Ms. Virginia's Lower Elementary Classroom (1st through 3rd Grade)

Introduction to Ms. Virginia:
Hello my name is Mrs. Peck and I am the elementary teacher at The Samuel School. I was born and raised in the beautiful Andes Mountains of Venezuela in South America. I was also privilege to grow up in a Christian family that taught me to love and serve God with excellence. Since I was a young girl I loved to work with children, and often volunteered to work in the children’s ministry at church. Then, when I was old enough, I worked with the “Children of the Street.” It was emotionally hard and many times my heart was broken to see the children’s needs and lacks. However, those experiences trained and shaped me to love working with children. In fact, those are some of the memories I treasure the most! 

In high school a received a technical school diploma in agriculture. I also completed 3 years towards a science degree before coming to the United States in 2001. I meet my husband during that time, got married and now have 5 beautiful children. While in the United States I’ve worked as a teacher assistant for seven years, a long term substitute teacher for one year, a co-teacher for two years and a lead teacher going on the fourth year. I have also completed the Early Childhood Montessori Training through Christian Montessori Fellowship.

Ms. Virginia's Comments on the Classroom:
The Samuel School Lower Elementary Program provides a nurturing learning environment in which 1) God is the source of all knowledge and truth, 2) the individuality of each child is respected, and 3) the innate desire within each student to grow in knowledge is honored.

Our multi-age classrooms allow students to work together and learn from each other, developing a deep sense of care and respect for one another. Also, our teaching methodologies honor individual differences and learning styles by emphasizing not only the academic development but the spiritual, social and emotional growth of the student as well. We recognize that students learn best when education is meaningful and connected to their life experiences, so we allow them to progress at their own pace and according to their unique strengths.

The Montessori approach and its specially designed materials lead the students from concrete experience to abstract knowledge. Additionally, students develop fundamental academic skills based on biblical principles that help them grow their biblical worldview: they complete specific work every day; work independently; work in groups; practice respect; study their outdoor environment; develop self-discipline; attend structured lessons; and learn how to develop practical skills, concentration, coordination, and a sense of responsibility.

Ms. Sula's Upper Elementary Classroom
(4th through 6th Grade)

Introduction to Ms. Sula:
My name is Sulamit Burmeister. I've been married for 15 years and have 4 children. Teaching is my passion, and I have been instructing students of all ages for many years. During my years at college, I worked as a German teacher at refugee camps in Austria, helping students with their homework as well as teaching German as means of their integration into our country. My native language is German. I grew up in Austria, Europe, where I studied translation and interpretation. I hold degrees in English language and culture as well as German language and culture and some other European languages. I love traveling and was able to combine that passion with studying abroad at different universities in Europe.

Ms. Sula's Comments on the Classroom:
Currently, I am teaching English language, reading, writing, spelling and grammar, as well as history, science, geography, culture, literature and Bible for students in Grades 4 through 6. My hope is to spark an interest in language and literature in my students and create enthusiasm for reading and writing stories. I put a strong emphasis on the English language in my class. During the different science lessons, I enjoy having my students work with hands-on items, whether it's assembling 3-D sculpted puzzles of the world or experimenting with our science kits. We also build molecules and create electric circuits. During Bible, history and literature, I encourage my students to share their questions and opinions, and we do that in a safe and respectful environment. I truly believe that their success begins with making them feel comfortable in the classroom and experience enjoyment. Field trips are always a highlight for the students, and we regularly take trips that are educational and fun.

Upper School Classroom
(7th through 12th Grade)

Introduction to Ms. Lach:
My name is Robyn Lach, and I am the Upper School English teacher. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, a Pennsylvania State Teaching Certificate, and a Master of Arts Degree in Secondary Counseling; I was a secondary English teacher and guidance counselor in the Pocono Mountain School District. In addition to attending to the needs of two elderly cats and one ancient rabbit, I enjoy reading, playing the clarinet, and visiting residents at the Middletown Home. I came to know the Lord as my personal savior in 1995 and have humbly experienced his magnificent blessings ever since. Among those blessings are the staff and students at The Samuel School and my six precious grandchildren!

Ms. Lachs Comments on the English & Literature Classroom:
It is once again the most wonderful time of the year for our English class—oration preparation has begun! Our theme this year is “Heroes and Heroines of the Faith.” It is exciting to explore the lives of people who have impacted our faith—what lessons we can learn! As always, we continue working on improving writing and communication skills; we are using The Best Grammar Workbook Ever! by Arlene Miller. Our vocabulary work is based on the Wordly Wise series but with a twist; we find words alphabetically that have positive connotations, and then we find their negative counterparts—it’s fun! So far this year, we have read a variety of poems, The Diary of Anne Frank, A Raisin in the Sun, and Jack London’s “To Build a Fire,” a short story; we will be reading more short stories and poetry throughout the remainder of the year. Future literary explorations include Tennessee Williams’ play The Glass Menagerie, Gary Paulsen’s novel Hatchet, and Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Our weightiest area of concentration is writing, writing, and writing, and we are definitely getting better, better, and better! The year has been great so far—God is so good.