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Teacher and Class Virtual Learning Platforms: For use during COVID-19 school building closure
For email, add @a2schools.org Tracy Anderson
Advanced Journalism, 20th Century Popular Literature, Creative Writing, Forumemail: andersontGoogle Classroom sites (log-in required)
Tracy has been teaching high school since 1997. She is the adviser for "The Communicator" online and print editions, which are student-run publications that have won numerous state and national awards. She also teaches Intro to Literature, Poetry, Modern Readings, Journalism I, Advanced Journalism, and Forum. Tracy loves to spend time with her family, bake cookies, and travel. She co-authored two books that are published by Heinemann: They Still Can't Spell? and Purposeful Writing. Neither of them have been made into movies. Her right arm is significantly stronger than her left thanks to all of the papers she grades.
LaMar Ashford
Teaching Assistantemail: ashfordlJefferson Bilsborrow
Secretary to the Dean
email: bilsborrowTraci Blancke
School Social Worker
email: blancket
I am the social worker at CHS. It’s exciting to be a Zebra! I am originally from Iowa, and have since lived, studied, and worked in different parts of the country and world. Most recently, I landed in Michigan where I live with my husband Mike and two 15 year old cats, Micio and Joni. I found the social work profession while teaching high school English and English as a Second Language and have been a social worker ever since (about 10 years). I am a vegetarian who enjoys swimming, hiking, and visiting local coffee shops with friends.
Becky Brent
Health & Wellness, Forum
email: brentr
Please, call me Becky! I have 16 years of experience teaching students about Health, with a BS in School Health Studies from Western Michigan University and an MA in Quality Schools from Graceland University. I marvel at the interconnectivity of the mind, the body, and the spirit, and look forward to sharing this space with students at Community this year. I am learning and growing every day, personally and professionally, and respect my students' capacity to do the same. When I'm taking a break from teaching, you can usually find me outside with family and friends or working as a massage therapist with a small collection of dedicated clients.Monica Bruell
Teaching Assistantemail: bruellmSteve Coron
Digital Photography, Yearbook, Italian Art & Culture,Photography/Film,Advanced Art Portfolio Development, Open Studio, Forumemail: coron
I have had the distinct privilege of teaching at Community since 2003, and have served as a teacher in the Ann Arbor schools since 1989. I previously taught kindergarten and preschool for the University of Michigan. I currently teach classes in photography, drawing and painting, open studio, Italian Art and Culture, Advanced Art/Portfolio Development, and Yearbook. I have a wonderful Forum group that makes me smile and laugh every day! I am a practicing artist, currently working on a body of photographic pieces based on how humans interact with landscape. I am a native of the Upper Peninsula, and presently live in Ypsilanti with my wife Karie and two children, Philip and Julia, and our German Shepherd sisters.Kevin Davis
Community Assistantemail: daviskJudith DeWoskin
American Literature, Forumemail: dewoskin
Judith DeWoskin, the matriarch of CHS, has 33 years of experience at Community. She has taught a variety of literature and creative writing classes. Literature classes include Introduction to Literature, American Literature, Chinese Literature and Culture, Japanese Literature and Culture, Hyphenated American Literature, and Women’s Literature. Writing courses include Composition, Creative Writing, and Short Story Writing. She is a forum leader, a mom, wife, grandmother, cook, quilter, reader, and student of yoga and swimming.Dianne Dudley
Personal Fitness, Weight Training, A2 Virtual, Forumemail: dudleyd
I love teaching Fitness and Forum at Community High School. I appreciate using the community as an extended classroom. My students enjoy some of our class activities at the Arboretum, Argo Pond Loop, Wheeler Park, and the cascades. Gretchen Eby
Counseling Office Secretaryemail: ebyg
Gretchen has been the Counseling Office Secretary since 2015 and feels fortunate to be working at such a fantastic school. She has three sons who all are CHS graduates. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with family and friends, travel, run, knit, sew, and read.
