Welcome New Faculty and Staff!
We are excited to announce a couple of new additions to the Saint James School faculty and staff. Please join us in welcoming:
Mrs. Christina Nunes – Grade 2 Teacher
Mrs. Nunes is joining us from Saint Gabriel School in Windsor, where she has taught 2nd grade since 2008. Mrs. Nunes is a recipient of the “Light of Christ Teacher Recognition Award” for excellence in teaching and brings a wide variety of skills, experience, and teaching styles to help differentiate learning in the classroom environment. Mrs. Nunes is a graduate of St. Gabriel and Northwest Catholic High School, has a Master’s Degree in Education, and is certified through the State of Connecticut to teach early childhood. We are excited to welcome Mrs. Nunes to our 2nd grade.
Mrs. Amy Watson – Grade 5 Teacher
Mrs. Watson comes to us from the Rocky Hill school system, where she has worked for over two decades as a classroom teacher, long-term substitute, paraeducator, and reading specialist. Mrs. Watson is certified through the State of Connecticut to teach early childhood through 6th grade and holds a Master’s Degree in Reading and Language Arts. In addition to being a 5th grade homeroom teacher, Mrs. Watson will be teaching English, Reading, and Social Studies for both of our 5th grade classes. Please join us in welcoming her to Saint James School.
Mrs. Deanna Simoncini – Grade 5 Teacher
Mrs. Simoncini has over 14 years of experience teaching middle school Math, Religion, and Science in the Catholic school environment. After relocating from Georgia with her family in 2018, Mrs. Simoncini taught at Saint James School for a short time before opting to be home with her children in early 2020. She is a graduate of Florida State University and holds State of Connecticut certification to teach at the middle-grade level (grades 4 – 8). We are excited to welcome Mrs. Simoncini back to Saint James School where she will serve as one of our 5th grade homeroom teachers – teaching the subjects of Religion, Math, and Science for both 5th grade classes.
Mr. Thomas Burke – Middle School Teacher
Mr. Burke will be joining our middle school teaching team, overseeing a 6th grade homeroom in addition to teaching classes in both Reading and English Language Arts. Most recently, Mr. Burke taught Literature and English at East Catholic High School but prior to that spent many years teaching at the middle school level in the Hartford public school system. Mr. Burke holds state certification in middle and high school English and also holds a Master’s Degree in Education. Please join us in welcoming him to Saint James School.
Extended Day
We are also welcoming three new staff members to the extended day program under the direction of Ms. Jean. Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Fionnuala Purcell, Mrs. Kristine Nadvornik-Moulard and Mrs. Paula St. Germain to the team!