Forest Pines teachers excited to meet their students

August 23, 2005 - Students and parents had their first look at the new Forest Pines Elementary at the Dubois Center as the school held Meet the Teacher this afternoon.

Teachers Diane New and Joan Carrozza were excited to see the arrival of students at the school's Meet the Teacher sessions.

Principal Freda Cole has assembled an experienced staff that's excited about starting their new school. Five of the schools 14 classroom teachers taught in a WCPSS school last year and two others taught in NC schools.

"Our school is made up of the students, parents and teachers who are coming together to create Forest Pines Elementary," said Cole. "I'm excited about our teachers becoming a part of this community and the support we've already received from the people of north Wake County."

Cole has served as principal of Green Hope and Morrisville elementary schools. She was a WCPSS Principal of the Year Finalist in 1998 and 2004. She recruited eight staff members from Green Hope to Forest Pines.

Teachers Diane New and Joan Carrozza said working with Cole was one of the attractions for coming to Forest Pines. New worked with Cole at Green Hope and Carrozza met her at a teacher job fair.

After working 13years as a teacher in New York, Carrozza said she's excited about being part of her new school family at Forest Pines.

"The modular school is extraordinary," said Carrozza. "The curriculum is exceptional and a lot of thought went into ordering our resources and materials. I'm excited about the teaching team here."

New was drawn to Forest Pines because it's new and smaller.

"I'm excited for the parents to see how wonderful this school will be at many levels," said New. "With a smaller school, we'll be able to build close relationships with students and parents."

Rapid enrollment growth led the school system to start three schools early this year on campuses with temporary modular buildings. Forest Pines staff will be in their temporary facility for two years while their permanent school is completed.

"It will give us time to build our school community," said New. "We can build a strong foundation before we move."

New said the teachers have gathered several times as they prepared for the start of school. She said a recent picnic at Blue Jay Park helped bring them together.

She was excited about the support from parents.

"The PTA and community have supplied us with breakfast and lunches," said New. "They have made us feel welcome."

Meet the Teacher was especially exciting for Carrozza.

"I'm really looking forward to meeting my new class," she said. "Kindergartners are so excited about starting school. I'm looking forward to a year filled with growth and learning."

-wcpss-