Mohamed El-Hussieny
Algebra II, Pre-calculusemail: elhussimMy name is Mohamed El-Hussieny but everyone around here calls me Moe. I've been at CHS for six years and I'm grateful to work in such an amazing environment. I have taught a range of mathematics courses at all grade levels and have also been a Forum leader during my time here. I believe in making connections with students and am committed to helping them grow both personally and academically.Monica Groeneveld
Computer Tech Wizard
email: groeneve
Cindy Haidu-Banks
U.S. History, Social Justice, Community Resource, Forumemail: bankscI came into the teaching profession in the middle of my life and have been teaching at CHS for 15 years. I feel fortunate to teach at Community where a critical look at the history of our country is valued and not feared. I try to balance my critical approach with celebrating the tremendous advances our country has experienced in its quest for a democratic nation. I value the tradition of oral history and encourage my students to explore and value the unique experiences of their family members. I admire the historian Howard Zinn for his courage to write A People's History of the United States, and use his text for my class. My passion is Native American history and culture; this was my concentration as an undergrad at U of M. I have a Master's in teaching and am a life long learner and lover of history. I appreciate the knowledge my students bring to my class. I love being a mother and grandmother. I garden, camp, value art and music, read all the historic markers I see, and gaze at stars.Marci Harris
French 1, French 4email: harrism
This is my 2nd year teaching French I and French IV at Community. I graduated from the University of Michigan over 30 years ago, moved to Chicago, and started teaching French in West Aurora Schools. I moved back to Michigan a few years later after immersing myself in the French language at Université Laval. I spent the next 22 years teaching French at Slauson Middle School, earning my Master's Degree in French at EMU, and traveling to Quebec and France when I could. "To have another language is to possess a second soul." - Charlemagne Sarah Hechler
World Historyemail: hechlers
I grew up in Mount Rainier, MD, just outside of Washington, D.C. After graduating in 2008, I went to Kenyon College, where I majored in American Studies with a concentration in Environmental Studies, and minored in Italian. After college I worked as a travel agent for six years, specializing in arranging trips for clients to the South Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, and Hawaii. I moved with my now-husband to Ann Arbor in the fall of 2014. I attended U of M 2016-2017 for my Master of Arts in Educational Studies, during which time I did my student teaching at Community. I have taught U.S. History, World History, and Economics for the past two years at Skyline, and also taught a CR course at CHS on the History of the Pacific Islands. I live in Ypsi with my husband, Jeff, and our cat, Fermata. In my spare time I pursue a number of hobbies: gardening, going for long walks and hikes, sewing (especially vintage patterns), playing board games, and going to the movies. I love the arts, and at the moment am enjoying watercolor painting and learning the accordion. I love theatre, especially musicals. I'm so excited for this year! Keely Hoffman
School Nurseemail: hoffmank
Janelle Johnson
Community Resource, Social Justice, Forumemail: johnsonjaI was born and raised in Ann Arbor and I am a former Pioneer. I have been teaching in AAPS for 11 years and I absolutely love it! My first degree is in advertising and, after a short nine months, I decided to go back to college to become a teacher. It was one of the best decisions I made!Matthew Johnson
Introduction to Literature,Composition/Art of Writing, Harlem Literature,Forumemail: johnsonmThough Matt only officially became a Rainbow Zebra in 2014, he has been a longtime fan of Community High School. As an Ann Arbor student, he took classes and CRs through CHS and in 2006, he sought out CHS for his student teaching. At CHS he teaches The Art of Writing, Harlem Renaissance Literature, and Intro to Literature. He is also the advisor for Forum Council and leader of the amazing Johnson Forum. Along with that, he is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Lewis & Clark College, the author of Finding Success the First Year: A Survivor's Guide for New Teachers, and the cofounder of the Mindful Writing program.Courtney Kiley
Ecology, Foundations of Science (FOS) I & II, Forumemail: kileyc
Born and raised in Ann Arbor, I always wanted to go to Community. That didn't quite pan out in high school, so I feel fortunate to have been hired to teach science and be a Forum leader at CHS. I love working with such inspiring colleagues and students! Outside school, I love biking, hiking, and spending time with my family.Brett Kilgore
Economics, Geometry, Forumemail: kilgorer
I serve in two departments here at Community: Social Studies and Math. I love teaching economics and geometry, and have an absolute blast as a Forum leader. Prior to teaching at Community, I lived in quite a few places, including Utah, Ohio, Washington, and even Australia for a summer. Now, though, I am thankful to call Ann Arbor home. As U of M grads, my wife and I love this town and are grateful to raise our son and daughter here.Pam Kirchen
