Discovery Elementary Welcomes You! Rosalynn Schott, Principal

Previous Staff Features

Discovery introduces, Dr. James, one of our Third Grade Teachers!
Me and my family - Hello! My husband and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary this summer.
How long have you been teaching? This is my 17th year teaching. I have taught 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades. I have also taught various adult education classes at different universities.
What are some of your interests/hobbies? I love going to the Woodland Park Zoo. Over the years, I have learned some of the inside "scoop" regarding the zoo and the animals. I enjoy playing basketball, riding horses, participating in marathons, and challenging myself to get a golf ball to fly straight. For me, being outside and walking long distances is extremely enjoyable.

What is one thing you would want people to remember about you as a teacher? It would be great to be remembered as a person who was determined to create an atmosphere in the classroom that helped all students succeed.
What makes Discovery special? Discovery Elementary is an extremely positive place to work. I believe that every adult in the building has the same mission.....which is to make Discovery Elementary the finest place for all children to learn.

Discovery introduces, Miss Jamie Hill, one of our fourth grade teachers!

Me and my family - I have 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

How long have you been teaching? What grade levels? I guest taught K-12 for the 05-06 school year. Then, I taught 4th grade math part time for Shoreline School District last year and subbed half time (K-12). This is my first full time teaching job and I am so excited and energized!

How long have you been at Discovery? This is my 1st year.

What are some of your interests/hobbies? I love writing, skiing, hiking, and cooking.

What is one thing you would want people to remember about you as a teacher? I have a passion for teaching and learning.

What makes Discovery special? The students and the staff!

Discovery introduces, Paul Church, one of our second grade teachers!

Me and my family - Wife -Jennifer, Son - Casey 17 years old, Daughter - Katie 15 years old , Two Dogs - Rockefeller and Francesca

How long have you been teaching? What grade levels? I'm in my 17th year. I've taught 1st, 2nd and 4th grades

How long have you been at Discovery? This is my 2nd year.

What are some of your interests/hobbies? I like to golf and juggle. I'm slowly working at riding a unicycle

What is one thing you would want people to remember about you as a teacher? I enjoy educating children and I learn everyday.

What makes Discovery special? The students

Discovery introduces, Catherine Pearson, one of our new fourth grade teachers!

I have been teaching for 15 years, and I love it more with every passing year if that is possible! I've taught elementary grades K-2, middle school, and even adults in Japan. I have also enjoyed subbing in my hometown of Madison, Wisconsin.

This is my first year at Discovery, and I love the feeling of family and good will in every sweet face!

My favorite hobby is reading. Although I don't like shopping as a rule, put me in a bookstore and I am in heaven! Besides reading, I love to write in my journal, take long walks, listen to good music, and take road trips.

At the end of my career as an educator, I hope that people remember my enthusiasm for teaching and learning right along with my students. I also hope that other teachers remember me as a cooperative, slightly goofy, and friendly person who makes people smile!

What makes Discovery special? Simply, the welcoming feeling that I have already received from its staff. I am indeed very blessed. Thank you, Discovery staff-let's make this a great year!

Discovery introduces, Lindsey Steele, one of our second grade teachers!

My family and me: I was born in Pennsylvania (way over on the other side of the country) but I grew up in Seattle with my 2 sisters and my brother. (I was third - born.) Now I live here in Everett with my husband Matt and our wonderful, one-year-old son, Luke.

My work at Discovery: I've worked at Discovery for 3 years now. I taught 4th grade for the first two years. This year, I taught 3rd grade for a couple of weeks, and then moved to 2nd grade. I get to teach 2nd grade this year, too! I love seeing all of my old students, so please come by and say hello!

My interests/hobbies: My favorite way to relax is to curl up on the couch and read. I also love to watch movies with my husband, go on walks, ride my bike, and play for hours with my funny, sweet son.

What I want people to remember me for: I hope people will remember me as a kind person who helped people feel relaxed, welcomed, and appreciated.

What makes Discovery special? Discovery is such a loving, supportive place. Everyone cares about each other and watches out for each other - both kids and teachers. I love it here!

Discovery introduces, Rachel Hayes, our music teacher!

My family and me: I have been married to my wonderful husband Jason, for almost two years. We live in Snohomish, with our cat Tubs.

My interests/hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, taking voice lessons, watching “American Idol,” traveling, reading, and bike-riding.

What I want people to remember me for: I want the children at Discovery to remember me for making music fun, and empowering them to be successful music-makers. I also want them to always remember that I care for every one of them!

What makes Discovery special?Teachers and staff genuinely care about the students at Discovery and their families. Every child at Discovery is unique, talented, and creative. I love working with all of my students! Rachel

Discovery introduces, Angela Gesacion, one of our fourth grade teachers!

