Every school year brings change, but the 2024-2025 school year has brought quite a lot, from a new schedule to new lunch offerings at Tologcafe. One of the biggest changes this year, however, the arrival of five new teachers: Ms. Layla Adams, Ms. Claudine Aguilar, Dr. Julie Kim, Mrs. Shawn Mann, and Ms. Katharine Guerrero.
Ms. Adams is the new teacher for FSHA’s dance classes and is leading Ultimate Dance Crew, the after school dance company.
“I was really drawn to FSHA because of the support and respect for the arts I perceived from the initial interview through my in-person demo on campus. It was clear that the arts and dance were not looked at as a superfluous elective and I was actively seeking that in my next teaching job” said Ms. Adams.
Ms. Adams worked as a professional performer and choreographer and became a dance teacher after retiring from full-time professional dance.
“I get so much joy in translating my first love, dance, into opportunities for others through teaching.” said Ms. Adams
Ms. Aguilar is a new member of our English Department and teaches English IV and English II.
“FSHA appealed to me at first because of the fact that we have so many international students,” said Ms. Aguilar. “As an English teacher, I thought it would be fun to discuss novels with students who have had such a different upbringing than I had and to see the world through their eyes.”
Dr. Kim is the latest addition to FSHA’s Social Studies Department, teaching U.S. History to juniors.
“The Social Studies Department is a tight-knit group and its members have welcomed me with open arms,” Dr. Kim said.
She also explained that her favorite part about FSHA so far has been the support of her colleagues. Dr. Kim is looking forward to getting to know the FSHA community as a whole throughout the year and has already heard about one of the school’s most beloved traditions.
“I can’t wait to see what Halloween looks like on the Hill.” Dr. Kim said.
Mrs. Mann is the newest math teacher on the Hill. She also chose to teach at FSHA because of what our community offers.
“There were a lot of things I was looking for as I was deciding what to do next with my life. I wasn’t expecting any place to actually meet all of the things, but FSHA did. A foundation of faith, serving all girls, location close to home, beautiful campus, wonderful colleagues, the list goes on.” said Mrs. Mann. “I am so excited to have found this wonderful place to call home.”
Ms. Guerrero joins the FSHA community as both The Director of Mission and Belonging and a teacher in the Religion department. Becoming a teacher was a childhood dream for her.
“I really have to say my greatest inspiration was my dad. He was a public school teacher for over 30 years and my earliest and best memories with him were decorating his classroom each year. I hope to be as dedicated and great a teacher as he was.” said Ms. Guerrero
Ms. Guerrero chose to teach at FSHA because of the school’s values.
“I wanted to teach at FSHA because I really believe in the empowerment of young women and the benefits of an all girls education” said Ms. Guerrero.
As The Director of Mission and Belonging Ms. Guerrero is also involved in leading Campus Ministry and Affinity Groups.
“I am really looking forward to retreats and service projects and watching the community come together in these special ways. I also am looking forward to building supportive relationships with my students, CMLT, and Affinity Groups.” she said.
With these many new additions to the faculty on the Hill, the FSHA community is continuing to grow and change. So far this year these new teachers have embodied FSHA’s four pillars of Prayer, Study, Community and Service. Welcoming these new teachers to our staff, the FSHA community has become stronger, as new members have contributed to our school’s mission.