Independent Learning Center (ILC)email: kirchenI have been a staff member at Community for over 20 years and a proud member of the Ann Arbor Public Schools for nearly 30 years. I am married and have two children, both graduates of CHS. I work in the Individualized Learning Center (ILC), an academic support center.Ed Kulka
Finance & Statistics, Math Support, Forum, Community Resource (CR)
email: kulka
I am a forum leader, math teacher, and CR teacher. I have taught a little of everything over the years.George Lancaster
Engineering & Design, Computer Science--Java, Python, Mobil App Development, Principles of Engineering
This is my fourth year teaching at Community and 17th year as a teacher. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I spent the next ten years as a design and project engineer of automotive safety products, primarily steering wheels and airbags. I then returned to school to earn a teaching certificate. I love sharing my experience in engineering, math, physics, and computer science with everyone at Community High. Laurel Landrum
Spanish 1, 2, & 3email: landruml
I have been teaching Spanish in AAPS since 2006 and have been lucky to be at Community since then. I have a BA from the University of Michigan in Psychology, a BS in Spanish and Education from Eastern Michigan University, and an MA in Language Learning from Wayne State University. I was born and raised in Ann Arbor, attending Newport (remember?), Wines, Forsythe, and Pioneer. It is a privilege to raise my two daughters, Sabine and Laida, in the same great community where I grew up. I enjoy geeking out with teacher friends about language acquisition and curriculum design, but I'll only bore you with that if you ask. I love to travel, garden, and spend time with family and friends.Craig Levin
Geometry, Pre-calculusemail: levin
Craig has been teaching math at Community since 1999. He works diligently to support all his students through their trials and tribulations throughout their math career. Originally from Chicago where he taught for CPS a few years, he loves Community and has made solid roots here in treetown with his wife, Gabrielle, and girls, Ariana and Skye.Krystie Linton
Teacher Consultant
email: lintonk
Can't Live Without: music, sunshine, Lake Michigan, family & friends, chocolate, road trips, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, witty magnets, reruns of General Hospital from the 1990s
Unpopular Opinions: coffee should never be iced, you never grow too old for sledding or playgrounds, social media platforms are fairly boring
Obscure Skills: wicked awkward mom dance moves, ability to quickly change song lyrics to match the situation or mood, capacity to misplace cell phone in seconds
Most Likely To: adopt another senior dog from the Huron Valley Humane Society, get lost in Ann Arbor, shelve and organize items in store while shopping, laugh like a cartoon villain, love teaching for another 20 years!Maneesha Mankad
Algebra II, Calculus, Forumemail: mankadm
I have been teaching at Community High School since 2014. I am excited about being part of a professional community that values personal relationships and invests in the academic, emotional, and social growth of our students. I am passionate about making mathematics education relevant and equitable for all students. I love theater, music, dance, and reading, and I love spending time with my family. Marcy McCormick
Foundations of Science (FOS) I, II, & IIIemail: mccormick
Marcy has been teaching science for 17 years; this is her 8th year teaching at Community. She couldn't be happier being a Rainbow Zebra! She has taught FOS 1, FOS 2, and FOS 3, and loves the Foundations of Science curriculum. She feels very lucky that she gets to work every day with such an incredible group of students and colleagues. When Marcy isn't teaching, she enjoys being outdoors, staying active playing Ultimate Frisbee on a club team, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.Ken McGraw
World Literature,Introduction to Literature, Fantasy Literature, Forumemail: mcgraw
Ken teaches World Literature, Creative Writing, Science Fiction and Fantasy, and Forum.Amy McLoughlin
Counseloremail: mclough
I am super FIRED UP to be a zebra. I have been a counselor with AAPS for 11 years (Skyline for 9 years and 1 year at Pioneer). I live in A2 with my ridiculously brilliant wife, Callie, and our two dogs, Jojo and Pearl. Robert Morgan
Introduction to Literature, Philosophical Literature, Graphic Novels, Forumemail: morganr
This is my sixth year as a CHS teacher. While I previously taught World History, I now teach a variety of English elective classes. I am so happy to be here at CHS and look forward to educating our next generation as to why literature is just so dang neat!Danelle Mosher
French 2 & 3,Community Resourceemail: mosher
I've been teaching French and Forum and monitoring CRs at CHS since 1994 and am very happy to be here. In addition to teaching French, I run the Community Resource department, lead Forum, and advise Service Club. I have three children, and a husband who is a teacher in the district as well. Outside of teaching, I love to travel, knit, read, garden, and spend time with my family.Jen Niner
American Sign Language (ASL) 1, 2, & 3/4email: postj
I love teaching American Sign Language (ASL) and am very excited to be teaching at Community. ASL is my first language—both my parents are deaf. I love being able to share my knowledge of ASL with my students. I have been in Ann Arbor Public Schools for 10 years and have been teaching ASL online for the past 5 years. I got married in the summer of 2016 and had a name change (it used to be Post). I enjoy vacations, especially going camping with our new camper.
