This year there are several new teachers and staff members. Our reporters ventured out to have conversations with each of them to provide a fuller picture of who is joining our community.

Ms. Marscher

By Sarah Ryan

Ms. Caitlin Marscher is the school psychologist and the newest addition to the guidance department. Before coming to HJSHS she worked at Wakefield High School and an elementary school in Wellesley. She graduated from William James College this past year, after completing her undergraduate degree at Umass Amherst. Ms. Marscher originally studied law and planned to become a paralegal.

When she realized that she couldn’t help as many people in that field, she changed paths and began studying psychology. Ms. Marscher became a school psychologist because she wanted to help students succeed in school and live happier lives. Specifically, she wanted to work with middle and high school students.

In Holbrook, she administers testing for special education students, and holds individual and group counseling sessions. She enjoys working with the students at HJSHS and encourages them to do what makes them happy. She says, “as long as you try your best and do what makes you happy, that’s all that should matter.”

Mrs. Beaulieu

By Karyll Esperon

Mrs. Loretta Beaulieu is the new special education teacher this year. She says that she became a special education teacher “almost by accident.” She originally planned on pursuing law, but teaching has always appealed to her. She says, “When I found a job at a private school for students with special needs… I loved it and it made me want to get my graduate degree.” Mrs. Beaulieu wants to be able to help students, and her passion for education is evident.

Being enthusiastic about the class is an easy job for her, but moving into a new environment is not as simple. She had to consider the budget and the available resources she can use for her class. It’s a handful, but that is all part of being a teacher – to be able to work with what you already have.

When asked about what she wants to bring in the class, she said, “I like to use more technology.” Learning the basics of technology such as accessing the computer and the internet is something everybody needs to know, especially as technology advances over time.

Mrs. Beaulieu says that she “likes the sense of community” in Holbrook. She enjoys working in a small school, especially because that means a closer relationship between her and the students.

Mr. Dos Santos

By Sarah Ryan

Mr. Dos Santos is one of the new teachers at Holbrook Jr. Sr. High School. He teaches seventh grade science and introductory physics. He is originally from Cape Verde, where he also taught physics and Portuguese. Mr. Dos Santos decided to become a teacher because he wanted to do something challenging.

He says, “I was only 18 years old when I started. Then, I figured that I had a great responsibility, and my life would never be the same again. Now, I know that there’s nothing as noble as being able to educate people.”

Since his first day in Holbrook, Dos Santos knew that it would be a perfect fit. He says that the faculty shares his passions and beliefs regarding education.

In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his family, watching movies, and talking to people from different cultural backgrounds. He speaks five different languages and can understand six. Mr. Dos Santos feels at home in Holbrook so far and is excited for the rest of the year.