August 11, 2022
Dear Montgomery Families,
Is there anything better than the smell of chlorine and sunscreen at the end of an active summer day? In my house, these penultimate weeks of summer are like a distilled version of those long summer evenings as everyone savors time spent and experiences shared while looking ahead to what comes next. I hope your family enjoyed this time of retreat and renewal that is provided to us in the rhythm of school life and childhood.
As we look ahead, I’m excited to share the theme for this year is “Imagine!” September is so exciting for those of us who call school home, marking the growth and anticipating all that lies ahead in the year to come. We will welcome new members as we build our community once again with the unique and special aspects that each child brings. Together, we imagine a world where all our kids can thrive as they learn to think boldly, solve creatively, and lead compassionately.
And, of course, our children are the imagineers-in-chief. From four year olds to 8th graders, we put them first and deepen their capacity to care and to lead. It takes special people to uphold our values and vision. It is my pleasure to introduce new community members who are ready to do just that!
Jessica Fields is joining the middle school faculty to teach Language Arts and serve as an 8th grade advisor. Jessica will be replacing Mr. Hutcheson, as he recently advised us that he has decided to pursue a new opportunity. We were very pleased with the strong candidates of interest and three outstanding finalists, but Jessica clearly stood out for her experience, energy, and passion for teaching. For nearly 20 years, Jessica has taught, coached, and advised in schools throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania, most recently teaching English and writing at Phoenixville Senior High School. She has her BA in Secondary Education with a focus in English Language and Literature from the University of Maryland and is the mother of two current Montgomery students.
Charles Hambrick will teach mathematics in grades five and six as well as serve as a middle school advisor. Entering his 20th year as a teacher, Charles has specialized in mathematics and middle years education throughout his career. After earning his undergraduate degree at Shippensburg University, Charles pursued his Master of Arts in Teaching at Goucher College in Baltimore and began a twelve year tenure in the Baltimore Public Schools. Along the way, he coached tennis, soccer, and basketball. As his family grew and opportunities drew them to opportunities in California and Utah, they were excited to return “home” to this area. Charles will be joined by his two children as new members of the Monty family this year!
Linda Jones has joined us as Assistant to the Head of School. Linda brings incredible administrative experience, having served in a wide variety of roles in the West Chester School District for 15 years. Linda loves school and children–she has raised two adult children of her own–and can’t wait to meet more of our community. Her office is located in the Farmhouse. Come by if you need anything or want to talk about her rescue animals (2 cats and 2 dogs!), the latest on Netflix, or the 76ers!
Sam Ochetti is “coming home” as a Kinderdergarten teacher this year. Sam previously taught at Montgomery from 2007-2016 and last year was the lead teacher in the SALT Playhouse for Preschoolers on our campus. Sam has a degree in elementary education from West Chester University and has a passion for early childhood learners, the outdoors, and her family (son Chase is in first grade at Monty this year). Welcome back (once again!) to Montgomery, Sam!
Michael Toomey joined us this summer as our Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid. We introduced Mike in Schoolhouse News last spring, but we are happy to share that he has started work this summer already. Mike has served in a variety of admissions and financial aid positions throughout New England and the Philly area. He and his family live on The Hill School’s campus and his three children will be joining our Montgomery family as well this fall. Mike is also an accomplished runner and is currently pursuing his MBA at St. Joseph’s University.
Thank you for helping us all welcome these talented professionals to Montgomery. They join a team of outstanding educators which makes me proud to be among them.
I can’t wait to see you on Welcoming Day and to help us all to extend and grow in our year ahead. Imagine what we can achieve! It’s going to be an amazing year.
Warmly,
Tom McManus
Head of School
