New Faculty at Edgewater Elementary School

Some exciting changes are afoot at Edgewater Elementary School this school year.  The school is welcoming two new classroom teachers, an instrumental music teacher and a new PTA president. 

Principal Rebecca "Becky" Schou is also relatively new to the school. In August, Schou will begin her second full year as principal. She was a mid-year replacement in 2010 of long-time principal Barry Fader, who retired in December of 2009.

Students and parents describe Schou as motivated, full of energy and enthusiasm, and truly devoted to the Edgewater Elementary students.

Schou can’t say enough positive things about the students at her school, “they amaze me more and more each day," she said. “They have a spirit of generosity and kindness that surpasses any group of students I’ve worked with before.” 

Schou is excited for the upcoming school year, “I know it will be fantastic.” 

Schou also shared a brief history of her career in education. She began her career in 1974.  She has worked as a classroom teacher, reading specialist and assistant principal.  Schou was also principal at Annapolis Elementary from 1996-2000.  She said that she is proud to come from a family of educators. Two of her three children are pursuing careers in education.

The faculty also welcomes Joya Sutton. "Ms. Sutton" will be replacing Daisy Harris in the fifth grade. "Mrs. Harris" retired after more than 30 years of teaching at Edgewater Elementary School. Her colleagues said that they will miss her quiet and always-positive spirit. 

Sutton previous taught for five years in Arlington, VA, and one year in Prince George’s County.

Stephanie Powell, a first year teacher, will be a wonderful addition to the third grade team, according to Schou.  "Ms. Powell" is from Anne Arundel County. She graduated from Severna Park High School and studied at Towson University. 

Schou said that she is excited to also introduce a new instrumental music teacher.  The school was given a half-time position to teach band and strings. Lisa Mansfield has extensive experience teaching students music and is an “elementary-oriented teacher.”  Schou also shared that "Mrs. Mansfield’s" husband is a member of the Naval Academy band.

Jenny Corkhill has been elected the new PTA president. Corkhill has two children at the school. Sophie is in second grade and Shane will be entering kindergarten.

Corkhill is a registered nurse and works one day a week at an outpatient surgery center.  Corkhill described her motivation to be part of the PTA as a wonderful way to be involved with her children’s school experience.  She said that she fell in love with Edgewater Elementary’s small, intimate environment and wants to be part of the school’s positive energy. 

Corkhill's vision of the PTA as supporting the teachers and administration and helping students to have the best educational experience possible. She noted that there are a core group of wonderful parent volunteers and she wants to provide organization and structure for parents who want to be involved but don’t know how. 

Corkhill said that the PTA executive board has already met this summer and developed goals for the academic year.  The first goal is to partner with teachers to make Edgewater a Green-Certified school.

The PTA also wants to promote excitement about reading. Parents and teachers will begin book clubs for students this year.  The last goal Corkhill mentioned was to provide the students a voice regarding the physical condition of the school. 

Edgewater Elementary is sixty years old and is not scheduled for a feasibility study until 2015.  Parents and students report major concerns about the conditions at Edgewater.  These include: mold in some of the classrooms, leaks in the ceiling when it rains and no air conditioning in the cafeteria and gym. 

The PTA is hosting Sneak a Peak from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 22.  Parents and children can come to school to visit their classroom and drop off school supplies.  Teachers will not be at school that day, but office staff and PTA members will be there to answer questions and direct traffic.