After the retirement of many staff members like gym teacher Mark Baney, Learning Enrichment teacher Sheila Abruzzo and Student Resource Officer John Aston, State High decided to bring in some new faces. According to State High’s main office records on new hires for the 2025-2026 school year, there are over 30 new staff members.

Into the Library

Ellen Stolarski is one of State High’s librarians who previously worked at a smaller school for 13 years. Stolarski spent a lot of time in libraries growing up and says that that helped her want to become a librarian.

“The library was my safe space. I used to do a lot at my public library, and when I was in high school, I struggled with study hall and couldn’t sit still. So I used to go and volunteer at one of our younger libraries, and I love how it kind of really made me see what libraries can be in terms of enhancing classrooms,” Stolarski said.

Additionally, Stolarski shares how spending time in libraries and seeing people work hard is motivating. Stolarski says she enjoys helping students with their own individual pieces and passion projects. She explains that she is ready to see how she can help students with these projects at State High. 

“I do a lot of volunteering with other libraries and comparing notes because it’s so easy to think that your little corner of the woods is the same as everyone else’s. And there are so many unique things going on across the state,” Stolarski said.

Stolarski spoke about seeing lessons, thoughtful projects and professionals helping kids grow, and said, “It really motivates you to work harder. It motivates you to figure out, like, how can I match that energy?”

Stolarski said that the influence of librarians on her and all the time she’s spent in libraries in her life have helped her decide to become a librarian herself. “If you have an experience that’s meaningful and memorable, it’ll stick with you for years and years, and years.” 

Learning Enrichment 

Jessica Bruce is one of State High’s new learning enrichment teachers. Bruce grew up setting a lot of goals for herself and wants to help students understand the importance of setting both big and small goals. 

“It’s hard to see the success of a big goal when it’s something you are truly trying to accomplish a year from now…For example, some students have been saying, ‘I want to get all A’s by the end of the year.’ Well, you’re not going to see the joy of that goal until June,” Bruce said.

Bruce explained that it’s good to have small successes along the way because they help you stay motivated. She believes that going through the process of smaller goals can lead to a greater outcome, especially since reaching bigger goals isn’t guaranteed.

“Experiencing failure is what taught me how important small goals are. Sometimes you have to get knocked down to realize how to build yourself back up and then building yourself back up can teach you the right way to go about things,” Bruce said.

Bruce believes that without experiencing failure, you cannot truly feel the joy of success. According to Bruce, once you see yourself being successful, it can help you go out of your way to try to reach new successes. In addition, Bruce finds it important to be honest with her students about both her failures and her successes.

“I think it is powerful to be vulnerable with your students…I like sharing with students the ways that I have failed or struggled because I’m a person too,” Bruce said.

Bruce intends to help students at State High to set reachable goals for themselves, but also to help them understand that it is okay to fail, but it’s important to learn and grow from it. 

German 

Joanna Carlson is one of State High’s German teachers. She started learning German in 7th grade at an American high school in Germany, and she has lots of experience with German culture, having attended high school there.

“When I got to college, I decided to take a German class and enjoyed the challenge of getting better, studying literature, and connecting the language with music, my other major,” Carlson said.

Carlson felt that teaching was the logical next step in her journey with the German language since she discovered her love of teaching and sharing with students.

“Students and staff at State High have been great. After subbing throughout the district for the last three years, I see a lot of familiar faces. It’s a privilege to spend time learning together,” Carlson said.

Carlson sees considerable value in lifelong learning, especially when it comes to languages and cultures. 

“The pursuit of adding to your understanding and the challenge of improvement can energize you. Learning a different language can definitely be a lifelong pursuit. It also opens windows to different cultures and opportunities, which can help give life perspective,” Carlson said.

Carlson has also expressed excitement about exchange students and the study abroad program. That study abroad program allows some of State High’s students to stay in other countries, such as Germany, for a few weeks to learn about their culture. She is especially interested in helping students learn about the culture associated with the German language.  

State High has many new hires this year who are excited to join the school community.