appreciate science.
I live in the Rochester area. I enjoy walking and hiking. We recently adopted a dog from a shelter. She's a bundle of energy and love! Below is a picture of me with some friends from a Veterans Day 5K, I'm the Air Force Veteran.

Marianne Dennis

2018-11-23 17:27:44 UTC

Hello everyone. I am excited to learn a variety of technology tools I can use with my students, use professionally and with the parent community within my school. I am a certified reading teacher K-6 on assignment at School 46. I have been teaching for 19 years with the Rochester City School District (RCSD). I am passionate about teaching reading and get a large amount of satisfaction of getting students reading at grade level and knowing how to teach themselves through reading. My hobbies include the love of traveling. I will be traveling to Mexico next year and to the Greek Islands. Look forward in collaborating with everyone!

Justin Ashworth

jjashwor — 2018-11-24 00:40:36 UTC

Howdy all! I am Justin Ashworth, a first year middle school librarian at Ray Middle School in Baldwinsville, NY. Previous to this new middle school position, I was the librarian for 13 years at McNamara Elementary School in Baldwinsville, NY.

This learning opportunity will allow me to learn more about “off the beaten path” apps & digital tools and pursue ways that they are applicable to the students and staff at Ray Middle School. Personally, I most interested in making the shift in mindset from elementary school librarian to middle school librarian and learning about best practice from Polly Farrington and my classmates.

In my spare time, I like skiing in the winter and golfing in the summer. I also enjoy experimenting in the kitchen & cooking. I spend way too much money at Wegmans each week.

I am looking forward to this class and learning from everyone!

PS - Here's a photo from a recent vacation to coastal Maine. In this picture, I am hanging out with my favorite animal - lobsters.

Tracy Lescault

2018-11-26 17:53:22 UTC

Hello! I'm Tracy, a 10th year school librarian from Corinth, NY. I am our district librarian, split between our elementary, middle and high school. I'm looking forward to this refresher, to find new tools that my students will be excited about, and then teach me how to use them even more efficiently :)
I will be balancing this course with my 4 year old and 1.5 year old sons, and my third son who will be joining us sometime in May. So it looks like I'd better get to work!
I look forward to seeing everyone's posts!

Yanisvel Cordero

diyani_yt — 2018-11-27 22:48:23 UTC

Hola!! I'm Yani and I'm so excited about this PD. I am currently a bilingual special education teacher in the Rochester City School District. I am currently on my 6th year and have taught grades 1-5. I also have a Masters as a Reading Specialist.

My favorite hobbies include traveling and crafting. My most recent trip was to beautiful Italy and Greece. Love learning about new cultures!!

Looking forward to getting to know all of you! :)

Hi all, my name is Jan, and I'm a speech language pathologist at School #7. I love my job! I also love my 4 children and 3 grandsons. I am 60 years and determined to beat the queen 👑 as far as working as long as I'm able. I am a little nervous about actually being able to do this workshop; my blog name is proof of that, "Boulay's Brain (aka Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks). But I'm always excited to learn new things.

bouljm — 2018-11-29 11:39:39 UTC

Susan Reuter

2018-12-01 13:17:46 UTC

Hello Everyone! I have taken Cool Tools in the past and I'm so excited to be back!
This is my 14th year as an elementary librarian with the Rochester City School District. I'm at School 52, a K-6 building.
I love camping, skiing, biking, traveling, and of course reading :)
Looking forward to connecting with everyone and learning about new resources for my students and teachers that I can share!

Kristine Cody

2018-12-02 14:55:48 UTC

Good Morning! I am a Consultant Teacher for P-Tech on the Edison Campus and a mom of three (ages 1.5 - 11)! This is my first time taking Cool Tools and I'm excited to spend time exploring things to promoted to my co-teachers! In my free time (hah!) I like to read and build block towers. I am most interested in being able to fluidly integrate tech tools into the math classroom; I have found that this is a feat that is easier said then done!

David Ames

2018-12-02 23:34:27 UTC

Hello, Folks. I am David Ames, and I teach middle school English at East Lower School. I love animals and plants, and when I am not working on school stuff, I am usually playing around in the garden or with my cat.
I took a Cool Tools course a few years ago, and I really learned a lot. I am hoping to pick up a few new resources to bring into my classroom, and I look forward to sharing my findings with you all, and to learning from you.

Mary Courtney

2018-12-03 18:35:04 UTC

Hi everyone! I am Mary Courtney, a chemistry teacher at East High School in Rochester, NY. This is my 12th year teaching, all in RCSD. I was just named a New York State Master Teacher, so I will be very busy with my PD for Master Teacher also. Prior to teaching, I had a career as a polyurethane foam chemist, and as an environmental consultant to the United Nations working on the Montreal Protocol Programme. Yep, I helped fix the hole in the ozone layer!

