We are spotlighting the dedicated faculty and staff of Long Lake Central School District to celebrate their unwavering commitment to education and their positive impact on our students and community. Their hard work, creativity, and passion inspire excellence and foster a nurturing learning environment, making a lasting difference in the lives of our young learners.
Donna Furlong
Donna, a seasoned educator with a rich history in New Hampshire, has found a new home at Long Lake Central School District. After years of administrative roles, she's returned to her first love: teaching.
"It's truly refreshing to be back in the classroom," Donna shares. "The small class sizes here at LLCS create an intimate learning environment where I can connect with each student on a personal level."
One of the aspects she cherishes most is the strong sense of community among the staff and students. "The comradery is unparalleled. Everyone here is invested in the success of our students and each other," she explains.
Donna's unique approach to teaching involves infusing real-world connections into her lessons. "I love to tap into students' interests," she says. "Just the other day, I raced Batmobiles with a student to measure distance. Who says math can't be fun?"
Beyond the classroom, Donna is a passionate beekeeper. "There's something incredibly rewarding about tending to my bees," she shares. "It's a peaceful hobby that connects me to nature." When she's not tending to her hives, you might find her hiking, biking, or exploring the great outdoors.
If given the chance to possess a superpower for a day, Donna wouldn't hesitate. "I'd love to have the ability to stretch time," she says. "More time would allow me to tackle projects efficiently and dedicate more attention to my students."
Carey Pooler
Meet Carey, who has been an integral part of the Long Lake Central School District community for 16 years. Her dedication to her students and her passion for teaching shine through in everything she does.
"The best part of working here is the opportunity to be part of a team that truly cares about our students," Carey shares. "We're not just educators; we're a family, and we're committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our children."
Carey has a unique way of connecting with her young students. She affectionately calls her first graders "Fabulous Firsties" and her second graders "Super Seconds," boosting their self-esteem and setting a positive tone for the school year.
When she's not inspiring young minds, Carey enjoys a variety of hobbies. She's an avid reader, a skilled swimmer, and a passionate hiker. She also loves to bake, often sharing her delicious treats with her colleagues and students.
One of the funniest things a student ever said to her was in response to the question, "What would you like to be when you grow up?" The student's simple and heartwarming response, "Happy!", left Carey smiling and reminded her of the pure joy of childhood.
If given the chance to possess a superpower for a day, Carey would choose the ability to fly. "Imagine being able to travel anywhere in the world instantly," she says. "It would be incredible to explore new places and experience different cultures."
Kristin Delehanty
Kristin, a skilled third and fourth-grade teacher, has been a cherished member of the Long Lake Central School District for the past 15 years. She's more than just an educator; she's a friend, a mentor, and a role model for her students.
"The best part of working here is the incredible people I have the privilege to work alongside and the amazing children I learn from every day," Kristin shares. "The sense of community is truly special."
One of the unique ways Kristin connects with her students is by being an active part of the local community. "I often see my students outside of school," she explains. "They know that I'm not just their teacher; I'm a real person with a family and hobbies."
When she's not inspiring young minds, Kristin enjoys spending quality time with her family, skiing, walking her dog, Reggie, and indulging in her passion for cooking and baking.
One of the funniest things a student ever said to her was, "Where do you sleep?" During her eight years as a kindergarten teacher, many of her young students assumed she lived at school!
If given the chance to possess a superpower for a day, Kristin would choose teleportation. "I'm not a fan of flying," she admits. "The ability to teleport would be incredibly convenient for traveling to distant places."
Every year, the Central Adirondack School Music Association (CASMA) brings together talented young musicians from across the region for its Fall and Spring Festivals. These joyous events celebrate the power of music through performances by selected student ensembles. This year's Fall concert will take place on Saturday, November 2, at 2PM in the Schroon Lake Auditorium.
Resources on Supporting the Well-Being of Students
Prioritizing student well-being is essential for fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. When students feel safe, valued, and connected, they are more likely to be engaged in their education, achieve academic success, and develop healthy relationships. By prioritizing their well-being, schools can create a nurturing environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential.
How to Build Self-Management by Raising Responsible Decision-Makers
Encourage your child to develop healthy habits like exercising regularly, healthy eating, and prioritizing sleep. These activities not only promote physical health but also teach them the importance of self-discipline and making smart choices. They will inevitably make mistakes (and poor choices) – which are in itself opportunities to practice managing oneself. For example, help your child apply these habits of mind:
- Practice growth mindset
- Set SMART goals
- Pack for a trip
- Exercise
- Eating healthy
- Make a budget
How to Build Self-Awareness by Raising Self-Reliant Superstars
By encouraging independence, we’re helping our kids develop a strong sense of self and their ability to problem-solve in the face of challenges.
Preschooler (Ages 4-5):
- Load the dishwasher
- Wash dishes
- Care for houseplants
Early Elementary (6-8):
- Take out the trash/rubbish
- Clean countertops
- Fold/hang laundry
Elementary and Beyond (9+):
- Make simple meals
- Do the laundry
- Clean toilets
How to Build Social Awareness and Relationship Skills by Raising Compassionate Humans
Instilling compassion in our children is a powerful way to build social awareness and strengthen their ability to connect with others. Teaching them to genuinely care about others and understand different perspectives helps them form meaningful connections with people from all walks of life. Does your child know the difference between sympathy and empathy? Here are concepts and actions your child should know and do:
Reading social cues
Demonstrating empathy
Make an apology
Make an appointment
Expressing gratitude
