NAME:
Mrs. Karen Dibala
SCHOOL:
Horace Porter School
CLASS:
2nd grade
SCHOOL PHONE:
860-228-9493
I am Karen Dibala, one of the 2nd grade teachers. This is the start of
my 28th year at Porter. After teaching kindergarten for 26 years, I decided
to expand my horizons and teach 2nd grade again (having taught it over 30
years ago!) It has been an enriching experience working with my
2nd grade colleagues for the past 2 years. You know you've been here a long
time when your students' parents are
former students! Also exciting this year is one of my first kindergarten
students, Nicole Henry, is teaching kindergarten at Porter! I am thrilled to
help her.
The wonder of children keeps me going strong, as well as
the dedication of parents, staff, and community. I love my job teaching your
children and working with you.
Before teaching kindergarten, I taught first grade, second grade, third
grade, remedial reading, remedial math, gifted, and music. All of these
experiences have enriched my teaching.
My husband and I traveled to Ecuador the past 2 summers to visit and travel
with our son, Ryan, who was a Peace Corps volunteer there for 2 years. It was
an amazing experience traveling through many diverse ecosystems as well as
spending time with his wonderful family, an indigenous Tsa'chila people who
shared their home and traditions with us. Our son worked with them to
preserve their beautiful rainforest and to develop tourism by building cabins.
We were able to plant seedlings in the rainforest where a lot of
deforestation has occurred. A site to view his indigeneous family:
Shuyuntschila.org. Ryan is currently going to grad school in Indiana, and
teaching a biology lab. Eventually he'd like to be a college professor.
I also was able to take care of my precious 4 year old grandson Aiden for
several days this summer. He has favorite books he always brings to me to
read, and he loves to sit at the piano and sing and play with me. His
favorite is watching the diggers at the construction site. Such a joy!
We recently moved my in-laws here from Maryland, so I am very involved with
their lives.
This summer I took a week-long course, RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM, with several
colleagues. We have many new ideas and techniques to share with our staff
and students. We are very enlightened and excited as we begin this new school
year.
This fall I will continue my love of biking as I try to complete 2
centuries.
I look forward to learning about all my students and their families.
Warm regards, Karen
Each child should be excited about school and learning, and feel included in
a caring community where everyone is respectful while learning about the
tools, skills, and concepts necessary for success.