My two sons are 27 and 25 years old -- I don't know how that happened! One is a paramedic on Mercy Flight, and the other is a helicopter mechanic living and working in Hawaii. He is also in the National Guard as a crew chief on a Chinook helicopter. I live with my two cats outside of Rochester. In my spare time, I have been developing my photography hobby into a business, and plan to start traveling more and taking pictures. I would like to visit and photograph all of the National Parks in the United States.

I am looking forward to learning to use some new technology tools to bring to my students, as well as to share with fellow teachers. I am particularly interested in student blogging tools.

Amber Gladle

agladle — 2018-12-04 16:35:59 UTC

Hi! I am a fifth year Shared Library Media Specialists. I work in a PreK-12 district part of my time and then I work at our BOCES Learning Resources Center the other part of my time. I help provide and facilitate PD for librarians and teachers for our districts. I also go out into districts to work with our librarians one on one.
This is my fifth year taking Cool Tools and I"m looking forward to taking it again this year! I always learn something new and there are just so many topics to choose from it is perfect to be able to take it over and over again!

My newest adventures this year are being co-yearbook adviser, senior class adviser and Cheerleading Coach at Morristown Central school. The district I work in. I also lead After School Program classes three nights a week along with facilitating a book club for fourth graders, fifth graders and faculty members. To say the least I like to stay busy :-)

William Cybulski

2018-12-04 21:39:12 UTC

Hi! My name is William Cybulski I am a consultant teacher at East High School Upper school. I also run a 9th/10th grade support room where students catch up on missing assignments and we pre-teach vocabulary with students. We also do a lot of regents prep in the support room as well.

I am recently married to my wife Krista, we have been married for just over a year and have been together for about 6 years. We have a pit-bull dog who we rescued from Atlanta Georgia. Her name is Rosie is she is the sweetest dog I have ever had. She is my baby. I enjoy going on walks with her, playing golf, and watching football. Here is a picture of Rosie.

Catherine Buyer-Davis

2018-12-05 10:31:40 UTC

Hi, I'm Cathy Buyer-Davis. I'm a School Librarian and Lead Technology teacher at RCSD School #17. It's a k-8 building, and the 10th one I've been in.

Married, three stepkids and a son who is a senior, and just completed the college application process. Accepted to Fisher and Binghamton, and we'll see about the rest.

This is my third time taking cool tools and my dachshunds and I are looking forward to taking it.
The boys like hanging out on the couch, so online pd is their favorite thing in the world, especially Angus, who is currently a lump under a blanket. This, however, is my boy, Duncan Donut. Dunkie has taken up a lot of my time lately, after having a spine surgery. He's totally fine, but it's been a long few months.

Sarah Olson

2018-12-05 17:43:27 UTC

Hi everyone! This is my 13th year as the librarian at Lake George Jr/ Sr High school. I love the opportunity Cool Tools provides for continual learning and growth!
My family and I love to travel together; we completed our 2nd cross country camping trip this summer. There is so much to see and explore!
In addition to the joy I find in encouraging literacy and curiosity in students, I love to read myself and meet new challenges.
I am currently working with a team, Rise Liberia, to partner with a school in Liberia to leverage sustainable structures for them to become self sufficient while providing quality education. I look forward to going there in February.

Jason LaShomb

jlasho40 — 2018-12-05 19:52:49 UTC

Maggie Kelly

2000315 — 2018-12-08 17:58:02 UTC

Hi All
I'm Maggie Kelly and this is my 19th yr in the RCSD. (I think we've had as many superintendents as I have years ;)). I have been a special ed teacher, TCOSE, PD coach and RTI point person over the years but am thankfully back to teaching at Interim Health. My husband is also doing this PD and we have 1 Big, White Dog and 2 cats. I spend a lot of time at Via Girasole (the wine bar down the street) and Lock 32 (the micro brewery down the street.) We live on a great street.

I'd like to get more familiar with some of the apps and software programs out there since our students respond well to these kids of instructional activities. I'm low techie-techie, so this is always a challenge for me.

Jonathan Kelly

2018-12-08 17:58:30 UTC

Hello Everyone!
I'm Jonathan Kelly and I have been a librarian for 20 years in the RCSD.
When I'm not doing the library gig or doing PDs on technology, I am usually hiking, walking the dog, or at one of the local establishments watching a band.
I'm interested in learning anything new that I can show teachers to use in the classroom.

Judy Roehr

2018-12-10 00:02:41 UTC

Hello to my new learning community. I am a High School Librarian in Hudson NY. This is my 3rd time doing Cool Tools so I am ready to get started learning tings that will make my students look at me and say "your'e amazing, I didn't think you knew this tech stuff".. I would like them to say that but I will settle for "that's cool." I also want to share with my administrators and staff. They always know when I am taking a class because I wander into classrooms and ask if I can use their computer and show them some nifty little tech thing that makes their lives a little easier to teach their students. I like cool tools because we are a diverse learning community and I learn by seeing what others have done so thank you all ahead of time for helping me to learn.
Something personal...I don't have a cat, dog, fish or exotic reptilians., although I did have a cactus but it died. My life is filled with spending time with my awesome extended family and many great nieces and nephews. Oh I starting section hiking the Appalachian Trail again after twenty years of being away from it. I love being out doors.

