Welcoming New Teachers and Staff to SHS!

by Dr. Ellin Booras, Principal, SHS/STEM Academy

Here are some glimpses into our impressive new staff members! We extend a warm welcome to the following new hires who are destined to have a high impact on the forward journey of Sandwich High School. All interviews are structured around our core values and the candidates’ preparedness to see 21 st century education as the evolution of new and dynamic learning paradigms! You will see common recurring themes in the following biographies as the talents of these fine educators resonate with the school and district goals of promoting higher level thinking, authentic assessment, and a high level of student engagement.

Liam Kelly – Spanish Teacher

In his biography, Liam states he loves fried clams and long walks on the beach at sunset. Among his personal interests is the rockabilly band, The Oysters! So, it makes perfect sense that this talented educator is moving back to Sandwich to assume the role of Spanish teacher at SHS. Liam graduated from Sandwich High School and earned his B.A. in Spanish from Holy Cross in 2003. Since then, Liam’s journey took him to teaching in Spain, Sandwich, Westford and most recently in Westwood MA. During his time in Westwood, Liam earned the distinction of Tri- Valley Coach of the Year for boy’s tennis.

Liam, we welcome you back with great joy!

Beth Simmons – Science Teacher

Published author, experienced and recognized educator with a passion for curriculum design and development, Beth Simmons is a wonderful addition to our team. Beth’s arrival could not be more timely as she will head up the Project Lead the Way expansion in Biomedical Engineering and Human Body Systems. Beth will also introduce a new honors Biology course for Sandwich High School open to all students grades 9-12.

Beth has taught in MA and in San Diego, CA where she led and developed innovative Biology and Oceanography programs. In 2015, Beth was appointed University of Chicago Assistant Director of Biological Labs (MBL) in Woods Hole. In this position, Beth recognized a need to engage high school students early and comprehensively in an effort to encourage the critical thinking necessary to succeed in science careers. Against this backdrop, Beth arrives at SHS recently returning from training in Project Lead the Way and eager to make a difference in our schools! Beth earned her BS and MS in Biology from Stonehill College and went on to University of California in San Diego to study curriculum design. We are so fortunate to have such accomplished professional to join our faculty while serving as an outstanding role model for our young scholars!

Jane Smith – Teacher and Department Chair

Graduate of University of New Hampshire is our new Department Chair for Science. She comes to us from Newbury, Vermont. Highly experienced in Project Lead the Way, Jane will be key to our forward progress in the sciences. Jane has served as a high school and middle school science teacher, research technician and associate scientist. She brings a love of the environment and an appreciation for outdoor adventure with her to Cape Cod. Jane’s arrival to SHS/ STEM is serendipitous as her skills and professional experience make her a perfect match for the district!

Josh Tarsky – Assistant Principal

Welcome to Josh Tarsky, our new Assistant Principal. Josh assumes this role as Chip Hill moves to be the full time Assistant Principal of STEM Academy. Josh will work with students 9-12 and collaborate with Chip Hill on student activities and events. Josh earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Yale University, served several years in the military, earned his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and completed graduate work in Educational Leadership from University of Massachusetts. He is a former English teacher and eager new administrator whose presence will be of great benefit to the students, faculty, and families of SHS!

Bryan Taylor – English

Sandwich High School extends a warm welcome to Bryan Taylor who will be joining our English department. Bryan graduated from Colgate University with a concentration in English literature and earned his Masters of Teaching from the University of Virginia with a dual focus in English and Social Studies. Bryan has taught English in every grade level 6-12.

Bryan’s constant is that he finds the fun in learning by doing, that he expects his students to direct the application of class skills to the real world of their lives and that he is committed to John Dewey’s philosophy that “to be playful and serious at the same time is the ideal mental state.” A native of Pasadena, Bryan cheers passionately for the UCLA Bruins, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New England Patriots. Bryan now lives in Sandwich with his wife and three children, all who feel blessed to be Cape Codders! Bryan’s arrival to SHS is well timed as he is highly experienced in Project Based Learning and a strong advocate of Tony Wagner’s teachings about what schools need to do to create dynamic 21 st century learning environments. Recent school reforms and initiatives at SHS have all been based on Wagner’s work.

Brian Tomasini – Physical Education, Health and Wellness

SHS grad, familiar face and a beloved coach, Brian is coming off a record breaking winning season as head coach of our varsity baseball team. He coaches STEM cross country and junior varsity basketball at Sandwich High School as well. Brian is excited to take on the role of PE, Health and Wellness teacher at SHS/STEM. A true Blue Knight, Brian brings a strong commitment to academics and athletics. Brian graduated from St. Anselm’s College in 2011 and has been employed by Sandwich as an ESP and coach since he received his degree. Brian’s passion for working with young students and athletes is evidenced beyond Sandwich in his current role as head coach of American Legion Post 188 Baseball and formerly assistant coach for Cape Cod baseball. We are delighted to welcome Brian to his new role!

Jessica will be a shining new addition to the SHS mathematics department. A graduate of Salve Regina College where she earned a double major in Mathematics in Secondary Education. Jessica was a four-season athlete and captain of the school’s highly successful field hockey program, Jessica aspires to continue her coaching in Sandwich. Most recently, Jessica taught algebra and calculus at Portsmouth Abbey School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. She also served as assistant lacrosse coach, student advisor and house parent. We are very pleased to welcome Jessica to SHS!