This year, two familiar faces from the English department have returned to the classroom: Kelly Rodrigues and Alex Han. English department lead James Aguirre said it was great having both teachers back on staff, and that they were transitioning smoothly back into their positions.

“It’s nice to see Rodrigues back upstairs again, and she eats lunch with us a couple times a week,” Aguirre said. “I try to track down [Han] at least once a week, just to make sure that everything is going okay with his classes.”

World literature teacher Kelly Rodrigues: 

Coming back from maternity leave, Rodrigues said she missed being in the classroom and day-to-day interactions with her students.

Although glad to be back, the break from school gave Rodrigues time to spend with her baby, she said.

“This longer break definitely allowed me to rest and prepare for this year and reevaluate my priorities, which is a big part of balancing now that I’m a mom,” Rodrigues said. 

Now that she has returned to the classroom, Rodrigues said she can reconnect with students and help them understand course material, which she enjoys most about teaching.

“I look forward to seeing [my students] grow and get involved and engage with the daily activities that we do,” Rodrigues said. “Seeing what they contribute, how their minds work as they’re learning the things that we’re learning, [is] something I really enjoy.” 

Throughout the process, her coworkers in the English department have provided her with help and encouragement, Rodrigues said. Other teachers with kids have especially made her feel supported, Rodrigues added.

“[My coworkers] got me baby books, everybody had a little celebration gift to send me off with,” Rodrigues said. “Having colleagues that know what my experience is right now, trying to balance things is comforting for me [in] this new phase of my life.”

Literature and writing teacher Alex Han:

After teaching at CHS for two years, Han said he returned as a split-site teacher. So far, Han said he has enjoyed seeing old students and talking with past colleagues.

“I like the familiarity of seeing my old students and the irony of me teaching their younger siblings now,” Han said. “I [also] get to see some of my old friends here, so there is assurance I am back home and that I have a lot of catching up to do.”

Compared to his last time at HHS, Han said he feels much more comfortable teaching since he has gained experience over the years. Additionally, colleagues are there to support him by providing helpful resources, Han said. 

“Now that I have a couple years under my belt, I’m familiar with what I’m doing [as] a teacher, [which] makes a huge difference,” Han said. “I’m just used to just being a teacher, rather than trying to survive by the day.”

As a split-site teacher moving around different campuses, Han said that he appreciates the energetic community at HHS compared to other schools.

“There is a different type of fun [at HHS],” Han said. “[Students] bring a level of energy that you don’t really see at FHS and CHS. They have the wholesome, raw energy to come with wanting to learn and wanting to be here.”