Beth Portincasa
Art and Design, Ceramicsemail: portincasa
I was born and raised in Ann Arbor and graduated from EMU with a Bachelor of Art Education, and then received a Master's Degree in Sculpture. My first professional teaching job was at West Village Academy in Dearborn, then I taught at Belleville High School, Ecorse Community High School, and Onsted High School before coming back home to Ann Arbor Public Schools in 2012. This year I will be splitting between Community and Pathways, allowing me to provide a positive impact on a variety of young students in this community. I love to spend my extra time with my husband, Joel, and my two girls, Gwenlyn and Cora. Things I like to watch grow: my students, my garden, and Monarch butterflies.Katie Richardson
Independent Learning Center (ILC)email: richardk
I have been working in Ann Arbor Public Schools for many years. I feel so grateful to work with such an amazing staff and wonderful students! I encourage a home and school connection. I pride myself in my ability to form meaningful connections with students and their families to foster student growth. I am committed to supporting students' needs and helping them gain access to the core curriculum.Chloe Root
Government, Gender Studies, U.S. History,Forumemail: rootc
U.S. History & Geography website
This is my 11th year teaching in AAPS and I am so lucky to be here. This is my 10th year teaching at Community, but we go way back. Our previous adventures together include my being a high school student, a student teacher, and a part-time teacher. I teach U.S. History, Government, Gender Studies, Mock Trial (8-time State Champs!), and my beloved and entertaining Forum. I am also lucky enough to be the staff advisor for the Queer Straight Alliance (QSA). I believe Community is one of the best high schools in the world, and even the toughest days here are marked by the kindness, creativity, and hilarity of the students and staff. After graduating from Community, I attended Brown University, where I received my Bachelor's degree in US History and Gender Studies, and Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan, where I got my Master's degree in Secondary Social Studies Education. I live with my sweet old dog, Carmen, and am grateful to have my family in town. Katy Sanderson
Records Clerk, Scheduling, and CR Secretaryemail: sanderskKaty is the Office Administrator in the Community Resource Office, the Records Clerk for enrollments and graduated student transcripts, and the Building Scheduler for PowerSchool. She has been at Community since 2008, originally working in the Main Office as the Attendance/Book Depository secretary. She loves working with the great kids and staff at Community and enjoys being in downtown Ann Arbor everyday. She looks forward to kayaking every summer with her husband in northern Michigan and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. Jeri Schneider
School Librarianemail: schneidj
Jeri is the librarian at Community. Her love affair with libraries began in 1986 when, while studying history, she became a clerk/driver of the bookmobile for the Ann Arbor Public Library. Since then she has earned a Bachelor's in history, a Master's in the Science of Information, and teaching certification from U of M. She manages the library, promotes reading, helps troubleshoot technology issues, and teaches information and research skills. Away from work, Jeri enjoys hanging out with friends and family, reading, running, biking, canoeing, and cooking and baking delicious vegan food. Her current favorite quote is: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." (Maya Angelou)Marie Scott
Teacher Consultantemail: scottw
I have been a teacher in Ann Arbor since 2016. I spent the first 3 1/2 of those years as a Teacher Consultant at Skyline. Prior to landing in Ann Arbor, I served as an Intervention Specialist in Toledo for 18 years. I am passionate about social justice, especially racial and gender-focused initiatives. I am the biological mother of three, although many of my past and present students refer to me as "Mom." I am happy to be a member of the Community/Ann Arbor Open family! Ryan Silvester
U.S. History, World History & Geographyemail: silvesterr
This is my second year at Community High School! I am teaching U.S. History and World History, both of which are absolute passions of mine. I grew up in Ann Arbor and attended Huron High School. That said, I am glad to get the opportunity to be a Rainbow Zebra! Robbie Stapleton
Personal Conditioning, Forum
email: stapleto
Years at CHS: Quite a few (since 1987)Favorite quote: "If you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."Love to: run, hike, teach, knit, and readPlan to: hike in all the national parks (20 so far)Philosophy: Work hard. It's fun!Elizabeth Stern
Foundations of Science (FOS) I & III,Forensics, Forumemail: stern
Liz has worked at Community her entire career. She loves teaching science with fabulous colleagues to engaging students.Quinn Strassel
Modern Dram Literature, Community Ensemble Theatre (CET) Directoremail: strassel
