There are new teachers and staff at University Schools

Joaquin Perez-Bahloul and Anabelle Haag

New faces greeted students as they returned to University Middle School and University High School for the spring semester. 

First, University High School has a new Assistant Director in Dr. Charbonnet.

A former English teacher and vice principal joining us from Collierville High School, Dr. Charbonnet moved to University High School because she believed it to be “such a unique school with amazing students and faculty.”

 "I am excited about meeting all of the students and families at UHS!” Dr. Charbonnet said.

Building relationships in the first few months into the role, Dr. Charbonnet has already been making an impact. "She is a wholeheartedly great person," said Renwick Calico, a 10th grader at UHS. 

He can also relate to her as similar to himself, she is a fan of Japanese anime. 

Another teacher joining UHS is Spanish teacher Mr. Mays, a Bartlett native who taught at Germantown High School before his arrival. He says 

“As a graduate of the University of Memphis, I chose University High to be a Tiger again," Mr. Mays said. "[I wanted] to be a part of the amazing work that this school is doing to prepare students for life post-graduation.”  

He is especially eager for the school’s small community. 

“[I am] excited to be able to further connect with [his] students and colleagues because of the smaller community,” Mr. Mays said.

He also expresses his excitement to “assimilate into the community and plant roots for the years to come.” 

"He is nice and thoughtful," Dallas Geer, a 9th grader at UHS said. “I like that we take notes and play [Gimkit.]” 

The final new addition to UHS is Mr. La Flora. A native of Memphis and a former teacher from Whitehaven High School, Mr. La Flora expressed “I enjoy the potential and promise that is exuded from the staff and students. I look forward to willing learners and achievers.” 

University Middle School had one new addition, Mrs. Schlich, the new 6th grade ELA teacher. 

Ms. Schlich is a former AP English teacher for juniors and a dual enrollment teacher for seniors. 

“I’m super excited about the Project Based Learning you are doing here! I love the idea of seeing how the different areas (math, science, english etc.) all come together and work together to show important truths.” Ms. Schlich said.

Join us in welcoming the new faculty and staff to UMS and UHS as you see them around!