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SCHOOLS

The Weekly Teacher Feature

Name: Donna DeLuca

School: St Rose School

Position: Principal. Donna previously worked in the Danbury public school

system as a special education/resource teacher.

Age: 38.

Education: Received both her bachelor's and master's degree from the College

of New Rochelle.

Residence: Newtown. Grew up in Monroe.

Marital status: Married to Mike. The couple has three children, Amanda,

Christian and Matthew.

Future: Donna originally took the position at St Rose temporarily, but

realized that, despite the huge pay cut from her Danbury teaching position,

she was most happy as an administrator in a school where Christian values can

be used in educating children. Donna, with much backing from parents and

students, was awaiting word this week from area pastors on her re-hiring.

Reason for becoming a teacher: "There were children I recognized who struggled

with learning; average to gifted students who didn't reach their full

potential in the traditional classroom setting. Even when I was in school, I

noticed kids who had difficulty with academics."

The keys to successful teaching: "You need a sense of humor, you've got to be

flexible, and you must believe in the gifts and talents of all students. Every

child is reachable."

Interests: Boating, reading, playing the piano and listening to classical

music. Donna used to be a fitness instructor.