Wendy Scalfaro

2018-12-10 23:52:27 UTC

Hi, I'm the high school librarian with Fulton City Schools in Oswego County. I'm in my 19th year in the profession, all in the same district. This is only the second time I've taken Cool Tools, but I enjoy learning about tech tools that I can share with my students and teachers. I'm also in the CAS program at LeMoyne College, so I guess I'm doubling up on learning this year! (This should be interesting).

I see there are a lot of Rochester peeps on here. That's actually my (original) hometown, and most of my family is still in that vicinity. It's good to go back once in a while.

My husband and I have two children - a girl (almost 16) and a boy (almost 14), who keep us busy running them around places, but who are great kids and smarter than the both of us.

When I'm not working, doing homework, or sleeping, I'm reading the latest young adult novel or writing my own. These things keep me out of trouble. I'm looking forward to learning!

Katie Orem

2018-12-13 11:50:02 UTC

Hi! I am an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher back for another spin with Cool Tools! I work in the Rochester
Schools - 7 of them - supporting students, teachers, and administrators with technology integration into the curriculum.
I am excited to be back again and I am looking forward to seeing what new things are out there for me to bring to the schools I work with!
I love music and just saw Hamilton for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I look forward to learning with everyone!

Debbie Collins

2018-12-14 12:02:14 UTC

Hi Everyone! I am a middle school library media specialist in Scotia, New York. I have been here for 12 years and will be retiring at the end of the next school year - 2020 here I come! This is a second career for me - I was a school-based Occupational Therapist for 25 years most of them working for BOCES. In the course of my years with BOCES I worked in many of our area school districts with students from age 3 to 21.
I am married with 2 adult sons one of whom is living across the country so I don't see him very often :( I love to read, walk, sew and watch British mysteries.
I am really looking forward to learning new things with all of you in the Cool Tools program! Thanks Polly!

Tia Felock

2018-12-14 16:01:14 UTC

H Everyone! I'm the Technology Automation Coordinator at Capital Region BOCES. I just start my sixth year! Before BOCES, I work as a Pre-K-8th Grade Librarian. In my free time you can find me doing things with my family, traveling, or looking for a new recipe to try. So excited for Cool Tools :)

Bridget Crossman

2018-12-17 14:15:23 UTC

Hi Everyone!

My name is Bridget Crossman. I am the elementary librarian at Lake George Elementary School. This is my 8th year as a librarian and I am so grateful to have this amazing job where I am surrounded by so many wonderful professionals. I have taken this course several times and have loved it each time. I learn so much from Polly and each of you!

If I am not spending my time growing the library or myself professionally, I can be found spending time with my 3 kids and my amazing husband. I love to travel and stay active.

I'm looking forward to yet another great experience with Cool Tools!

Tariyka Chaulk

2018-12-17 16:34:54 UTC

Hey everyone!
I started my new position as the School Library Media Specialist at HFM BOCES in July. Before this job, I worked as a middle school librarian and I currently moonlight as an adjunct librarian at our local community college.

This year is my 3rd year participating in Cool Tools, and I'm excited to get started and see how I can work these tools into my new role.

I spend most of my time chasing my 2-year-old son. When I do get a break, I like to garden, cook, and watch period comedies and dramas (Mrs. Maisel anyone?).

Allison Earl

akowalski1 — 2018-12-17 16:56:55 UTC

Hello, my name is Allison Earl. I am the librarian at Granby Elementary in Fulton CSD. Some of my hobbies include walking with my dog and going to different coffee houses, breweries and restaurants in the NY area.

I am excited to explore some new cools for this class and refresh up on some tools that I have some knowledge about.

Debbie Armbruster

2018-12-18 14:47:51 UTC

Hi Friends!

Apologies that I am late to the party! I am a middle school librarian, in the midst of my 2nd year at Shaker Junior High School (North Colonie CSD).

I am a bit of a PD junkie and tend to get myself in over my head. That being said, I work better under pressure. Tech is one area of librarianship that I feel nervous about (that I must "know all the things") and I am looking forward to getting to play around with these tools before being asked to teach them to kids.

When I'm not fully engrossed in LibraryLife, I enjoy traveling with my awesome (and accommodating) husband, taking in as much theater as I can get, geocaching and hanging out with my cats and dog

Faith Rogers-Aubel

2018-12-23 02:25:33 UTC

I am a returning cool tools fan and the librarian at the Frederick Douglass Campus that has The Northwest Junior High School and the Northeast High School. There are 2 different schedules so the library is always busy.

