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Special Education Administrative Assistant Perri Lipsky Special Education Administrative Assistant < Back Perri has worked as a highly qualified paraprofessional in the public school system for 20 years. She is looking forward to bringing her diverse work experience to the students and faculty of COS. She is ecstatic to join the COS family as both a staff member and parent. Along with her young son, Perri also has two grown sons and several pets. She enjoys spending time with her husband and boys, as well as reading, crocheting, baking and working in her yard. She also finds the occasional hike good for her soul. Additionally, she is active in local community theatre along with her youngest child. plipsky@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Daisy Kindergarten Teacher Rebekah Schaeffer < Back Daisy Kindergarten Teacher Rebekah graduated from Cedar Crest College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in health and wellness. Upon graduating, she worked for two years with young children with learning and developmental disabilities. Rebekah discovered COS after previously working with students of the school. She simply fell in love with the children, teachers, and methodology that make up COS. Rebekah is grateful and joyous to be part of the mission of this unique school and community. In her free time, Rebekah enjoys staying active through hiking, gardening, and yoga. Her other interests include reading, cooking, and doing seasonal crafts. rschaeffer@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

GARDENING PROGRAM Circle of Seasons’ Gardening Program for elementary school students provides children with experiential learning opportunities across numerous academic disciplines, including math, biology, chemistry, nutrition, social science and visual art. The benefits to students beyond traditional academics are also numerous. Children learn about: The Gardening Program at Circle of Seasons Charter School addresses issues that many of our children face: a disconnect with nature, an excessive exposure to electronic entertainment, an overabundance of fast food and junk food and a scarcity of exercise and outdoor play. The Gardening Program also provides opportunities for partnering and collaborating with local businesses, organizations and farms. Circle of Seasons Gardening Program is focused on the following age- and developmentally-appropriate content: First and Second Grade: The Gardening Program for first and second graders emphasizes observation of the natural world. Nature songs and stories are utilized to communicate the mysteries of nature, the balance of life and the “circle of seasons.” Experiential learning includes creating and tending to a garden from planning to mulching and weeding to harvesting. Third Grade: The Gardening Program for third graders emphasizes elements of homesteading, including self-sufficiency, sustainability, subsistence agriculture and preservation. Experiential learning includes conducting germination tests, constructing a garden component (for example, a fence) and animal care. Fourth and Fifth Grade: Students in the upper grades learn about the water and nutrient cycles, botany and weather. Experiential learning opportunities include composting and building a weather station. Through EITC grants, the COS Foundation will provide materials that are crucial to the Gardening Program: tools, plants, soil, equipment for planting, harvesting, composting and animal care. EITC grants could also be used for field trips to local and regional farms and visits from guest speakers. When young students gain appropriate knowledge about the environment and how it supports life, the particular needs of various plant and animal species, the cycle of the weather, the importance of conservation and the responsible allocation of our natural resources, they obtain a wealth of insight into the impact of humans on the earth and on each other. Through COS’ Gardening Program, students of all ages gain practical knowledge and skills, and learn reverence, respect and responsibility for the world around them. Gardening Program, Grades 1-5 Instrumental Music Program, Grades 1-5 Manual Arts Program: Woodworking, Grade 5 -Environmental sustainability, connection to and respect for nature -Nutrition, the food chain, healthful food choices and lifestyle habits -The connection between a community and its history -Farming and agricultural practices -Responsible stewardship of the land and their school property -Collaboration, perseverance and patience -Spatial awareness, map skills and visualization techniques Ways to Give

