After twenty-four years of teaching at Southern Lehigh High School, Mrs. Sheryl Ciotti has made the decision to transfer to the district’s middle school as a seventh grade English teacher.
“I never wanted to become a complacent teacher,” Mrs. Ciotti said. “After teaching many of the works for countless years, I felt myself heading in that direction. I knew at that moment a change was necessary.”
During her time at the high school, Mrs. Ciotti contributed in many ways by not only being a teacher, but also as a club advisor making Southern Lehigh a better school for the students. She has made many connections with faculty members and students, showing her devotion to her job during her time here at the high school.
“I will especially miss the students I have forged a relationship with over the years, in addition to the many colleagues and friends I have made throughout my duration here,” Mrs. Ciotti said. “Southern Lehigh has become a home away from home. Leaving my SLHS bestie, Mrs. [Kelly] Howsare, is extremely difficult.”
Although making this transition was not an easy decision, she knew this change was necessary for her and she is ready to embark on a new chapter in her life at the middle school. Mrs. Ciotti is looking forward to working with younger learners and hopes to fuel their love for reading and writing during their formative years.
“One piece of advice I would like to leave my [high school] students with is, first, remember to take a minute to observe the world around you, and see how you can turn the rocks of your day into gold,” Mrs. Ciotti said. “Secondly, as Polonius said, ‘remember, this above all: to thine own self be true.’”
Taking over Mrs. Ciotti’s position at the high school is Mrs. Ella Fox, the newest member of the English department.
“I heard it was a great school district and they value their students’ experience,” said Mrs. Fox, “which is important to me.”
Mrs. Fox attended Queens University of Charlotte with a major in education. She first worked as an instructional assistant in the Pennridge School District, and later taught English at Pennridge South Middle School for three months. She also worked as an English and social studies teacher at Souderton Charter School.
“The people I worked with and the students are what I am going to miss most about my previous school,” Mrs. Fox said. “I went to that school, so there are just a lot of personal memories there.”
However, Mrs. Fox is excited for a fresh start and anticipates many new experiences.
“I am looking forward to learning more about Southern Lehigh and learning more about my students,” she said. “I am looking forward to seeing the different traditions in this district, and becoming a member of the SLHS family.”