I have 1 daughter, 2 horses, 2 cats and 3 dogs. My daughter and her 2 dogs live with me so the house is full of love.

Sarah Ryan

2018-12-28 01:56:31 UTC

Hello, all! I'm the librarian at Montessori Academy in the RCSD. It's my 5th year in the district, 3rd year at Montessori. This is my third or fourth year doing Cool Tools. I'm not really sure.

I am a dog person who is currently owned by a cat named Lily. I do get to be the aunt to a very cool puppy named Pinta, however.

When I'm not at work I love to read (of course), write YA novels, take photos, hike, kayak, and watch too much TV.

Diane Mohney

2018-12-29 02:55:28 UTC

Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone had a great holiday!! I am getting a late start with Cool Tools...preparing for Christmas, decorating, attending parties, baking, wrapping gifts, etc has been taking far too much of my time. I promise to start focusing on getting through my required 5 lessons in Cool Tools!

I am a high school librarian at School Without Walls Commencement Academy in Rochester, NY and this will be my third time signing up for the program. I am looking forward to learning some new technology and reading about the experiences of my colleagues.

Outside of work, I love audiobooks, cooking, baking, cycling with my friends, listening to music, spending time with my sons and my nine-month-old kitten.

Please check out my current library bulletin board below.

Tori Sivers

2019-01-01 20:35:06 UTC

Hi all!
I am a 1st grade teacher in Baldwinsville, NY. I have been teaching for 9 years, 5 of those in Bville. I have only ever taught 1st grade and cannot see myself anywhere else!

I hope to learn new ways to incorporate technology into my classroom. Being that I teach 1st grade, I am a little apprehensive to what they can do and need to learn some new and creative ways to let go. :)

Larisa Useda

2019-01-02 01:11:13 UTC

Hello all,
I am excited to participate in this year's cool tools. I always learn lots and it gets me to post on my blog.

I would with Instructional Technology to support specific schools and also create and run online PD.

This winter I am spending lots of time skiing at Bristol mountain. I'm having fun with it.

I plan to dig deeper into some online tools during the PD.

Nicole Nicosia

2019-01-02 11:59:19 UTC

Hello everyone! I am late to this class as I just received the code prior to the holiday break, and I have been out of state and out of wifi!
I am the high school library media specialist/librarian at Mexico HS in Mexico, NY.

I am hoping to be caught up right away this weekend.

I am looking forward to digging in deeper with some of these technology tools and learning about some new ones as well.

A student once told me that I "was the only librarian he ever met who had a life". I love to ski, kayak, hike through the wilderness, camp, travel, go to see Broadway shows or plays and read! I am also a huge Buffalo sports fan as I was born there.

I have one daughter who just began her freshman year in college.

My most recent adventure was a trip to Florida where we sat on the 50 yard line at the Camping World Bowl and watched SU win! Yesterday, I kayaked across the Ponce Inlet.

Peter Guarino

2019-01-02 13:34:24 UTC

Hello! I am a little late at starting this class - it my first time taking Cool Tools.
I teach high school orchestra at Fayetteville-Manlius HS. My main instrument is cello - but I teach all the strings.
Outside of school I enjoy running, cooking, and spending time with my family. I have twin boys who are currently in Kindergarten.

Heather Bivins

heatherbivins5 — 2019-01-05 17:24:56 UTC

Hi! I am the librarian and also the middle school FACS teacher at Sharon Springs Central School. I have been teachng there for 23 years and really enjoy working with students of all ages. I have participated several times with the Cool Tools professional development program in past years and always gain a great deal of insight into new online tools that I can use with students and share with staff.

I enjoy several hobbies, including drawing (colored pencil), watercolor painting, gardening, hiking and being outdoors, as well as going to the ocean. I have a 15 year-old son who is a sophmore this year- am amazed at how quickly time has gone that he only has two years left!
I look forward to this course and to sharing my learning with all of you as we move the different lessons!

Beth Hall

2019-01-06 14:54:50 UTC

Hi, I am a High school math teacher with Rochester City School District at Wilson.

I signed up for Cool tools because it sounded cool but kind of clueless. I was a bit apprehensive when it was an on-line course so I think I procrastinated a bit. I guess I'll see if I can catch up!

Things I like to do are vegetable gardening, walking, and my new endeavors are mindfulness and meditation.

Beth

Lynne Ronan

2019-01-08 13:54:54 UTC

Good Morning and Happy New Year ! I am not sure how time got away from me and I am just posting but better late then never. I participated in cool tools last years and enjoyed it so much that I was waiting with anticipation to begin again.

I am a teacher assistant filling a full time elementary librarian and computer learning lab position. We work on a six day cycle and I see each class twice a cycle- once in library and once in lab. We have a strong focus in our district on writing workshop, digital citizenship, STEAM and Makerspaces.