Enrollment & Student Information Coordinator Karri Schreppel Enrollment & Student Information Coordinator < Back Karri joined the Circle of Seasons team as Student Services Coordinator in August of 2020. She previously served in the roles of Program Coordinator at the Baum School of Art and as the Office Administrator at Seven Generations Charter School. Prior to that, Karri spent 5 years living the “sweet life” as an entrepreneur, running her own custom cupcake and cake business - attending many local farmers markets and events with her adorable cupcake cart. Karri is a dedicated volunteer serving on the Emmaus Arts Commission since 2016 as commissioner and President and as a Girl Scout Troop Leader since 2019. Karri is passionate about the arts and enjoys watercolor, drawing, and zendoodling. She loves reading, cooking, camping with her husband and dogs, and is currently learning to play the ukulele. Karri will complete her Associates Degree in Education in the Spring of 2024. kschreppel@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Paraprofessional Anastasia Seader < Back Paraprofessional aseader@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Administration and Staff Joey Huber CEO, Principal Read More Alyssa Radice Waldorf Lead Read More Kate Elias Dean of Students (5-8) Read More Andrea Caliente-Haas Receptionist Read More Kim McFarland Administrative Coordinator Read More Perri Lipsky Special Education Administrative Assistant Read More Kara Vasilakos Business Office Clerk Read More Matt Smith Director of Special Education Read More Jon Shafer Director of Plant Operations Read More Jill Jenkins School Counselor Read More Kristy Weaver-Ahner School Nurse Read More Erin Orben Executive Assistant Read More Doug Keller Facilities Manager Read More Kiely Ostfeld Assistant Principal Read More Dennis Nappi Dean of Students (K-4) Read More Karri Schreppel Enrollment & Student Information Coordinator Read More Chealsa Miller School Health Assistant Read More Casey West Academic Intervention Coach & Assessment Lead (K-8) Read More Craig Frederick Grounds Manager Read More Faculty Kara Tervo Clover Kindergarten Teacher Read More Ashley Pietropinto Daisy Kindergarten Assistant Read More Taylor Freyer First Grade Class Teacher Read More Aimee Loessl Second Grade Class Teacher Read More Sara Cipriotti Third Grade Class Teacher Read More Tara Grather Fifth Grade Class Teacher Read More Chris Shumate Sixth Grade Class Teacher Read More Joseph Ciaravino Eighth Grade Class Teacher Read More Domenic DiMenichi ESL/Intervention Teacher Read More Nathan Gerheart Band Teacher Read More Amanda Millhouse Fine Arts Teacher Read More Seval Kanik Strings Teacher Read More Casey Faurl SEL Teacher Read More Meg Kelch Special Education Teacher Read More Cynthia Hafner Paraprofessional Read More Emily Kopke Paraprofessional Read More Jasmine Rich Paraprofessional Read More Lisa Ottaviani Paraprofessional Read More Ariel Sly Intervention Teacher Read More Alexis Sirrakos Substitute Teacher Read More Dylan Rex Substitute Teacher Read More Christine Westrich Clover Kindergarten Assistant Read More Christy Bishop Kindergarten Assistant Read More Annika Twombly First Grade Assistant Read More Aurora Fantozzi LTS Grades Teacher Read More Alexis Smith Fourth Grade Class Teacher Read More Kendra PeloJoaquin Fifth Grade Class Teacher Read More Greg Kapner Seventh Grade Class Teacher Read More Amy Studzienko Eighth Grade Class Teacher Read More Jeanette Sommons Music Teacher Read More Krista Spradlin German Teacher Read More Edit Locke Games and Movement Teacher Read More Emma Simms Fiber Arts Assistant Read More Kaitlyn Pearson Special Education Teacher Read More Colleen Dreisbach Special Education Teacher Read More Caroline Rocchino Paraprofessional Read More Lydia Freeby Paraprofessional Read More Anna Haring Paraprofessional Read More Amy Chassard Intervention Teacher Read More Lorraine Lidon Intervention Teacher Read More Mike Watson Substitute Teacher Read More Caitlin O'Connor Speech and Language Therapist Read More Rebekah Schaeffer Daisy Kindergarten Teacher Read More Kelly Moneymaker First Grade Class Teacher Read More Lauren Martin Second Grade Class Teacher Read More Sarah Johnson Third Grade Class Teacher Read More Pam Lagler Fourth Grade Class Teacher Read More KellyAnn Purugganan Sixth Grade Class Teacher Read More Wendy Gornicz Seventh Grade Class Teacher Read More Samantha Ferrizzi Woodworking Teacher Read More Allison LeCoultre Spanish Teacher Read More Jordan Weagly Gardening Teacher Read More Irene Blough French Teacher Read More Scott Mitsching Fiber Arts Teacher Read More Heather Lyon Special Education Teacher Read More Jennifer Hartshorne-Hesketh Paraprofessional Read More Annette Perez Paraprofessional Read More Anastasia Seader Paraprofessional Read More Sandy Cahill Paraprofessional Read More MaryAnn Columbus Intervention Teacher Read More Michele Schock Substitute Teacher Read More Dylan Odhner Substitute Teacher Read More

Student Services At Circle of Seasons Charter school, we meet children where they, supporting each individual's unique needs. Supporting students physical, emotional, and intellectual development is at the heart of what we do here, and our robust student services support this goal. Please click the buttons below for information on these services, and please let us know if you have any questions. SPECIAL EDUCATION MULTI-TIERED SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SAP) TITLE IX INFORMATION ENGLISH LEARNER SERVICES

