Grade 8

Grade 7

Grade 6

Grade 5

Grade 4

Grade 3

Grade 2

Grade 1

K2

K1

Special Education

Science

Technology

Library

Physical Education/Health

Art

Music

Ms. Carol Kovac - Grade 8

gr8@saint-peter-school.org

I have been teaching at St. Peter School since 2002. I have my B.A. in Education and my M.A. in Teaching. I teach seventh and eighth grade language arts, literature, and United States history. It is an integrated curriculum in which the students learn and develop critical thinking skills to analyze the major events that have shaped our nation while reading novels and writing about those events. A very special part of our curriculum involves the eighth grade class to trip to Washington D.C. and Gettysburg. It is an amazing experience that I look forward to each school year. It truly brings history to life for our students!

Mr. Robert Gray - Grade 7

gr7@saint-peter-school.org

I received a B.S. from Boston College and a Masters Degree from Suffolk University and have taken post-baccalaureate classes at Bridgewater State College. For many years I worked for the Gillette Co. in Boston and I was also a ten year member of the Adjunct Faculty at Suffolk University. I am in my second year at St. Peter School. I live with my wife in Norwood, MA, and am the father of two grown sons.

The seventh grade class studies a wide breadth of subjects. I teach Mathematics and Religion. The Mathematics curriculum includes pre-algebra for advanced students and basic seventh grade math for on-track students. Both courses include the operations of math for whole numbers, integers, and fractions and decimals. In addition, the concepts of currency, measuring, equations, word problems, and geometry are studied.

Spanish is the foreign language studied by the seventh grade and Mr. David Hadly covers science which is taught in our state-of-the-art science lab. Ms. Carol Kovac, the eighth grade homeroom teacher, teaches literature, writing, grammar, and social studies to the seventh grade class. The goal of the language arts curriculum is to encourage students to think critically and to achieve oral and written fluency. Computer Science is taught in our Hoff Technology Center.

In summary, the seventh grade class enjoys a rich and full academic challenge supported by a Catholic-Christian atmosphere that stresses self-discipline and character development.

Ms. Jessica Durham - Grade 6

gr6@saint-peter-school.org

I graduated from Salem State College with a B.S. in Sociology with a concentration in Child Development. I also had experience as teaching assistant in Statistics. While at school I worked in the Horace Mann School in many different elementary classroom settings. My background also includes experience at the Department of Social Services where I was an advocate for young girls.

I enjoyed my first two years teaching 3rd grade at St. Peter School and am very eager to start my third year here teaching grade 6. My philosophy is that a Catholic school experience adds an important element to a student’s development. I am a proud Catholic school graduate and feel that the relationships that I formed during my elementary school years with students, teachers, and administration were instrumental in my development as a student and as a person of faith. The 6th grade is an important year for deepening the students’ spirituality and faith. I look forward to a another great year of learning!

The sixth grade classroom is a very busy place! Our full schedule includes art, computer, library, physical education, and music. The students enjoy using the science lab with science teacher, Mr. David Hadly. In the science lab, the students have learned everything from how to use microscopes and lab materials properly, to how to grow real mold!

Students in sixth grade learn history with Mr. Mark Smith, the fifth grade teacher. Students learn about ancient civilizations during World Cultures.They learn math, language arts and literature and religion with me.. At a special 6th grade mass, each student receives his or her own bible which they keep with them through their years at St. Peter School.

Mr. Mark Smith - Grade 5 - Director of Admissions

gr5@saint-peter-school.org

Hello, my name is Mark Smith and I am the lucky guy that gets to teach the fifth grade here at St. Peter School. After 40 years on the planet, I finally have found my calling...teaching children. After working in film production for15 years I decided to make a career change and work with children. The change has done me good! As I pursue my Masters degree from Lesley University, I have the good fortune to be part of this wonderful institution.

St. Peter School offers so much more than a great education, I feel it is our goal not only to educate but to instill and teach the core values that will benefit all the students who pass through this school for years to come. I like to think that students are constantly being challenged and engaged in my classroom, from working on a group project about world music and culture to participating in our latest literature circle. Students here at St. Peter will always be encouraged, treated with respect and challenged to be the best that they can be.

