The Gorham School Department has seen a lot of new changes since the coronavirus shut down schools on March 16. Schools have now reopened but they look very different with protocols in place to keep everyone safe.
Among the many changes this year, Gorham has welcomed two new assistant principals: Erin Eppler at Narragansett Elementary and Deanna Etienne at Great Falls Elementary.
Photo credit LifeTouchEppler is entering her fourth year with the Gorham School Department. She began her work with Gorham families as a second-grade teacher, followed by two years as a fifth-grade teacher at Village Elementary.
Before coming to Gorham, she spent her career in Lake Havasu City, AZ. As a National Board-Certified teacher, she has taught grades second through sixth, and as an academic coach, she’s supported teachers in K-6 schools. In addition to her educational background, she spent two years working for a test development company developing certification and licensure exams.
Eppler is an avid reader and loves crime novels. She also enjoys movies but says not to ask her for a recommendation as she has very low entertainment standards and enjoys almost anything.
Her husband Kevin is a physical education teacher and coach who works in a neighboring district. Their daughter Maiya is a graduate of Gorham High School and is now a sophomore attending the University of South Florida.
“I’m looking forward to being part of a team that supports students and families as we return to school in a variety of formats,” said Eppler, adding, “COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into best-laid plans, but I’m excited to work with talented and dedicated professionals to provide a positive experience for all students.”
Narragansett principal Cynthia Remick said that with Gorham’s growing school committee, she knew that they needed to hire an administrator with a deep knowledge of K-5 education, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and proven experience in educational leadership.
“Mrs. Eppler is an experienced elementary educator who has been an active participant on building leadership teams and district-level committees,” said Remick.
“In addition, she has proven experience as a K-5 instructional coach and educational consultant in the area of assessment. We could not be more thrilled to have Mrs. Eppler join the administrative team at Narragansett. During the first few weeks on board, she has already demonstrated that she has embraced the mission of Narragansett School: Growing Hearts & Growing Minds,” Remick said.
Photo courtesy of Deanna EtienneEtienne is excited to be working for the Gorham School Department. This is her first year with the district, having spent most of her career teaching in the Lewiston-Auburn area.
Previously, she was a classroom teacher in both Kindergarten and Pre-K and was most recently the Dean of Students at Connors Elementary School in Lewiston.
“I am so excited to get to know the students and families at Great Falls and to be a familiar face in the Gorham community,” said Etienne.
Outside of school, she spends as much time as possible with her husband and their four-year-old son. As a family, they love to visit the beach all year round, go for bike and scooter rides, and watch America’s Funniest Home Videos with stovetop popcorn (her son’s favorite) for a good laugh.
In addition to getting to know each student at Great Falls, Etienne is excited to support students and teachers in the classroom and to contribute her skills and experience to what she feels is an already welcoming and warm school community.
Great Falls principal Becky Fortier said Etienne’s energy, extensive experience with elementary-aged students, and passion for meeting the social, emotional, and academic needs of all children made her stand out as a perfect fit for the Great Falls School community.
“We have been working together since July to prepare for the reopening of school and I am extremely grateful for her partnership,” said Fortier. “She has already gone above and beyond to develop positive relationships with staff and outreach to families. Great Falls and Gorham are lucky to have ‘Mrs. E’ on board.”
“Both are highly experienced educators who clearly care tremendously about staff and students and who are willing to do whatever it takes to help lead our schools in a positive and relationship focused way,” said Superintendent Heather Perry.