My family and me: I live near Forest Park in Everett with my husband of almost 2 years, Adam. We have joint custody of the best dog on the planet, Charlie, with my parents. He’s a big, lazy, loving fur ball- the dog, not my husband. We love spending time outside, whether gardening or playing sports- as long as the weather’s cooperating!

My work as a teacher: I’ve taught 4th grade for four years, two of them here at Discovery. One thing I love about teaching is being able to change things up and try something new. I will be teaching 3rd grade next year, which will be a fun and exciting change of pace.

My interests/hobbies: I LOVE soccer. I play on a team once a week and although we don’t win very often, it’s still so much fun. I also enjoy biking and hiking. If the weather is bad, then my favorite activity to do is go shopping- mostly for shoes, they’re my weakness!

What I want people to remember me for: Being a person who will stand up for others, a person who kids can look up to and hopefully never be disappointed because I’ve always been honest with them and a person who loves to have fun!

What makes Discovery special? Discovery is such a warm, welcoming place- I knew it the first time I walked through those double doors in the office. Those mean, nasty teachers you see in the movies- there are definitely some of them truly in existence, but not here at Discovery. Everyone is here for all the right reasons- a huge passion for teaching and a genuine enjoyment of children.

Discovery introduces, Brooke Jones, one of our first grade teachers!
My work at Discovery: This is my second year teaching at Discovery.

My interests/hobbies:I love sports! Running, skiing, playing tennis and soccer, and watching football and college basketball are a few of my favorite activities. I also love to read, travel, and spend time with my friends and family.

What I want people to remember me for: I'd like to be remembered as a teacher who cared, made kids smile, and helped kids learn to believe in themselves.

What makes Discovery special? The amazing kids, of course! The dedicated staff and hard-working PTA also make Discovery a special place to be.

Discovery introduces, Anita Harris, our school nurse!

My family and me: I grew up in a family of 6 kids as the 3rd eldest and can relate to our Discovery families that have many kids. We didn’t have much money for school clothes, and I remember coming to school with holes in my socks and shoes. I live with my wonderful husband of 26 years and my 16 year old son Kyle, who is a sophomore and Inglemoor High School in Northshore.

My work at as a nurse and at Discovery: I have been a Nurse for over 30 years as I worked in the hospital with people with medical problems associated with drug and alcohol addictions for 3 years before becoming a School Nurse 26 years ago. I have worked with all ages, from babies of teen mothers, to teens in high school, and I like all ages.I have been at Discovery since the second year it was open, in 1987. I have always had several schools as my caseload. I am at Discovery for 2 days and Olivia Park for 2 days each week.

My interests/hobbies: I loved to do arts and crafts, decorate my home, read, take walks and go to my Book Group and Bible Study groups with great ladies in each.

What I want people to remember me for: That I love working with kids and I love my job.

What makes Discovery special? Discovery is wonderful because the staff works so well to help all types of kids at our school. We really care about the kids and about each other.

Discovery introduces, Lori Denise Osburn, our school Special Education Teacher!

My family and me: I have 3 sons, 1 daughter, and a grandson.We live in Stanwood where we are very involved with our church and sports, especially baseball. My parents and siblings live in the area and we spend a lot of time with my extended family.
My work at Discovery: I have been teaching for 20 years. I spent 15 years in 3rd grade and 5 in the Resource Room. I have been at Discovery since it opened in 1989.
My interests/hobbies: I teach confirmation classes at church and oversee the Youth program. I love spending time with my children and grandson.
What I want people to remember me for: I truly believe that every student can learn, no matter what their circumstances. When working with my students, I give them my personal best so they can achieve theirs.
What makes Discovery special? We have a staff at Discovery that is very committed to the education of their students. We keep improving our programs and remain learners ourselves.

Discovery introduces, Ken Clements, our school counselor and psychologist!

My family and me:I am married, have two teen-age daughters, two dogs, a cat, and a guinea pig.

My work at Discovery: I have worked as an elementary level school counselor/school psychologist for over 10 years.
My interests/hobbies: I love to read and watch movies. I run with my dogs about 5 miles several times a week. I try to cook sometimes. I like to hike in the summers. My wife and I work on our garden through the spring and summer.
What I want people to remember me for: I want people to remember that I treated them with respect and care, and that I took their concerns seriously.
What makes Discovery special? The kids! The smiles, tears, friendships, hard work, laughter, play that students experience every day. A hard-working staff devoted to what is best for kids. Loving parents. A dynamite PTA.

Discovery introduces, Rosalynn Schott, our school principal!

