5th grade team

Each member of our distinguished faculty knows that the job responsibilities far exceed the job description. After all, we have the sacred task of nurturing young souls and inspiring young minds.

  • We provide the tools for self-confidence and the inspiration for a lifetime of learning.
  • We help each child to reach his or her potential, to fearlessly quest for knowledge and understanding.
  • We are creative, experienced and passionate. And in our hands we hold a life — the ultimate responsibility.

Shannon Rohlman

5th Grade Teacher, ISACS Coordinator

B.S. Elementary Education, cum laude — Bradley University, concentration- English; 2009 recipient of Chidush Award for Jewish Educators — Boulder, Colorado; Pardes Summer Institute, Jerusalem
learn more
"When students construct their own individual meanings while participating in a lesson, they take ownership of their learning, and feel pride and accomplishment. I challenge my students as individuals, but also as active members of a community that works together to create a positive climate for learning."

Kerry LiBrando

Social Studies Teacher

B.A. History and Classics — Providence College; MA Public History — American University; American Montessori Society Upper Elementary Credentials — Houston Montessori Center.
learn more
What inspires me? Children! They are called to action by problems in the world. Unlike adults, they don’t see problems as roadblocks.

Laura Pupillo

Science Teacher

B.S. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology--Missouri Baptist University;
Associate of Fine Arts-- St. Louis Community College;
MSEd with a concentration in Elementary Mathematics and Science
learn more
"I love opening a world of experience and adventure for our children...world that encourages curiosity, questioning, connection and social responsibility. Through our interactions with children, we have the ability to build a brighter future."

Rachel Deutsch

Judaics Teacher

Studied abroad (Jerusalem, Israel) for a year -- Midreshet Harova; B.A Psychology -- Yeshiva University; M.A in Teaching -- Jewish Day School and Hebrew concentrations -- Brandeis University; Associates in Art degree in Judaic studies-- Yeshiva University; Training in Tal Am Hebrew curriculum
learn more
"My own experiences as a day school student connected me to Israel, to my heritage, to the Jewish community and to wonderful people. Now it’s my turn to give back. I hope to instill my students with a strong appreciation for Jewish teachings and Hebrew language, and with an eagerness to learn more."

Dafna Kadan

Hebrew Teacher

B.S. Science, Tel Aviv, Israeli Scout Madrich, Training in Tal Am Hebrew curriculum.
learn more
I love to help children make a connection to Israel. In teaching them Hebrew language and Israeli culture, I am also teaching them about themselves.

Sagit Krieger

Hebrew Teacher

learn more

Betti Blumoff

Music and Drama Teacher

Bachelor of Music Education — University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory of Music; minor in Drama; Master of Music — Southern Illinois University; Certified in Orff Education Levels I and II; Kodaly Certification; Music Educator in elementary schools for 36 years.
learn more
"My favorite memories of childhood centered around choir practice, concerts and musical theater performances. I am honored to now give my students the opportunity to discover their own talents."

Patti Boggs

PE Teacher

B.S. Physical Education and Health — University of Missouri-St. Louis
learn more
"PE allows children to try new things, to move in different ways and to get their hearts pumping. They quickly discover that fitness is fun, that achieving physical goals is rewarding, and that aerobic movement leads to deeper learning all day long."

Suzanne Burack

Art Teacher

MAT, Communication Arts — Webster University; BFA, Graphic Communication and BSBA, Marketing — Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri; Graduate of the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School
learn more
"My eyes light up when a student creates a carefully thought out piece of art. I can see their ownership and confidence grow. The excitement of their successful delights me and encourages us both to take on greater challenges."

Gene Rauscher

Band Director

Bachelor of Music Education, Central Methodist University,
Fayette, Missouri; MME- University of Missouri, St. Louis
learn more
"You can see a marked change in the child the moment they understand how the music on a page is supposed to sound. They are suddenly comfortable with their instrument and their enthusiasm has a different flavor."