Cool Tools has given me tools that bridge the two classes together.

Outside of school, I am a caretaker for my mom. I have three grown children and a granddaughter (one on the way too) who I am lucky enough to travel around the country to visit. I tend to be a bit of a foodie and an active member of the The Women's Alzheizer's Foundation.

Can't wait to implement more ideas from this fabulous course.

Kendra Steele

2019-01-10 03:08:01 UTC

Hi! Like Lynne who has posted before me, I cannot believe how time has gotten away from mm very excited to officially start this professional learning with all of you! I am an ESOL teacher in the Rochester City School District. This my 7th year in the district, and I have taught literally every grade level from K to 12th grade. In addition to be a certified ESOL teacher, I am also certified childhood education (grades 1-6, special education (grades 1-6), social studies (grades 7-12), and ELA (grades 7-12). This has allowed me to teach many different courses and to truly support the needs of the English language learners that I serve in the content areas.

As far as hobbies, I love traveling, swimming, playing volleyball, and learning. I am working on my Ed.D. in Teaching and Curriculum at the University of Rochester and love being a student. My physical interests have come somewhat limited, as I am now 7 months pregnant with my first child. My husband and I are thrilled, but I certainly have a lot going on at this point in life!

I signed up for this course to learn new tools for my "toolbox" of ideas and resources to help meet the needs of such diverse learners in the classroom. I am hoping for some new experiences and new exposure to new tools for learning!

My name is Andrea and I am an instructional Technology Support teacher on assignment in Rochester, NY. This is my fourth year in this role, and I absolutely love coming to work everyday! My school is very unique in the sense that we are run by an Educational Partnership Organization (EPO). Four years ago, the University of Rochester took over our school and prevented us from being shut down. We have about 1,000 scholars in grades 6-12. In my position, I support all grade levels and all staff that work in our building. I like to describe my job to others by comparing it to a flower delivery service; when I show up after I’m called with a problem, people are excited to see me and hopefully I am able to fix their problems quickly and efficiently! When I am not at school I love to be active. I am an avid runner and love to participate in 5k’s that have medals at the finish! I have a golden retriever named Bentley that keeps me very busy. I have participated in cool tools in the past and cannot wait to explore more topic this time around.

2004943 — 2019-01-21 19:31:24 UTC

Hi! My name is Wendy Molle. I have been a library media specialist for more than 20 years at Schoharie Elementary School. I have been doing Cool Tools almost every year since Polly started it. I love to learn new things to use with my students to make them excited to learn and share.

2019-01-21 23:12:45 UTC

Karen Bregande

2019-01-23 14:40:26 UTC

Good morning! My name is Karen Bregande and I am a kindergarten teacher in the Baldwinsville School District.

I am also a busy mom of three little ones (some not so little anymore). As a family we love to camp! We spend our summers off traveling from place to place, roasting marshmallows by the fire, riding bikes, fishing, and exploring new campgrounds. We make memories that will last a life time!

I'm looking forward to taking Cool Tools and being introduced to all new "Cool Tools" to use both personally and with students!

Finally...today is a snow day! Whoo Hoo!!!

Laura Sickles

2019-01-24 13:59:12 UTC

Hello! Or should I say HOLA! I am a Spanish teacher in the Rochester CSD. This will be my 18th year. I have taught all levels but this year I am in P-Tech and they only have level 1 and one class of level 2. I am a department of 1.
I have a loving husband and one 7 year old son. He is a hockey player so I spend my time freezing at the rink. I used to keep busy being a kickboxing instructor on the side but I had back surgery in September so I have to put that on hold.
I am excited but a bit overwhelmed to do this workshop and already have many questions!

Robin Hill

2019-01-26 14:19:38 UTC

Hello my name is Robin Hill. I have been teaching in the Rochester City School District for 25 years. I work in a K-6 building, School 9. I work as an RTI teacher pushing into classrooms and working with students on project based learning tied to content they are learning. I do a lot with robotics, and coding with students. This is not my first time doing Cool Tools. Every time I do this PD I find great new tools to use with my students. Looking forward to finding some new tools!

Carol Satta

Ms_Satta — 2019-01-26 17:49:22 UTC

Hi! I'm the librarian at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., School #9 (K-6) in the Rochester City School District. I'm blessed to have the STEM and Tech labs located inside our library, so there is a lot of natural collaboration with the Tech (Robin Hill) and STEM (Nick Riorden) teachers. All 3 of us are part of Cool Tools this year as in some past years. We each try new technologies as a result of Cool Tools, and we share our experiences and expertise.

Last summer my daughter got married on a lovely day.

Katherine Thoresen

2019-01-30 20:53:06 UTC

Hello! I'm an intervention teacher at School #28, and this is my third year joining Cool Tools. I've learned so much the last couple of years. I'm starting late, but excited to jump in and learn.

