Pandemic Edition - October, 2020
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Welcome, New Notre Dame Staff!
Welcome, New Notre Dame Staff!
Members of the Maryleaf staff spoke with our newest staff members to help us all know them a little better!
Unfortunately, our staff was not able to catch up with Mr. Cinquanti or Mr. Quinn before we went to remote learning, so we hope to feature them in an upcoming issue. We were also unable to get a photo of Mrs. Robert, so we borrowed it from the ND Home Page! (Thanks, Mrs. Barkley.)
Mrs. Drehmer, English Teacher
Mrs. Drehmer, English Teacher
by Rachel Tsang
Q: What's your educational background?
A: I have my bachelor's degree and my master's degree, both in English literature.
Q: What inspires you to teach?
A: Knowing that I can help build students' confidence in their writing inspires me to teach. The wonderful teachers from my own education also inspire me.
Q: All-time favorite book, movie, and/or song/artist?
A: For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway is my favorite book. Good Will Hunting is my favorite movie. "Into the Mystic" by Van Morrison is my favorite song.
Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?
A: Healing. I would love to be able to heal people and animals.
Q: What would your perfect day look like?
A: My perfect day would be spent with my husband and daughters at the beach on a glorious sunny day.
Mr. Johnston, Assistant Head of School & Athletic Director
Mr. Johnston, Assistant Head of School & Athletic Director
by Pratha Purushottam
“Are you glad to be back at Notre Dame? What made you want to return?”
“Yes, I’m very glad to be back! I was a student at ND from 1960-64, and since then I’ve held a myriad of positions here including guidance counselor, head football coach, head basketball coach, guidance director, athletic director and now assistant principal.
I heard that there was a vacancy at Notre Dame and thought I could help out. My skill set learned from being assistant principal and principal at Odessa Montour for ten years, athletic director here for nine years, and athletic director at Horseheads for nine years all contributed to my decision as taking the position as assistant principal. Recently, coaching football with Coach D reconnected me to my love for this school and I wanted to come back, especially considering the roots my family and I have as my wife and I graduated from here together and so did three of our children.”
“What are you finding most different about this time?”
“Of course, the masks and social distancing make it very different than when I have been here previously. Not being able to do all the normal events during the school year like spirit week and all of the other things that students look forward to is disheartening. Coaching too is gone, and most of the extracurriculars such as sports and plays. Virtual learning is also very different.”
“What do you like to do in your free time?”
“I like to work out and go to NYSF, where they have different classes from strength training to metabolic to cardio. I also like trying different restaurants. Spending time with my family is really fun. I enjoy going to my grandchildren’s events at Horseheads and Elmira, and usually when I’m not coaching you can find me supporting them at their games.”
“What’s your favorite restaurant? Any recommendations?”
“Seneca Lodge in Watkins Glen is a longtime family favorite. It has indoor and outdoor seating and is a fun place to be. Another has to be Libs here in town; we’ve been getting takeout from there during these COVID times.
Mr. Milliken, Chemistry Teacher
Mr. Milliken, Chemistry Teacher
by Ally Finnerty
Q: Is Chemistry your favorite subject? If so, why? If not, what is and why?
A: Yes, it is. Chemistry is the central science. Chemistry is everywhere. It helps explain the other sciences.
Q: Do you prefer teaching or being a student at Notre Dame?
A: Actually, as a teacher I am also a student. I learn from my students every day.
Q: Where did you attend college?
A: Corning Community College, A.S. , University at Albany, B.S. , Binghamton University, M.A.T. , SUNY Brockport, C.A.S.
Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: I walk (not enough), read, complete mini projects around the house, and spend time with my nuclear and extended families.
Q: Do you have any pets at home?
A: Yes. Nellie is my 6 year old English Cocker Spaniel. If you meet her, you’ll understand why we call her “nervous Nellie”.
Q: What is your dream vacation?
A: I would love to spend 6 weeks with my family touring Italy, Sicily, and the British Isles.
Q: What would you do if you won the lottery?
A: If I won a huge jackpot, I’d start a foundation to distribute scholarships to students and families to help alleviate student loan debt. If the prize was more modest, I’d take that trip to Europe.
Q: If you could meet any famous person, who would it be?
A: I’d love to hang out with Bill Murray. I find him hilarious.
Q: Which sports teams are your favorite?
A: ND Crusaders, of course! And the NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills.
Q:What is your favorite thing about Notre Dame?
A: I continue to be impressed by the warm and supportive environment here at ND. I was welcomed from the start and felt at home right away!
Mr. Mitchell, Earth Science Teacher
Mr. Mitchell, Earth Science Teacher
by Divye Agrawal
Divye - What is your inspiration to teach?
Mr. Mitchell - “My inspiration for teaching came from my experience coaching. I loved watching students grow and learn and I wanted to continue to educate in one form or another.”
Divye - What did you do before you taught here at ND?
Mr. Mitchell - “Before teaching I was working as a handyman/landscaper for a time.”
Divye - What are some of your hobbies?
Mr. Mitchell - For hobbies I like to read books, play guitar, and play soccer.”
Divye - Do you have any pets?
Mr. Mitchell - “I don't have pets at the moment.”
Mrs. Robert, Algebra Teacher
Mrs. Robert, Algebra Teacher
by Erin Connolly
Welcome, Mrs.Robert! Mrs. Robert has been teaching for 16 years. Over the course of her career, she has taught at Boynton Middle School in Ithaca, The Regional Alternative School at TST BOCES in Ithaca, Greene High School, and is now teaching Algebra II, here at Notre Dame. She received her undergraduate degree at SUNY Potsdam with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science. After she graduated, she worked at a demographic company in Ithaca. While working there she went back to school part time to become a teacher. She got her degree in teaching adolescent mathematics through SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Robert now lives in Spencer with her husband, son, daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. Welcome to Notre Dame, Mrs. Robert!
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