As the 2024-2025 School Year comes to a close, Mars Area School District is saying goodbye to several retiring teachers/staff members:
Badger joined the District as a Title I Math Coach in 2007, before moving to the sixth grade teaching position in 2010. She also served as a curriculum leader and District initiative collaborator (math 3-6)
Prior to coming to Mars Area, she served as a middle school math teacher at St. Gregory School and as a long-term substitute teacher at Dessa McKinney Elementary School (West Sunbury, Pa.). Badger holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Slippery Rock University; and certifications in elementary education (K-6) and mid-level mathematics (7-9).
Davidson joined the District as a long-term substitute fifth grade teacher in 1995 before becoming a fourth grade teacher the following year. She previously taught fifth and third grade in Bucks County (Pa.) and second grade in northern New Jersey.
She holds a master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Purdue University.
In her retirement, she plans to travel, spend time with friends and family, read and volunteer.
Galovich, who joined the District in 2013, has also served as a National Honor Society advisor and a Freshman Class Council sponsor. She previously held long-term substitute teacher positions at Mars Area, Riverside Beaver County and Seneca Valley school districts.
She holds a bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and business management from Mercyhurst College and teacher certification from Westminster College as well as certifications in mathematics (7-12), middle-level mathematics (7-9), and business/computer information technology (BCIT) (preK-12).
In her retirement, she plans to spend time with her granddaughter.
A Mars Area graduate, Kaminski joined the District in 1993 and has served as an art teacher and special education (learning support/behavioral support/instructional support) teacher at both Mars Area High School and Mars Area Primary Center. Kaminski has also served as an art showcase, musical, thespians, stage crew, art club, junior class, and freshman class sponsor as well as an athletic ticket manager.
Before joining the District, Kaminsky worked as an art teacher at
Pressley Ridge Schools. She holds a master’s degree in special education from Slippery Rock University; a bachelor’s degree in graphic art from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania; and certifications in art (with a concentration in behavioral) and elementary education.
In her retirement, she plans to sleep in as well as to build a barn and an art studio.
Ola, who joined the District in 1995 as an eighth grade mathematics teacher, has also taught science and creative writing positions. She previously taught at Grove City Area School District.
She holds a master’s degree in reading specialist from Slippery Rock University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education (with a concentration in science) from Grove City College.
In her retirement, she plans to travel and enjoy Sunday evenings.
Palermo, who joined the District as a bookkeeper in 1997, previously served worked for First America Home Care, API Inc., International Staple & Machine, and Kendall Metz & Co.
Riley, who joined the District in 2012, has also served as a secretary in the District’s Administration Office, Special Education & Pupil Services Office, at Mars Area Primary Center and in Mars Area Elementary School’s library.
She previously served as a life & health insurance contract analyst and underwriter, an office manager, a medical transcriptionist, and substitute teacher.
In her retirement, she plans to spend more time with family and friends, read, travel, work around the house, and relax.
Swiergol joined the District as a computer applications teacher in 2014. She previously served as a business education teacher at Allegheny Valley, Butler Area and Fox Chapel Area school districts and substitute taught at Butler Area, Freeport Area and South Butler school districts
She holds a master’s degree in cooperative/distributive education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; a bachelor’s degree in business education from Grove City College; as well as certification in accounting, business/computers information technology (BCIT), cooperative education, marketing, office technologies, and secretarial.
Wesley, who joined the District in 1988 as a biology teacher at Mars Area High School, has taught Conceptual Physics, Conceptual Biology, Freshman Biology, Adv Anatomy/Physiology and AP Biology. He has also served as a science department chair, a Senior Class Council advisor, and as head coordinator of Mars Area High School’s Water Protection Program.
He previously served as a counselor at Harborcreek Home for Boys (Erie, Pa.); a home tutor coordinator at Erie School District; a full-time substitute teacher at St Mary’s Public High School; and as an AP Biology consultant for College Board. Wesley holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and educational certificate graduate work from Gannon University.
In his retirement, Wesley plans to serve as an AP Biology consultant for new teachers; to volunteer with the Red Cross; and, to play some guitar gigs and give guitar lessons. He also plans to fish, hunt, woodwork, travel with his wife, and spend time with his kids.
2023-2024
As the 2023-2024 School Year comes to a close, Mars Area School District is saying goodbye to four retiring teachers/staff members:
She began her teaching career at Mars Area School District in 1999 as an emotional support, learning support and gifted support teacher (5-12) before becoming a seventh grade English/language arts teacher.
She holds a master’s degree in curriculum development & leadership from Point Park University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education (K-6)/ special education (K-12) from Slippery Rock University.
In her retirement, she plans to travel and spend time with family.
Hobaugh, who holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Clarion University, began his teaching career as a physical science and environmental science teacher at Mars Area School District in 1988. He has also taught microbiology and genetics semester courses and, most recently, biology for the past more than 20 years.
Among his favorite memories are seeing his two sons attend and graduate from Mars Area High School. He also recalls both seeing and hearing of student success at the high school and beyond.
In his retirement, he plans to spend time with his family, travel, go hiking, and volunteer.
Joswiak began his career as a health & physical education teacher (K-8) within the District in 1989 and he has held numerous coaching positions. He holds a master’s degree in health education from Pennsylvania State University and a bachelor’s degree in health & physical education from Slippery Rock University.
In his retirement, he plans to relax, spend time with family, and continue growing his business, Camp Trees Landscaping.
Kasten began her career as a long-term substitute English teacher at Mars Area High School in 1989 before being hired for her current position the following year. She holds a master’s degree in reading specialist from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education (English) from Clarion University
Among her favorite memories at Mars Area are “teaching so many wonderful students throughout the years, working with dedicated teachers, ski trips to Seven Springs, and advising the English Festival academic team.”
In her retirement, she plans to travel, golf, garden, and learn new hobbies.
McElheny began her career at the Mars Primary Center (Crowe Ave.) in 1985 and has taught multi-age Grades 1-2, as well as Grade 1 and 2. She holds a master’s degree in mathematics and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Of her favorite memories in the District, “I have always loved raising Monarch butterflies with my class. Most of all, I have loved being with my students and all of my school family.”
In her retirement, she plans to train her new puppy, Ollie; to travel, spend time with family and friends, and work on home improvements.
Thomas, who began her career in the District as a long-term substitute in 1989, was hired as a learning support teacher at Mars Area High School in 1990, before serving as a learning support teacher (3-7) and then moving to the position of third grade teacher.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Clarion University as well as certification as a reading specialist.
In her retirement, she plans to relax, read, bake, garden, and take family vacations.
Winek began as a long-term substitute teacher in 1990 and served as a secondary science teacher for her entire career at Mars Area. She holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Dickinson College.
In her retirement, she plans to vacation in Hawaii as well as to travel and babysit her grandchildren.
For more information, call (724) 625-1518.