William Cybulski

2019-01-30 21:32:59 UTC

Amanda Dunn

2019-01-31 16:37:22 UTC

Hello, I am Amanda Dunn and I am an ENL and Special Education teacher at East Lower School. This year I am the Support Room Manager for grades 6 and 7. I love both the challenge of making learning engaging and fun in middle school and making Support a meaningful class for students where they can improve their vocabulary, content knowledge and take ownership of their grades and learning.

My puppy Puma just turned 1 this January and is the best dog. She is very calm for a puppy but is still playful and full of energy. She loves going to doggy daycare and wrestling with all her puppy friends then coming home and cuddling on the couch at night for a good Netflix binge session :-)

Brian Santillo,

2019-02-01 22:49:43 UTC

Hi,
My name is Brian Santillo. I teach ELA at the Rochester International Academy.

Mary G

gagnier02 — 2019-02-03 20:27:23 UTC

Hi!
Mary G from School Without Walls (High School), Rochester NY (with Diane Mohney).
I have been a working professional in education for 30 years. Am looking forward to learning more about these Cool Tools, while nursing an achilles injury.
Brian, I agree - many familiar names on here!
Amanda, Happy Birthday to your puppy!

BEASLEY ...

2019-02-03 20:28:02 UTC

Interests:
Animals
Science
Nature

Hobbies:
Camping
Horseback riding

Interested:
whatever sparks student interest

2019-02-03 21:27:25 UTC

favorite 2 Your avatar Add comment

Julie

2019-02-03 21:28:34 UTC

Hi - My name is Julie Belfiore. I am an itinerant Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing in the Rochester City Schools. I have been teaching since 1992, but this is only my 9th year with RCSD. Outside of teaching, I love to read, travel (especially to the Adirondacks where I grew up) and spend time with my husband and college age children.
This is my first Cool Tools PD! I am looking forward to learning many new things!

Mary Ann

2019-02-04 01:49:33 UTC

Hi everyone. Looking forward to this. I am a business/computer teacher at New Beginnings ((Youth and Justice program- an alternative program for boys at risk grades 9-12.for RCSD). I love learning new computer tech programs. (anything to get my students more immersed)
I love gardening and old historic homes (just bought an 1843 Cobblestone home in the Finger Lakes) and traveling. I started the Distance Learning program for adults in RCSD and worked with the state.Looking forward to this class..

Debbi

debbisocha — 2019-02-04 20:08:09 UTC

Hello--My name is Debbi Socha. I have been teaching since 1996. I have been a Reading Recovery Teacher, Classroom Teacher, Reading Specialist, and LIteracy Coach to First Grade teachers. I was in Geneva City Schools for 12 years, and this is my second year in Rochester.
I have three children. I love sports, reading, and traveling. I frequently travel to Disney World and am going back this summer!!

Jennifer O-W

2019-02-06 00:13:52 UTC

Hello everyone! My Name is Jennifer....I am in my 4th year at East In some capacity. This is my 13 year in the district. I currently am teaching Living Environment to some energetic 8th graders. Before teaching I was a genetic engineer. I specialized in clotting and blood vessel formation through protein purification. I decided I needed a change in my life and really enjoyed helping a STEM group on science research project and decided to pursue a career with children and science.

When I am not teaching I enjoy spending time with my family, husband and two boys 8 and 5. We love exploring many different things around the Rochester area, we love finding new parks and waterfalls.

I am excited to learn more things and resources to try and make the jump into teaching with technology a little easier and more engaging for me and my students!

Nick Riorden

2019-02-15 02:28:55 UTC

Hi I’m Nick and I teach STEM/RTI at school 9. I have been focused on integrating computer programming into the school’s core curriculum. This is my third year in cool tools and I’d have to say it’s by far one of the most rewarding pds I’ve ever participated in.

Gina Iorio

2019-02-19 23:22:12 UTC

Hello!
I'm a high school librarian, writer, historian and cemetery dweller! Okay, maybe not dweller, but I love taking cemetery pictures. This is the second time I have taken Cool Tools and I learned a lot the first time. Can't wait to learn more.

Lynn Girven

2019-02-24 13:42:11 UTC

Hello!

I am a high school social studies teacher in the Rochester City School District. This is my first time in Cool Tools, and I am trying to integrate more technology into my practice. I love to spend time out of school with my family and friends, reading, hiking and gardening. I love being outside, which can be a challenge, at times.

Hello everyone! My name is Laura Lucyshyn. I am an ENL teacher at the Rochester International Academy. I am also an instructional coach and the director of our after school program. I am excited to be taking this professional development.