Quinn has been teaching at Community since 2010, where he also directs the Community Ensemble Theatre (CET). He feels so lucky to be working his dream job, teaching theatre classes and directing an afterschool theatre program. He currently teaches at Community, Clague, and Pathways to Success. He has been teaching for ten years--seven in Ann Arbor and three in Brooklyn, NY. He received a BFA in Theatre Performance from U of M in 2001, teaching certification from Eastern Michigan University in 2002, and a Master's Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University in 2007. He has been married for 15+ years and is the proud father of two beautiful children.Michael Strugala
Teaching Assistantemail: strugalam
Michael's background experience entails working for several parks and recreation departments, nonprofits, and school districts (Redford, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor) in the metro-Detroit area. He graduated from Western Michigan University where he double-majored in Political Science and Communications, with a minor in Criminal Justice. He earned a graduate degree from Eastern Michigan University in Geography with emphasis on Environmental and Transportation Planning issues. He thoroughly enjoyed his college experience and was involved in extracurricular activities. One piece of advice he would like to give seniors: Get out and participate in a student group/campus organization in college! Make it fun! In his free time, you can catch him outdoors camping, hiking, kayaking, exploring, volunteering, reading a wide range of literature, and playing board games with friends. He is excited to be here at Community working with a versatile staff and engaged students! Kim Tehranipour
Teaching Assistantemail: tehranikAnne Thomas
Algebra I, Calculus, Math Support, Forumemail: thomas
Anne Thomas has been teaching at CHS for more years than she can count. She loves her job and is fortunate to work with students and staff who share her passion for learning. She is both a Forum leader and a math teacher, as well as a wife and mother.Jonathan Thomas-Palmer
Foundations of Science (FOS) IVemail: thomaspalmerj
Non-matching sock wearing proud father of two daughters. Part-time high school physics teacher and owner of Flipping Physics®, a one employee business dedicated to providing the world with free, entertaining educational physics videos which anyone can use to learn physics and teachers can use to flip their students’ learning. Devoted husband of substance abuse prevention social worker and incredible wife. Maker and wearer of tie-dyes.Jack Wagner
Jazz I, II, III, IVemail: wagnerj
Jack feels so fortunate to be the Jazz Program Director at Community which, to him, is a dream job! Jack has been at CHS since 2008. Jazz performance and pedagogy are his passions, so teaching jazz combos all day to dedicated students is a real delight. The CHS Jazz students are getting hands on experience, playing frequent gigs and concerts. They also get to work with Grammy winners and world-class musicians during CHS Jazz Guest Artist Series master classes, a program Jack began in 2008. Jack loves jazz history and sharing what he knows in this field, and he loves playing his saxophone. Jack recently wrote the jazz and improvisation textbook The Straight Ahead Toolshed: 55 Tools for the Beginning Jazz Musician. Jack lives happily with his wife, Jaimie, and their two children, Natalie and Zachary. They are extremely fun. Jack also likes to run, SCUBA dive, tinker around the house, hike, and camp in the mountains.Bryant Weems
Teacher Consultant
email: weemsb
Christia West
Foundations of Science (FOS) II & III, Forumemail: westch
Teaching is my passion and I've been fortunate to be a part of the CHS community since 2014. What I enjoy most is getting to know my students through Forum, coaching Team 5708 (Go Zebrotics!), and FOS classes. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time on (and in) the water. I love living in Michigan, and there are still places here I would like to explore in my kayak, or on my bike. My more sedate hobbies include reading, knitting and playing board gamesBrian Williams
Counseloremail: willia18
This is my 12th year with AAPS and 6th year at Community High School. When I am not busy counseling our Rainbow Zebras, my home team is renovating a 140 year old farmhouse out in Chelsea. On my off nights, I will pick up my sticks and play some drums with a couple of bands in the Ann Arbor area.Sandra Wong
School Psychologistemail: wongs
Sandra is a transplant from California, but has been living in Ann Arbor since 2006. She received her doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and previously worked for Oakland Public Schools, Ypsilanti Public Schools, and Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. She is excited to be working in Ann Arbor where there is such a diverse and open community, and where parents are invested in their children’s education.Olivia Wylie
Spanish 4/5
email: wylieo
Olivia Ann Wylie has taught Spanish for 30+ years. She has a yellow lab named Grover who goes to all the home U of M games and wears a cape that says "Coach Harbaugh is Pawsome" (with a paw print)! She was born in Southwest Detroit. She is from a large family that lives in Ann Arbor. She is Hispanic and went to school in Spain.
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