Ms. Claire Cussen - Grade 4

gr4@saint-peter-school.org

I come from Ireland, where for the seven years prior to joining the faculty at St. Peter School in 2000 I taught 3rd and 4th grades. I studied at University College Dublin where I received my B.A. in 1992 and a Higher Diploma in Education the following year.

The 4th graders at St. Peter enjoy learning through a wide variety of activities. We often integrate the subjects we study and actively learn with hands-on activities. In Language Arts we read all genres of books, create exciting book reports, practice writing in a variety of forms and more.

Our study of science includes class labs and exciting projects. Social Studies highlights include developing map skills, studying Colonial America, enjoying field trips to historical sites in and around Boston, and learning about the 50 states. Each day as we learn more about these different subjects areas, we also strive to learn how to live as a Catholic Christian in our constantly changing society. The 4th grade is a very happening place to be.

Ms. Elizabeth Fleming - Grade 3

gr3@saint-peter-school.org

I graduated from Stonehill College in 2005 with a B.A. in Elementary Education and American Studies. I have had experience in varied classroom settings and am certified to teach grades one through six. I am currently pursuing a Masters degree in Literacy and Language from Framingham State College.

This is my fifth year at St. Peter School. I started out at St. Peter as the K2 Assistant, I then went on to teach first grade for two years and last year made a move again to third grade. I am so proud to be a part of the St. Peter family and am looking forward to another wonderful year!

Ms. Kathryn Callahan - Grade 2

gr2@saint-peter-school.org

I graduated from St. Lawrence University in 2004 with a B.A. in English Writing and Education Studies. I have had experience working in various classroom settings in the Arlington and Brookline school systems. Most recently, I was a third and fourth grade Special Education teacher. My teaching certifications are for Grades 1 through 6 and Specialist Teacher of Reading (Grades K through 12). This is my first year teaching at St. Peter School. I am very excited to be apart of the St. Peter community. I am passionate about teaching, and I believe that it is my job to create a nurturing learning environment where every student is successful. I am looking to a great year in second grade!

A major highlight of Grade 2 comes in the Spring when the children receive their First Holy Communion. I look forward to another excellent and exciting year at St. Peter! Can't believe this is the start of year 3! Time flies.

Mrs. Tara Flaherty - Grade 1

gr1@saint-peter-school.org

I received a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood from Fitchburg State College in 2001.  In Fitchburg, I worked with elementary school students in an after school program which focused on literacy.  I have passed the Massachusetts Department of Education Teacher Certification Exam.  After student teaching in a pre-school classroom, I worked as a kindergarten teacher in the Lawrence Public Schools.  In March of 2004, I took over for a teacher in K2, and happily returned in September, 2005 to St. Peter. 

I am currently pursuing a Masters degree in Education at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. In Grade 1, I provide a balanced literacy program in a loving environment that encourages my students to be independent, respectful students.

Mrs. Susan Keating - Grade 1

computer4@saint-peter-school.org

This year, I will once again be the assistant teacher for the literacy program and Religion teacher in the first grade working with Tara Flaherty.

In 1973, I graduated from Boston State College with a BS in Kindergarten-Primary Education and, within one week, I married my husband, Jack. I have spent the last 36 years teaching children in academic, recreational and religious settings, while raising our 3 children.

My first teaching positions were first grades in the public schools of Cambridge and Reading. While my children were young, I had numerous educational positions from head nursery school teacher, to substitute teacher, to CCD teacher, along with many volunteer positions that involved grammar school to high school age children.

After 11 years, at Montrose School, a girls’ independent day school in Medfield, I left my position as Director of Advising. My role was to supervise, develop and implement the character education curriculum working with faculty, parents and students. My other duties were administrator, advisor, theology teacher and facilities manager. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching, advising and working with the staff, students and families of Montrose School.

Teaching first graders is challenging, rewarding and my first love. Watching the “light bulb” go on when a child understands a new concept makes the teaching profession so gratifying.

My educational philosophy is to challenge students to reach their personal potentials through encouragement and engaging all their senses in the learning process.

