It can be very hard to say goodbye to faculty like eighth-grade science teacher Mr. Timothy Sanders (who is now traveling the country in an RV) and seventh-grade science teacher Ms. Mallory Gleason (who has moved to Naperville, Chicago where she teaches high school science to freshmen. “The weirdest adjustment,” she said, “was seeing kids wear their own clothes and not uniforms.”)

However, the Middle School has hired three new teachers this year who are excited to join the TBS family. “Benjamin is positive, everybody’s nice, the school is beautiful, the curriculum is wonderful – I couldn’t be happier,” said Mrs. Stephanie Oster, the Middle School’s new seventh-grade science teacher. Oster, after only two weeks on the job, is clearly thrilled to be a part of TBS, but she is not alone. There are two other new teachers in the middle division this year. Ms. Sara Featherston replaces the recently retired Sanders as the new eighth-grade SEA (Science, Exploration, and Analysis) teacher. Also, although no English teachers left the school, TBS hired Mr. Nathan Ginnetty to help out with some of the sixth and seventh-grade English classes.

Despite her new job, Oster, a New Jersey native and and mother of four- the youngest of whom is a Benjamin senior – was not a stand-out student in science.“Science was actually my worst subject in middle school, and I just thought, if I can make a difference in other middle schoolers’ [lives], maybe I could make it more fun and exciting. [The one thing I am nervous about is] remembering everybody’s name. You guys have been in school together forever, but I have no clue.”

Ms. Featherston joins TBS from Kansas City, Missouri where she taught middle school science at a charter school. “[I love] the students,” she said. “They’re genuinely kind, sweet, hard-working, and full of energy and excitement for school.” Featherston has already made an impression amongst the student body and faculty with her athletic skills which she put on display during the first week of school at the faculty/student basketball game. “I like all sports,” Featherston said, “so volleyball, basketball, running, [and] soccer. However, there are some things about Featherston the students may not know. [Some] people [don’t] know that I am an identical twin sister. Other than that, a lot of people don’t know that I salsa dance semi-professionally.”

Dean of Academics Dr. Cristina James explained that Mr. Ginnetty was hired to help with the enormous amount of work and grading that goes with being a member of the English Department. Mr. Ginnetty is thrilled to begin a new year at Benjamin, and enjoys teaching both the sixth and seventh-grade English classes.“So far, [my favorite part] is the new students,” explained Ginnetty. He loves their enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Before pursuing a career in education, he spent time as a landscaper in New England. However, there is one avocation he has not given up. “I think the [fact that I am a] musician is something most people don’t know about me. I just booked my first South Florida gig at E.R. Bradley’s in West Palm Beach on September 19! I’ve also played at C Street Cafe.” Ginnetty plays for fun and to also earn money part time. He labels himself an indie singer/songwriter and calls Florida native Chuck Ragan his favorite lyricist, Bob Seger his favorite singer, and Tosin Abasi his favorite guitarist.

Regardless of his new setting, Ginnetty seems to be adjusting well to his new surroundings. “I am not exactly nervous, but definitely considerate [because] the rigor [at Benjamin] is way up there, and there is a lot to prove being the new guy.” Oh, and one more thing. “Let’s Go Red Sox!”

Head of Middle School Mr. Charles Hagy worked hard to find the best teachers possible for the students and is more than satisfied with the new hires.“We hired the best teachers we could find for the job. Hundreds and hundreds of resumes came in last year, so I was very busy. I am [always] looking for someone who loves kids, [and] is 150 percent focused on the success of their students. We are truly devoted to hiring the best people possible.”

Although the year has just started out, the students have already expressed how much they enjoy learning from them. [I really like Mrs. Oster] because she is a fun and caring teacher,” said Tuong. “ I heard in science we will be dissecting animals [in class, so] I am excited [about that].”

Science is a favorite class already for eighth grader Carol Chen, thanks to Featherston.
“I do enjoy having Ms. Featherston as a teacher because she gives careful directions, compliments her students, [and] encourages them to do even better in class,” explained Chen. “On the first day of school, we were to build a structure with a partner that would sustain a marshmallow on top of [it]. Even though my idea and my partner’s idea failed, she came up to me during break and [assured me I would do better next time].”

“[I like Mr. Ginnetty] because he is not very strict and he is really nice.” added sixth grader Jessie Holland. “He is one of my favorite teachers.