2012987 — 2019-03-09 15:54:56 UTC

Teresa Weiler

2019-03-25 22:43:29 UTC

Hello everyone, my name is Teresa Weiler
This is my 27th year of teaching science at Wilson Commencement. Through the years I have taught Earth Science, Forensics, Botany, Astronomy and Living Environment! Earth Science Rocks. : )
Reading, walking, drawing and sleeping-in past 7am are my favorite things to do. My son is a senior in high school and I am keeping busy with the flurry of college paperwork.
I am looking forward to exploring Cool Tools for School.

Carolyn Kovac

cmkovac — 2019-03-27 23:32:44 UTC

Hello! I am Carolyn Kovac and I am a special education teacher at Rochester International academy. I am looking for more tools to implement during Resource Room and with ENL students.
I enjoy being outside and spending time with my family and friends. I love keeping busy! I am looking forward to taking this professional development and using it with my students!

Marshall McLuhan

2019-04-01 14:30:41 UTC

Hello World :-)

Jennifer Daly

2019-04-01 18:09:27 UTC

Hello I am Jennifer Daly from Monroe High School in the Rochester City School District!! I am the librarian here and completing round 2 of cool tools this year!! I am sad this is Polly's last year...you will be missed :) I have completed the cool tools project for 5 years now and am excited to explore my last set of topics to share with my seniors before they graduate this year!! Below is a picture of my family from Myrtle Beach this summer!!

2019-04-01 18:21:39 UTC

this year!! I am sad this is Polly's last year...you will be missed :) I have completed the cool tools project for 5 years now and am excited to explore my last set of topics to share with my seniors before they graduate this year!! Below is a picture of my family

2019-04-01 18:21:52 UTC

Hi I am Kristel Thombs. I'm a Special Education Teacher from Nathaniel Rochester School 3. I am looking forward to working with all of you. Here is a cc ski pic.

HI!

2013870 — 2019-04-01 18:26:09 UTC

Hi! I'm Lori Atallah from school 20. I'm an ESOL teacher. I am looking forward to learning about more cool tools to use with my students.

Hi Everyone, I am Jody Thomas an instrumental music teacher at School #39. I consider myself to be technologically challenged..so I appreciate your patience. This is my first experience with Cool Tools...so everything is new to me and I have a lot to learn. I am an animal lover, and hoping to adopt a little dog this summer. My beloved 16 year old dog, Chance passed away in December. Over the years, I have adopted dogs, cats, newts, birds, a frog and a rabbit. Fortunately, my husband and two children are animal lovers as well.

2019-04-02 15:54:14 UTC

Hi, everyone. I'm Vicki Casarett, an ENL teacher at East High Upper School. I teach standalone ESOL and co-teach ELA II and ELA IV. I have two senior long-haired Dachshunds, Daisey (14) and Legolas (16). Non-canine passions include: theatre, especially acting and singing; reading; cooking/eating; and swimming in a mountain lake during the summer.

2019-04-02 18:36:22 UTC

Hi there everyone! My name is Jeannine Brown and I am an ENL/ESL teacher at Henry Hudson School #28 in the RCSD. I adore any opportunity to learn more about technology & the ways I can incorporate it into my instruction. I have 9 year old twins who keep me me on my toes, I love all things 80's, and anything chocolate & coffee flavored. I love to travel & explore this beautiful Earth whenever possible. I am particularly interested in knowing more about how I can use specific tools to allow my students more opportunities to engage with English in their speaking, listening, reading and writing on a regular basis, both during instruction and independently.

2019-04-03 00:03:38 UTC

Good day everyone!

joannmorrellbackus — 2019-04-03 10:14:56 UTC

My name is Joann Backus.
I am a mathematics teacher at All City High School. I am also a Science teacher; hence, my love of nature. I have been working on creating a blended classroom and must become more familiar with the tools in order to create some learning enhanced instruction. Math can be fun!
I live in Livonia, NY and enjoy the commute. I get the best of both city and rural everyday. Lucky me

Hello

2019-04-03 19:08:09 UTC

My name is Rachel Strickland. I teach in a second grade I-cot room this year. I have never used google classroom before but always see great resources that are available, so I thought I would give it a try.

Jenna Socash

2019-04-05 00:43:49 UTC

Hello everyone! My name is Jenna Socash and I am an Elementary ENL teacher at Rochester International Academy. All of my students are very new to America (and English) so I am looking for tools to better support their learning needs while keeping instruction fun and engaging for all.

jhaag1422 — 2019-04-15 13:37:03 UTC

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Erin Hoover

2019-04-15 14:39:30 UTC

Hello everyone. My name is Erin Hoover and I'm an ENL teacher at East Lower School. I teach stand alone ENL and push into ELA, social studies, and literacy courses. I am looking forward to finding new ways to incorporate technology in my lessons.

