Meet your teacher:
Mrs. Hager
Growing up: I grew up in East Aurora, New York, which is close to New Era Stadium. Yes, I am a fan of the Buffalo Bills, which is apparent as you enter our classroom.
Education: I attended the University of Buffalo and Brockport State for English and Secondary Education, and completed my masters at ASU with a focus on gifted, talented, and creative learners.
Family: I live nearby in the town of Palmyra with my husband, Mr. Hager, and our four children. We have twin daughters in their first year of college, both attending St. Lawrence University, a son in his sophomore year of High School, and another daughter in 8th grade, which makes for an incredibly busy life. We also have a dog, who is often mistaken for a bear, and a cat, who resembles a lion. Every day is an adventure in the Hager Household!
Profession: I teach eighth grade English Language Arts at Newark Middle School and thoroughly enjoy my role in developing our future leaders.
Usually found: When I am not working on lessons or reading my students' work, you can usually find me at a sporting event. Occasionally, you will find me doing both consecutively.
Favorite activities: I enjoy spending time with my family, teaching, coaching, playing sports, reading, and supporting my students in their endeavors outside of the classroom. Each of these activities play a major role in my life.
Favorite foods: I love pasta, any item on the grill, and homemade baked goods! Many years ago I found out I cannot have gluten though, so I had some challenging adjustments, but have increased my knowledge in the world of allergies.
Favorite books: I have a long list in this category including Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree and Where the Sidewalk Ends, any book written by Dr. Seuss, Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Mo Williams's Knuffle Bunny, Legend by Marie Lu, most of Shakespeare's and Langston Hughes's work...I will stop here for now, but suffice it to say I have a love of literature that spans many genres and eras.
Currently reading: I just finished reading Stephan King's 11/22/63, a book recommended to me. I was leary in the beginning, as I am not a fan of horror, but once assured that this novel was suspenseful, not scary, I dove in. The storyline was intriguing and I increased my knowledge of our country's history quite a bit along the way. I am always looking for new recommendations, but ask my students to keep the truly frightening stories to themselves, as I do not get much sleep as it is.
Other favorites: Some of my favorite moments are visits from past students! Having the opportunity to catch up with my students after they have left my classroom and hearing about their accomplishments are times I treasure. Whether my students make a concentrated effort to come back to the Middle School to visit me (Which I thank so many of you for taking the time to do!), or if I see them when I am watching them compete in a sporting event, perform music, act, dance, march in a parade, or just out and about, I cherish the moments to connect with my students.
Thank you: Thank you to all of my students for reminding me daily of why I am so passionate about being a teacher and to their families for sharing their most prized possessions with me!
Mrs. Hager
Growing up: I grew up in East Aurora, New York, which is close to New Era Stadium. Yes, I am a fan of the Buffalo Bills, which is apparent as you enter our classroom.
Education: I attended the University of Buffalo and Brockport State for English and Secondary Education, and completed my masters at ASU with a focus on gifted, talented, and creative learners.
Family: I live nearby in the town of Palmyra with my husband, Mr. Hager, and our four children. We have twin daughters in their first year of college, both attending St. Lawrence University, a son in his sophomore year of High School, and another daughter in 8th grade, which makes for an incredibly busy life. We also have a dog, who is often mistaken for a bear, and a cat, who resembles a lion. Every day is an adventure in the Hager Household!
Profession: I teach eighth grade English Language Arts at Newark Middle School and thoroughly enjoy my role in developing our future leaders.
Usually found: When I am not working on lessons or reading my students' work, you can usually find me at a sporting event. Occasionally, you will find me doing both consecutively.
Favorite activities: I enjoy spending time with my family, teaching, coaching, playing sports, reading, and supporting my students in their endeavors outside of the classroom. Each of these activities play a major role in my life.
Favorite foods: I love pasta, any item on the grill, and homemade baked goods! Many years ago I found out I cannot have gluten though, so I had some challenging adjustments, but have increased my knowledge in the world of allergies.
Favorite books: I have a long list in this category including Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree and Where the Sidewalk Ends, any book written by Dr. Seuss, Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Mo Williams's Knuffle Bunny, Legend by Marie Lu, most of Shakespeare's and Langston Hughes's work...I will stop here for now, but suffice it to say I have a love of literature that spans many genres and eras.
Currently reading: I just finished reading Stephan King's 11/22/63, a book recommended to me. I was leary in the beginning, as I am not a fan of horror, but once assured that this novel was suspenseful, not scary, I dove in. The storyline was intriguing and I increased my knowledge of our country's history quite a bit along the way. I am always looking for new recommendations, but ask my students to keep the truly frightening stories to themselves, as I do not get much sleep as it is.
Other favorites: Some of my favorite moments are visits from past students! Having the opportunity to catch up with my students after they have left my classroom and hearing about their accomplishments are times I treasure. Whether my students make a concentrated effort to come back to the Middle School to visit me (Which I thank so many of you for taking the time to do!), or if I see them when I am watching them compete in a sporting event, perform music, act, dance, march in a parade, or just out and about, I cherish the moments to connect with my students.
Thank you: Thank you to all of my students for reminding me daily of why I am so passionate about being a teacher and to their families for sharing their most prized possessions with me!