Phoenix House

Ms. Valeri avaleri@kusd.edu	English	With 24 years of experience teaching middle school English, I still strive to show my energy and positivity to students every day in the classroom. I love to bring entertainment to lessons, such as using eccentric character voices, aiming to inspire and engage students. Furthermore, I am passionate about teaching students how to break down complex skills into manageable strategies for reading and writing. Representing the Midwest, I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from UW-Madison, a Masters degree in Elementary Education from DePaul University, and a Masters degree in School Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University. Outside the classroom, I enjoy doodling, playing basketball, and creating adventurous moments with my husband and two daughters. If you hear others referring to me as “Scary Valeri” in passing, don’t fear; I promise you will understand in due time
Ms. Gosse dgosse@kusd.edu	Math	Hello, my name is Mrs. Gosse. I am married and have two children that are in their late 20s. I love cocker spaniels (Benny), Winnie-the-Pooh, and my favorite childhood book is, Where the Wild Things Are”. In the summer I love to garden and swim in my pool. This is my 35th year of teaching middle school. I taught 10 years in Zion, IL; 1 year in Trevor, WI.; and the other 25 here at Lance. My favorite teams are the Bears and the Packers. I wish you a great 8th grade year.
Mr. Robaidek jrobaide@kusd.edu	Science
Mr. Legler elegler@kusd.edu	Social Studies	Greetings fellow Bolts, I’m Mr. Legler. I have taught Social Studies/U.S. History at Lance Middle School since 2015 and was a member of the last 9th grade class to attend Lance ‘Junior High School. One may find my picture among other classmates above the benches across from the main office. In my class students are always encouraged to share their opinions and ideas and support them with facts and evidence. Using evidence and reasoning are skills that students will carry with them into their real and professional lives. We will look at some of history’s toughest situations and controversies through an analytical lens while developing critical thinking skills. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, doing just about anything outdoors, motorcycle riding, and exploring all things history. I look forward to working and learning with you this year!
Ms. Passafaro dpassafa@kusd.edu	Resource	Greetings Bolts! I am Mrs. Passafaro, a resource teacher at Lance. For the past 7 years, I’ve been part of this educational district, following a 9-year tenure teaching high school in Illinois. My educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Nursing and a master’s degree in special education. While I spent most of my life in Chicago, I have called the Pleasant Prairie/Kenosha community my home for the last 10 years. I am passionate about exploring diverse methods to solve challenges across various subjects, always with a focus on real-world applications. Family is incredibly important to me; I treasure moments spent with my husband, two children, and beloved family and friends. Beyond my role as an educator, I find joy in basking under the summer sun, engaging in boating activities, and attending Chicago sporting events.