THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Teacher: Choir and Music

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

November 5, 2021

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Kimberly Cipriani! Mrs. Cipriani has been teaching here at Brooklyn High School for the past fourteen years. She teaches a wide range of different age groups; she is a choir teacher for the older high school students and a music teacher for the younger students. She is also well-known for leading Brooklyn High School’s Drama Club and Show Choir, as well as instructing the school plays. Speaking of which, this year’s musical was just announced, and the Drama Club will be performing the Disney classic, Matilda.

Q: Why did you want to become a music teacher?

A: “I come from a very music involved family; a lot of my family members were music teachers. I started singing and performing when I was little, and music soon became a passion of mine. I wanted to bring that passion, as well as experience, into the classroom and share it with my students.”

Q: What has been your all-time favorite play to lead and instruct? 

A: “Probably Beauty and The Beast. I performed Beauty and The Beast professionally and toured for about three and a half years, so the play was very special to me. When I put together the choreography for the high school play, I tried my best to combine the original choreography that I did with the national tour, as well as putting my own twists and critiques on it. Although the choreography for the play was modified, it was still very special to me to be able to share such an amazing play experience with my students.”

Q: How would you describe your experience as a music teacher at Brooklyn High School?

A: “It’s very fun because I’ve gotten to teach all different ages of students. I teach anywhere from kindergarten all the way up to twelfth grade. It’s always fun to watch all the different age groups grow and progress.”

Q: What makes Brooklyn special?

A: “Since Brooklyn is a small school, everyone seems so close, and for the most part, everyone seems to support each other, especially in the Drama Club. It’s fun to see everyone working together. Although Brooklyn is a small school, it’s still definitely a major, community-building experience for everybody.”

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: “I like to listen to a lot of audio books, I like to work in the garden, and I also like doing yoga.”

Q: Who or what developed your interest in music? 

A: “Probably my mom because she was a piano and choir teacher, so from a very young age, I was exposed to the art of music.”

Q: What is your favorite genre of music? Favorite musician or band?

A: “I like 80s music, specifically Journey. I actually went and saw Journey in concert twice!” 

Q: If you could take an all-expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

A: “Probably to Paris. I just like French culture as well as the different variety of foods and what not.”

Thank you for allowing us to interview you, Mrs. Cipriani. We appreciate all that you do for the music-related programs here at Brooklyn High School.  We cannot wait for Matilda!

Teacher: Elementary

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

October 28, 2021

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Dawn Bloam! Mrs. Bloam is currently an elementary teacher in the Brooklyn School teaching fifth grade. Bloam is best-known for her ability to teach her students efficiently as well as effectively. Her past students are beyond grateful to have had her as one of their early teachers. Our hope, as the years go on, is that she continues to make a great impact in so many lives. 

Q: If you could teach a higher or lower grade, what grade would you teach and why? What is your favorite subject to teach?

A: “I think I would teach 2nd grade. I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. If I was going to switch grades, I would want a fresh start. The curiousness of the younger students intrigues me. My favorite subject to teach is Language Arts. I love how literature can take you anywhere.”

Q: If you could make any changes to the Brooklyn City School District, what would you change and why?

A: “If I could change something about our school, it would be to restore wonder and joy to all children in every grade!”

Q: If you were not a teacher, what career path would you have chosen?

A: “I would have chosen the medical field. I always thought being an anesthesiologist would be interesting.”

Q: What are the positives of being a teacher?

A: “The biggest positive of being a teacher is the feeling of accomplishment when you ‘see’ a student get your lesson.”

Q: Are you interested in any sports?  If so, what are your favorite sports to watch and your favorite teams to root for?

A: “The sport that interests me the most is volleyball. I love to play it and watch it. Also, I watch all the Cleveland teams and root for them regardless of how they’re doing.”

Q: What do you do in your free time?

A: “In my free time, I enjoy reading, boating, and camping. I love being outdoors and in my flip flops.”

Q: In three words, how would you describe yourself?

A: “Three words that describe me are Assertive, Determined, and Passionate.”

Q: What advice would you give to the current senior class as they embark on their upcoming journeys?

A: “Falvia Weedn said it best: ‘If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again.’”

Thank you so much for your time, Mrs. Bloam. We miss and appreciate you!

Mathematics Teacher

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

October 21, 2021

Mr. Tim Hanlon is a mathematics teacher and coach here at Brooklyn High School. Hanlon is in year 23 of his teaching career that started with computers and math; now, he teaches all math to multiple grade levels.  He is also a coach and has been for most of his professional career. He has coached football, softball, and baseball. Hanlon is currently coaching middle school football and will be coaching baseball as a varsity assistant this spring. 

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: “I grew up in East Cleveland, Mentor, and North Royalton.”

Q: What is your favorite part about being a teacher?

A: “Each day is different and brings its own challenges.”

Q: What advice would you give to a student who is struggling with math?

A: “Ask questions to clarify and get help.”

Q: What is the most useful piece of information that math teachers relay to their students?

A: “How to organize their thoughts and how to think logically based on data.”

Q: Have you ever had any goals that you wanted to achieve in your lifetime?

A: “Goals change over time with one’s experiences and growth. I am happy to have my family, my career, and good friends.”

Q: What have you learned while being a coach?

A: “Challenge players in practice, so the game is physically and mentally easier.”

Q: What is your favorite sport to coach?

A: “Girls Fast-pitch Softball, Baseball, and Football are all my favorites.”

Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of school?

A: “Golfing, coaching, yardwork, attending performances at Playhouse Square, attending Indians games, and vacationing at Disney World.” 

It is a pleasure having you here at Brooklyn High School, Mr. Hanlon.  Thank you for being a mentor to so many students.

Teacher: Elementary

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

October 14, 2021

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Luanne Francescangeli! She is currently an elementary teacher in the Brooklyn School. She is best-known for her patience as well as bringing positivity into her learning environment.  BHS students remember her well and credit her for guiding and paving their early paths. 

Q: Where did you go to college, and why did you choose that school?

A: “I went to three different colleges. I started at Tri-C where I got my finance degree, and then, I went to Cleveland State University and Baldwin-Wallace College where I got my teaching degree. One of the schools I chose was BW because it was small and close to home; they are also known for their teaching/education program.” 

Q: What grade level do you currently teach, and what have you taught throughout your career?

A: “I taught second grade for 19 years. Teaching second grade made up the majority of my career. Now, I am currently teaching third grade.”

Q: What would you say has been your favorite part about teaching in Brooklyn?

A: “I like that we’re all like one big family, but my favorite part was teaching at Roadoan in the early years. We always stop and have a moment of silence for Roadoan being torn down.”

Q: How do you think that you have positively-affected your students in the past? 

A: “I think providing hands-on activities for them and working in small groups helps them to learn quite efficiently.”

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: “All the new pop-it toys! Over the years, it always drove me crazy when the kids would come in with all their new, little toys. All of the Pokemon cards, fidget spinners, silly bands, fidget cubes, and what-not that the kids have brought in over the years!”

Q: What was the most significant life lesson ever taught to you?

A: “It’s never too late to learn.”

Q: Do you have a favorite book or series to read?  

A: “I would go with Harry Potter.”

Q: What are your favorite hobbies/activities to do in your free time?

A: “I like golfing, biking, doing yoga, and kayaking.” 

Mrs. Francescangeli, you have been a mentor to so many of us, and we cannot thank you enough for helping us to learn and for always believing in us.