My family and me: Peter and I have four grown kids and one grandson. We also have two dogs. I have three sisters and one bother. My mom and dad are living in Palm Springs California.

My work at Discovery: This is my 6th year at Discovery. I've worked in education over 30 years! I have been a principal for 23 years.
My interests/hobbies: Gardening and music!
What I want people to remember me for: I’d like to believe things were a little better because I was here.
What makes Discovery special? Discovery is full of people who care about one another and help each other to become better than they ever thought they could

Discovery introduces, Katie Milici, one of our third grade teachers!

My family and me: I am the youngest of 4 sisters and grew up over on the Olympic Peninsula in the small town of Forks. I try to be as healthy as I can, but I have a weakness for sweets and caramel macchiatos.
My work at Discovery: I have been teaching 3rd grade for 4 years, all in the same classroom.
My interests/hobbies: I have recently learned to snow board, which is my new favorite hobby. I also love to do yoga, read in a cozy spot, go for walks and watch movies.
What I want people to remember me for: I am a good balance of fun and serious.
What makes Discovery special? I love everything about Discovery. The families and the staff are amazing. I feel loved daily by compliments and hugs.

Discovery introduces, Linda Morgan, our Health Assistant!

My family and me: I have two daughters. My oldest is 24, married with a 4-year-old son named Kayden. My youngest is 17 and in her last year of high school.
Working with kids: I have worked with kids since I started babysitting as a 10 year old. I worked in a daycare in the University District when I was 17 for two years. Then, I worked with severe disabled adults for 18 years before coming to work for the school district.
My work at Discovery: I have been here at Discovery for 9 years. I started out in the special education classroom. Last year I was offered the position as Health Assistant and Office Support, which has been challenging and exciting all at the same time
Interests: I enjoy drawing, painting, reading, and walking especially around the beaches! This year, I’ve enjoyed exercising!
What I want people to remember me for: I hope that I was able to assist anyone when needed and to give that TLC or encouragement to those students who needed it at the time.
What makes Discovery special? I truly believe Discovery is the best school because of its great leadership, the wonderful staff through out the school, and the fantastic students we have.

Discovery introduces, John McGuirk or John "Fun" McGuirk

Family:I'm the youngest of 3 boys. Because of that, I learned how to be a clown to get attention. My parents, Don and Thelma, are still alive,well, sharp as tacks and living in Port Orchard. I'm 54 years old, and
this will be my final year here at Discovery. After June, I'll walk into the Land of Retirement!
Teaching: I just passed my 30 year mark this March!! I taught severely and multiply-handicapped students at Mariner High School for 11 years, 2nd grade at Discovery Elementary for 14 years and the last 6 years I've taught 5th grade here too! Each phase of my career has been fun, rewarding, fulfilling and exciting! I've learned more about life, human nature and the world around us than I had ever expected at the beginning of my career! Teaching is such a COOL job, and I'd recommend it.
Interests: I enjoy traveling . (I've stepped foot on 4 continents and have 3 left to see), photography, collecting - my home is much like a museum- I've recently started collecting taxidermy and now have animals from A (alligator) to Z (zebra). I also like landscaping, riding my bike and digging around through thrift shops and antique stores. The City of Snohomish is my Mecca.
What I want people to remember me for: I hope that people remember my enthusiasm, my dedication to my job and that I made a lot of people smile during my time here.
What makes Discovery special? Two things: 1) our incredible, talented, funny, big-hearted, creative and unique principal, Mrs. Schott who is the BEST principal in the whole school district and 2) our dedicated and generous staff (every single one of them!) who bring their hearts and minds to school with them each day and share them with our students here.

Discovery introduces, Teri deCocq, one of our fifth grade teachers!

Family: married since last August to my Prince Charming. We live in the Greenlake area of Seattle.
I also have a 20 year old son attending Eastern Washington University. My family all lives in the Seattle area and I am a true native since I was born and raised in Seattle.
Teaching: I taught horseback riding for 8 years before getting my teaching certificate . I taught middle school for 7 years, special education for 6 years and 5th grade for 3 years. I’ve been at Discovery for 3years.
Interests: Triathlons: swimming, biking, and running. I’ve run for 10+ years, and completed 5 marathons. I will be finishing my 2nd half Ironman triathlon at the end of this month.I also love to eat, read and work in the yard. I also love working with animals although right now I only share my home with a cat.
What I want people to remember me for:
I hope to inspire my students to stretch beyond what they think they can do. I want them to believe that they can do anything.
“If we did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” Thomas Edison
What makes Discovery special?
Discovery is filled with amazing people willing to go the extra mile for all students. All of the staff is willing to find a way to help students be