Ms. Kim Prentiss - K2

k2@saint-peter-school.org

Hi there! My name is Kim Prentiss, and this is my third year at St. Peter School. I am so excited to be working in the Kindergarten classroom and Afterschool at St. Peter School! I graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduation, I moved to the wonderful state of Massachusetts….I wanted some cold weather!

After working as a Nanny for boy/girl twin infants whom I love dearly, I was anxious to return to the classroom. Two years ago, I worked at Bowen Cooperative Nursery School as well as in the Afterschool program here. In addition to teaching, I am currently working on my M.B.A from the University of Phoenix! It’s going to be a great year with a wonderful, K2 class!

Ms. Ashley Klein - K2

k2@saint-peter-school.org

I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and received my degree at Eastern Michigan University in elementary education and integrated science. Yes, I am a Bill's fan. I am currently pursuing my Masters degree in science education at Lesley University due to my love of the subject. I have been lucky to have had a variety of classroom experience. I believe that teaching is what I was born to do and hope to make learning an engaging experience for all students.

I am thrilled to start my first year at Saint Peter School. I enjoy the excitement that comes with kindergarten and expect to have a wonderful year. I am looking forward to meeting all the students and families of Saint Peter's.

Mrs. Patti Westcott - K1

k1@saint-peter-school.org

Before coming to St. Peter School, I taught kindergarten in Lexington, Massachusetts. During that time, I served in a variety of roles including Assistant Director of the school.

I began my teaching at St. Peter in 1994, and have taught both the K1 and K2 programs. I’m so pleased to be able to contribute to St. Peter school from which I graduated and to St. Peter Parish where I worship. I also feel fortunate to have been given this opportunity to work in a faith-filled community surrounded by dedicated administers and faculty.

I studied at the University of Massachusetts as well as Lesley University, and I earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. I am also certified by the Massachusetts Office for Children in Child Care and a member of the National Education Association of Young Children (NEAYC).

In K-1, we get to plant seeds and watch them grow. It all begins here -that’s what makes it so exciting! We strive to provide preschoolers with creative and educational opportunies where they can experience success in all areas of development in a fun, nurturing and Catholic environment.

Mrs. Kathy Smith - K1

k1@saint-peter-school.org

Ms. Patricia Goon - Special Education

sped1@saint-peter-school.org

Mrs. Nicole Putney - Special Education

sped2@saint-peter-school.org

I have been at St. Peter since September 2002.  I attended Merrimack College and graduated with a B.A. in 2000. I am currently enrolled at Salem State College, pursuing a Masters degree in Middle School Education. I am really enjoying my time here at St. Peter School and I feel very blessed to be part of such a welcoming and caring community. I look forward to working with our middle school students and faculty.

Mr. David Hadly - Science

science@saint-peter-school.org

I graduated from Boston College in 2000 with a degree in Theology and a minor in Education. While at B.C., I played trombone in the Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band as well as B.C. bOp!, the top jazz ensemble at B.C. I also swam one year for B.C.’s swim team.

Originally from California, I moved back to Sacramento, where I taught for four years at Our Lady of the Presentation. At Presentation, I taught a variety of subjects: History (6th-8th), Literature (6th), Science (7th), Old and New Testament (7th), and Music (1st-4th). I planned and led our annual 8th grade weeklong trip to Yosemite National park. I also began and directed our Junior High Choir, which placed 1st in the Northern California Catholic Schools Choir Competition in 2004 and 2005. Our choir was picked to sing for Governor Schwarzenegger at the California Catholic Schools Rally at the Capital, and we were asked to sing a private concert for Bishop Weegan of Sacramento.

For the last ten years, I coached the Del Norte Dolphins Recreational swim team in Sacramento. The team had about 175 swimmers ranging in age from three to eighteen. We took 1st place in the NorCal Swim League in 2003, 2004, and last summer in 2005.

Since my family is scattered all over the world, I am an avid traveler. I have traveled to Nepal, Tibet, Southern China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, Mexico, Canada, and 34 of the 50 states. My favorite traveling moment was seeing Mt. Everest with my naked eye!

