The first day of school is typically an exciting and stressful time for any kid, but for some new teachers, it is their first day as well. This year nine new teachers were brought into to HHS: Shea Fuhrman in the English Department, Brian Mumper as the new Latin teacher, Francis Lazauskas with the science department, Alexandra Poliscastro as a new speech teacher, Gregory Gallet, Cynthia Lant, and Joann Mount as special education teachers, and Beth Dwyer and Joy Pagano as part of the CST (Child Study Team). 

Each of these teachers brings with them their own experiences in both work and life. Lazauskas is adding his unique background to the science department by teaching Environmental Science. He spent his prior years being a specialist in conservation/water quality at a non-profit called the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership in Philadelphia; he worked on environmental education and the creation of stormwater infrastructure through rain gardens, which helped to manage stormwater runoff. Before transitioning to teaching high school, Lazauskas spent some time teaching 8th grade Earth and Space Science at William Annin Middle School in Basking Ridge. 

The English Department has gained a bit of Nebraska spirit this year. Fuhrman has joined the group and is bringing some of his past experiences from Nebraska to our school. After teaching at four high schools, most recently Omaha North High School, Fuhrman has come to the east coast with his wife and two-year-old son. After his wife got a position at Rutgers, he started looking for a job, and quickly found a home at HHS. It was a major plus that his wife loved some of the daycare centers in town.

“Everyone has been most polite, respectful, and hardworking,” Fuhrman said. “I have also enjoyed all of the support my colleagues have given me in understanding how to best adjust to HHS culture.”

To complete the new teacher trifecta, Brian Mumper has become the school’s one and only Latin teacher. Despite his young age, he has tremendous experience teaching at numerous colleges including Rutgers New Brunswick, Rutgers Newark, Montclair State, CUNY Brooklyn College, and Temple University’s Rome campus. He specialized in many Classical languages during his time, including ancient Greek and Latin language, literature, and history.

“My favorite thing about my classes this year is getting to do something different and try new things with a new group of kids,” Mumper said. “Getting to know them has been fun so far, and I look forward to getting to know them well over two, three, even four years of taking Latin.”