Olivia McDowell

2019-04-17 18:41:11 UTC

Hello everyone! My name is Olivia McDowell and I am a special education teacher at East Lower School. I collaborate with ELA, science, and ENL teachers to create scaffolds and provide modifications and accommodations for our students with disabilities in our 7th grade. I am looking forward to learning new ways to incorporate technology into lessons in ways that will meet the needs of my students. I

Carolina MachucaDall

1008420_5 — 2019-04-18 03:33:30 UTC

Hello! My name is Carolina but I prefer to be called Nina. I am an Algebra teacher at East High Upper School in the RCSD. I have been teaching for about 20 years. I am taking this program to learn how to best integrate technology into my classroom and curriculum. I am fortunate to have a chromebook cart in my classroom and I am looking forward to finding tools that will help my math curriculum be more interactive and engaging, yet still keep the inquiry based teaching approach that is required.

Larissa Cholach

2014029 — 2019-04-19 15:44:00 UTC

Hi everyone! My name is Larissa Cholach. I am an ENL teacher for grades 3-6 at Rochester International Academy. This is my 5th year at RIA. I consider my self to be pretty tech savy but I am looking forward to some more tech tools to use within my classroom.

Gretchen Schwarzmueller

2019-04-22 15:00:59 UTC

Hello class, my name is Gretchen and I teach ENL at School 3. This is my 2nd year in the Rochester City School District. Previously I taught 2 years of ENL at Keshequa down in Nunda. I am interested in tools that can enhance reading comprehension and increase student interest in texts. I want my students to be able to interact with literature in a way that reflects how they enjoy leisure activities on electronics.

Nicholas Riorden

2019-04-26 00:41:53 UTC

Hi, I'm Nick and I teach at school 9. This is my 14th year in the district and my 7th year in my current STEM/RTI position. My focus this year has been exposing elementary students to computer programming using an application called Tynker. My coteacher and I will be venturing into Minecraft EDU to close out the year.

Diane Santiago

2019-05-01 17:39:24 UTC

Hello,
I'm Diane Santiago, I am a special education teacher at School #25. I have been teaching for more than 10 years. I also currently teach a fully online course at the U of R and love learning about new tools to enhance student engagement and interaction for both my elementary and graduate students. This should be fun!

Hema Lakshmanan

2019-05-05 14:12:17 UTC

Hello,
My name is Hema Lakshmanan. I work at Rochester International Academy, as a Math teacher. I work with students from around the world. I am very excited to learn cool tools to integrate technology with math learning. As a teacher I want to update my knowledge on new tools!!!

2019-05-09 17:31:46 UTC

Robert Consaul
Hello I am a fifth grade teacher at school number 25. I have been teaching for 19 years in the Rochester city school District. I am very excited to Be participating in this professional development. I can’t wait to learn about all the different ways that I can use technology with my students to better their educational experience. I look forward to starting and learning.

Lynell Wheeler

2019-05-10 00:01:08 UTC

Hi! After teaching in the classroom for 18 years in RCSD, this year I am the math intervention specialist at School 52. I have had a great experience working with students in grades K-6. I am so excited to learn about different ways to incorporate technology in my teaching and engaging students. This course has come highly recommend from a colleague and friend!

Elizabeth Martinez

2012379 — 2019-05-19 03:21:23 UTC

Hello! I have been with the RCSD for almost ten years now and have spent the last three as a TOA working for the Virtual Academy of Rochester with the IT Department. At least 90% of what my students and I do uses technology and I am always looking for new tools and strategies that will help students demonstrate their understanding in meaningful ways.

Ann

1829940 — 2019-05-20 03:28:14 UTC

Ann Fazio

1829940 — 2019-05-20 03:28:15 UTC

Hello everyone. This is my first Cool Tools experience. As an old dog, I am looking forward to learning some new tricks to use in my fourth grade classroom. I have been in the RCSD for 25 years and I am currently at School 42. I am hoping to familiarize my students with as many positive, productive uses for technology as possible while also providing skills for preparing them to compete in the workforce.

Maureen M

2019-05-21 12:36:35 UTC

Not sure how this got away from me this year, but Knowing we have a long weekend coming up and the kids are going camping... I have time to get some work done before the deadline in June! Have worked as LMS for the last 20 years and love learning new tech for myself and the teachers and students!

Christine Card

2019-05-24 01:33:53 UTC

I am excited to participate in Cool Tools for the first time. I love learning new tech and using it my classroom.
I was an accountant for 12 years before becoming a teacher. I teach web design so there is lots of opportunity to use new tools. I have been teaching longer now then being an accountant.
I am married with the one son, Nathan. He is the greatest kid I could ever ask for.
I love to figure skate and doing yoga. I am still able to compete in skating a few times a year.

Jill D.

2020-10-27 19:27:21 UTC

Excited about trying new tech to serve my virtual kiddos!

Georgina A.

2020-11-02 22:37:56 UTC

I'm very excited to learn about amazing tools to make my classes more interactive and engaging for my students! I'm the ESOL teacher at J.L. Lomax school in South Georgia.

Georgina

2024-02-08 21:12:50 UTC

I loved this!