New Faces and New Spaces

​New staff includes: (Top row, left to right) Teresa Phillip, Lisa McDonnell, Kendra Durney, Patricia Russo  (Bottom row, left to right): Ellen Lingenfelter, Sophia Armas, Elizabeth O'Brien, Claire Jenkins

Students are enjoying a redesigned computer lab with new furniture and seating.

​Saint Peter’s Welcomes New Faces and New Spaces

Saint Peter’s School opened the school year by welcoming new additions to its faculty and exciting improvements to its campus.

Several new faculty members joined the school community. The first new face that will greet visitors is Mrs. Elizabeth O’Brien, who joins the front office as administrative assistant. A long-time parishioner, O’Brien brings more than two decades of leadership experience from the federal government.

New teachers include Ms. Claire Jenkins, fourth grade teacher, and Ms. Kendra Durney, middle school social studies teacher. Jenkins holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and most recently taught at Saint Patrick’s School. Durney holds degrees in political science and psychology and previously taught at The Academy of the Holy Cross and Saint Ambrose Catholic School.

Two new paraeducators will be supporting classrooms. Mrs. Teresa Phillip, a long-time parishioner with more than a decade of experience in Archdiocesan schools, is assisting PreK4. Ms. Patricia Russo has experience in both the legal and real estate fields and will support second grade.

Joining the school’s newly expanded resource office is Ms. Ellen Lingenfelter, Upper School Director of Resource. Lingenfelter brings extensive experience in special education from Montgomery County Public Schools and the Archdiocese of Washington.

Finally, Mrs. Lisa McDonnell is the new lunch coordinator and Ms. Sophia Armas in joining the after-care staff.
In addition to these new faces, students and staff were greeted with several refreshed spaces. The computer lab and media center have been transformed with new workstations, modern furniture, and flexible seating providing students space for creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

The faculty lounge was completely renovated, from floor to ceiling, offering teachers a comfortable, dedicated space to recharge and prepare for lessons. The Parish Hall bathrooms were upgraded, and new air conditioning was installed in the science lab and Parish Hall.

“The campus improvements would not have been possible without the generosity of our school families, community partners, and Saint Peter’s Parish,” said principal Lauren DeZinno. “We are deeply thankful for the continued support. We are also appreciative of the hard work of our facilities team that ensured all of these renovations were done in time for the school year.”

The investment in staff and facility illustrates Saint Peter’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, faith, and community.