Quincy Ross is ready to share his love for science with students at Rhinebeck High School. Ross is one of five new staff members hired by the district for the 2025-2026 school year.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the students and I love seeing those aha moments where they were struggling with something and they start to get it,” he said.
Ross joins newcomers Shannon Harris, high school art; Samantha Schulhoff, middle school math; Taylor Warncke, elementary school, and Cara Stropoli, school counselor at the high school.
Ross, who attended Red Hook High School and Bard College, was a student teacher at Bulkeley Middle School and will teach physics, forensics and environmental science at the high school.
“I just really liked the sense of community here,” said Ross. “I saw a community of teachers that I would enjoy being a part of. I really liked how happy and well supported the students were.”
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Katie Andersen organized a two-day orientation for the new staffers. Andersen discussed the district’s mission statement, vision statement and goals in the morning session on day one before sharing her goal of the orientation.
“I think first and foremost to find a sense of belonging in our school community and to have the chance to strengthen relationships amongst each other as new teachers,” said Andersen, who thanked building administrators and their directors for participating and taking part in welcoming the new teachers.
The new staffers were introduced to Jon Saphier’s work in “The Skillful Teacher,” and participated in a program on Canva by middle school teacher Justin Wiesenthal. They also met with the district leadership team, the Rhinebeck Teacher Association and their mentors for the 2025-2026 school year.
Harris taught at Albany High School and Millbrook Prep School before serving as a leave replacement and substitute teacher in Rhinebeck.
“I’m ready to go,” she said. “I’ve been here the last few weeks going through the classroom. I’m getting ready to say hello to students.”