Games and Movement Teacher Edit Locke < Back Games and Movement Teacher Edit earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg University. She is also a certified yoga teacher and has been teaching yoga to both adults and children all around the Lehigh Valley for the past decade. Edit taught 3rd grade for one year, and PLAY/PE for 5 years at Seven Generations Charter School before joining the staff at COS as a Movement and Games teacher. She is thrilled to be in an environment where children naturally thrive, and can't wait to share games with students that they will truly enjoy and through which they will effortlessly develop a life-long passion for being physically active and socially apt. elocke@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Second Grade Class Teacher Aimee Loessl < Back Second Grade Class Teacher aloessl@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Evaluation Information Evaluations of Students with Disabilities If a parent believes that their child may have a disability, they should write to the Director of Special Education at COS. There are procedures in the charter school by which teams of teachers and parents can meet to discuss any concerns and proceed to evaluation steps, if necessary. Any formal evaluations proposed by the charter school require parental consent. If a child is found to be disabled and in need of special education servi ces, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed with parental participation. In compliance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Pennsylvania State Special Education Regulations, parents are ensured of confidentiality of all appropriate student and family information. Students who have a disability and do not qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) may need accommodations under the ADA Amendment Act of 2008 (ADAAA). These students will be evaluated to determine what accommodations may be needed to allow them access to any school-related activity. Interested parents should write a letter to the 504 Coordinator at COS. Independent Educational Evaluation According to Part 300 of the Federal Regulations § 300.502 parents may obtain an independent educational evaluation at the charter school’s expense if they disagree with the evaluation completed by the charter school. An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not an employee of the Circle of Seasons Charter School. Parents may be eligible to receive an IEE at the charter school’s expense if the parent disagrees with an evaluation the charter school has conducted. A request for an IEE must be made in writing to the Director of Special Education within one year of the date issued on the charter school’s evaluation report. COS EVALUATION AND REEVALUATION POLICY INDEPENDENT EVALUATION POLICY

Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Circle of Seasons Charter School believes that to provide the most effective education for all students, we must start with providing an effective education for each child, and truly understanding who they are. We know that children have different learning styles and not all children will respond to the same instructional approach. Some students may require additional support to experience success. At COS, we use Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), a 3-tiered approach, to identify and support students who are not experiencing success with our core curriculum and instructional strategies. These students will be provided with two levels of support beyond the core curriculum. MTSS has been identified as best practice in education, and fulfills federal and state requirements for meeting the needs of all students. At TIer 1 (i.e. core curriculum), the classroom teacher uses the core curriculum for all students, including strategies to support students with different skill levels. Research has shown that at least 80% of students can be successful with the general education approach and curriculum. At TIer 2, the core curriculum are supplemented with additional small-group interventions for students who are struggling at Tier 1. At COS, students are provided with additional instruction in their area(s) of need. Parents will be notified in writing and proposed interventions and support strategies will be described. At Tier 3, a small percentage of students who do not benefit from Tier 2 are provided more individualized and more focused interventions. WIthin each tier, student progress is monitored on a schedule determined by the student’s need. At Tier 1, all students’ basic skills are monitored 3 times a year. At Tier 2 and Tier 3, students’ skills are monitored more frequently. We take very seriously our responsibility to ensure the success of ALL students. MTSS allows us to support each student more effectively. The goal of MTSS is to close achievement gaps and ensure that all students are successful at Tier 1.

Band Teacher Nathan Gerheart < Back Band Teacher Nathan Gerheart grew up in the Oley Valley School District in Berks County, PA. He was involved with music and other artistic opportunities throughout his time there. Nathan then earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Moravian University. When studying at Moravian, Nathan gained experience with band, orchestra, guitar, piano, and vocal pedagogy. Nathan also got the opportunity to perform with several great artists while at Moravian. Some of which included Phil Woods, Dave Liebman, Maria Schneider, Robin Eubanks, and Bob Dorough. Mr. Gerheart has also enjoyed performance opportunities in the local Lehigh Valley community. These experiences helped grow his love and appreciation for music and education. Nathan has been an educator in the Lehigh Valley since 2019. He is excited to join the faculty and staff in his first year at Circle of Seasons: 2023-24. Nathan brings a love and passion for educating young musicians and helping to nurture a love and appreciation for music. These beliefs aligned perfectly with the mission of Waldorf education and is what drew Nathan to Circle of Seasons and its lovely community. When Nathan is not teaching or playing music, you can find him curled up on the couch with a good book and his dog (Maggie) and two cats (JJ and Rossi.) When not reading he also enjoys playing video games and board games with friends and family, or watching a good tv show or movie. Nathan also enjoys getting time outside hiking trails, going to the dog park, or playing recreational sports. ngerheart@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >