Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School Blog: Take Charge

In many ways, Tim Seston can claim to have been on campus longer than most current faculty and staff. “I remember this building when it was the Head of School’s house,” he muses when we connect in East Hall, harking back to the era when Tim first taught on campus from 2000 to 2005. Although Tim’s path meandered over the ensuing two decades - raising his children, founding a children’s music company, coaching and teaching at other local independent schools -  it feels almost inevitable that he came full circle back to the beginning.

 Luke DiOrio '10 is not only a Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School alumnus, but he's also a faculty member in our Visual and Performing Arts department. Recently, Luke took advantage of Spring Break to attend a photography conference in Northern Ireland, but we (CH-CH) were able to steal a few moments of his time for some questions (and obligatory Ireland pics!)

As students in the podcasting co-curricular activity produced the first episode of their series, In the Loop, a segment, called “Fire Interview,” asked students to name their favorite teacher. “Miss Ibave, Señora Ibave…” an echo is soon apparent. 

Members of the CH-CH community might be surprised to find a familiar face on their TV screens this holiday season. Is that Spanish Teaching Fellow Samantha Cruz sending up a cloud of flour from her stand mixer on Netflix’s Nailed It? Why yes, in fact, it is! If you have a Netflix account, you can watch the episode here.

Teachers at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall received a heartfelt surprise this holiday season, as community members delivered an unexpected personal message about the impact these teachers have made on their lives.

Teachers at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall received an emotional surprise this holiday season, as their former students delivered an unexpected personal message about the impact these teachers have made on their lives.

Today is #GivingTuesday, a national movement to promote the giving spirit during the holiday season. Students at CH-CH put together a video message to share their gratitude with teachers at CH-CH and beyond. 

Since joining the CH-CH community in 2010, Ashley Balaconis has made a big impact on campus. From teaching Skills and Academic Support to coaching soccer and basketball, even taking on the role of Dean of Faculty. Year after year, students return to campus to discuss the life-changing influence Ashley had on their teenage years. Outside of the CH-CH campus, Ashley advocates for the safety and well-being of children in local neighborhoods.

Since joining the CH-CH community in the fall of 2012, Julia Woodward has made a big impact on campus. From teaching English and Skills and Academic Support to coaching soccer and ultimate frisbee, even having the yearbook dedicated in her honor. Outside of the CH-CH campus, Julia has volunteered her time to educate inmates in maximum-security prisons. Experiences both inside and out of the classroom are a constant reminder to Julia of how rewarding and life-changing the role of a teaching can be.