I am also an enthusaistic outdoorsman. I spend a few weeks every summer in Northwest Montana, where I thoroughly enjoy fly-fishing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and backpacking- especially in Glacier National Park.

I am very excited to be here at St. Peter’s for a fourth year! What a pleasant surprise is it to be at a school that is so ethnically diverse! I hope to enrich and challenge our student in the science lab, as well as to serve as a guide and mentor for them as they grow and mature.

Mrs. Shiela Gilligan - Computer, Art

tech@saint-peter-school.org

Sheila Gilligan, our new Computer Instructor and newer Art Teacher, is familiar to our school community as the mother of 6th grader, Olivia, as a substitute teacher, and as an active volunteer in our community. Originally from New Jersey, Ms. Gilligan moved to the Boston area to continue her education at Emmanuel College where she pursued her interest in Art, English and History. While she has taught in various settings, Ms. Gilligan’s professional work has been in illustrating. After a few years on the production side of publishing, working with editors and art directors, she eventually became an illustrator in both publishing and advertising. Publications featuring her work have included The Old Farmer’s Almanac and Nature Discovery Press, for whom she did Mammals of North America, a four-color poster displayed at the Smithsonian Museum. Ms. Gilligan has also illustrated educational materials for the Massachusetts Audubon Society.

She is currently preparing for her MTEL, the MA teachers’ licensure tests, at Lesley University. Ms. Gilligan lives in Somerville with her husband, John Corsetti, a real estate appraiser with The Appraisers Group in Belmont (who “kept his name when we got married”), her two children, Julia, a sophomore at Mt. Alvernia High School, and Olivia, and their pets, Homer, Kelly and Belle. Highlights of their travel adventures include a trip taken across America in 2002, a small trailer in tow and a delighted Homer with his head out the window. Three years ago they fulfilled a long held dream of swapping homes with a family in Ireland. “It took years to get up the nerve to hand over our home and our car to complete strangers. But we met a lovely family and it became a wonderful, learning experience for all of us,” Ms. Gilligan recounts. “For five weeks we used Bray, a seaside town just south of Dublin, as a home base while we explored the spectacular land of my grandparents.” More recently, on a solo adventure, she had the opportunity to return to Ireland and stay with a dear old friend at the motherhouse of the Medical Missionaries of Mary located in Drogheda. Ms. Gilligan is looking forward to her new adventure at the top of the north stairwell, exploring the information highway with the good students of St. Peter School.

Mr. Thomas Bonacci - Physical Education/Health

physed@saint-peter-school.org

I am the Physical Education and Health teacher at St. Peter School. I am a graduate of Northeastern University, Boston Bouve College, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Health. I am also President and co-owner of All-Star Gymnastics Center, Inc. located in Chelmsford, MA. I have been teaching children for the past 30 years both in the public and private sector. I have two children who are both graduates of St. Peter School.

The Physical Education Curriculum is designed to help each student understand the need to maintain a healthy body in order to keep the level of participation in various sports and daily activities, and to develop a positive approach towards physical fitness.

I have enjoyed teaching at St. Peter School for the past 14 years. It is a pleasure to work with our Principal, Mrs. Bernadette Leahy and the teachers and staff here.

Ms. Andrea Gaudette - Music, Library

library@saint-peter-school.org

Andrea Gaudette has been playing music professionally since age 14, when her first job carried the title “substitute organist” for her parish church. During high school, she spent two summers studying theory and composition at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In 1990, she received her Bachelor’s Degree of Music with Academic Honors in Composition at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA.

She has been teaching piano, theory, composition, voice, choir, instrumental ensembles and creative arts to children in a variety of settings since 1988. Ms. Gaudette lives in Cambridge with her husband and 10-year-old daughter.

Mr. Dennis Kinlaw - Spanish

computer3@saint-peter-school.org

I am looking forward to beginning my second year as a full-time teacher at St. Peter School teaching Spanish to grades four through eight. After entering into the St. Peter community nearly two years ago as an elective teacher for the student newspaper, I have continued to work in the Resource department as a tutor in both Math and Language Arts. I recently finished my own studies in American Literature and Language at Harvard University, and am excited to see the students’ progress in their own language studies at St.Peter’s.