Just who is Maureen A. Haska?

Talk about sibling rivalry and competition.  My family had 5 kids in 6 years.  It was common to have family pictures taken with a theme in the late 1960’s. 

Remember middle school?  At the time we called it Jr. High.  The glasses, hair, and attire date the picture as early 1970’s.  My family name was O’Connell.

In the mid 1970’s my French class took a trip to Quebec.  We got lost and had to speak enough French to find the rooming house. 

I graduated from Girard High School, June 1978.  I was a member of French Club, Pep Club, National Honor Society and many other organizations.  I was also Assistant Editor of the newspaper.

This is a photograph of Thanksgiving preparations in the early 1980.  The young girl in pink lived in Asia and came home with me over the holiday.

Yes, I did wear that hat.  This picture would be from Easter in either 1981 or 1982.  He married me even though he really did not like the hat. 

My graduation from Hiram College in 1982 was the same day as my youngest sister’s graduation from Girard High School. 

I married David Haska in October of 1982.  We were married at the Kennedy Center at Hiram College.  We met one week before he graduated from Hiram in 1980. 

While I do not have any children, I do have nieces and nephews.  I have really enjoyed watching them grow up. 

My nieces and nephews inspire me to read books like Harry Potter so that we can discuss them. 

When I met David he was building this 1934 Ford.  It was a national show winner.  I detailed the car between college and starting my first job. 

My knowledge about cars has gained me credibility with my male students.  After the “old” cars, we enjoyed “fast” cars. 

I have also enjoyed landscaping my home.  Both David and I really enjoy plants.  This is my “old” farm house we gutted and refurbished in a country style.  The house dates back to the 1860’s.

Living out in the country definitely has its advantages.  I enjoy all of the wildlife.  The first time I saw a ground hog I called it a small bear.  I was a city kid.  I never put out bird feeders due to the cats.  I did not think it was fair.

Cats have been apart of our lives for many years.  Living in the country we find many who have been “dumped”.  We try to find good homes but often they become ours.  These two were named 19 Fluff and 20 Puff.  We wanted to remind the vet just how many cats we have spayed and neutered over the years. 

My college experiences have been very positive.  I graduated from Hiram with a degree in Biology.  After doing research for several years I chose to go back to school for teaching.  It was a great move for me.  My research experiences really enhanced my ability to explain the concepts of biology to my students. 

I completed my student teaching at Ravenna High School under the mentorship of Jim Roberto.  I had three sets of twins that year.  My students know I have a difficult time remembering names.  Three sets of twins made it very challenging. 

My first teaching job was at Warrensville Heights City Schools.  Although the drive was 50 minutes, I would not trade the experience for anything.  I spent 7 years at Warrensville.  I was the Science Department head and a class advisor. 

Most summers I find something interesting to do.  This summer I was a teacher for Camp Invention.  It was my first experience with 4^th graders.  We had lots of fun. 

This summer, 1997 I think, I spent two weeks at Miami University.  I studied genetics with Dr. B.  We gained both knowledge and equipment.  It was a great experience.

Over the years I have received many awards and rewards for my efforts.  I have been active at both the building and district levels.  I appreciate the respect I have from my colleagues and students. 

My greatest achievement to date was National Board Certification in Science.  We were honored by the “Education Governor”, Bob Taft.  Yes, he was known as the “Education Governor” at that time. 

I have moved from the high school science department to the middle school at Streetsboro City Schools.  I spent a great deal of time incorporating technology into the science curriculum.  I really like working in the middle school.  

I am really enjoying the opportunity to concentrate on technology.  I truly believe our students need good technology skills in order to be successful.  I also feel that technology is a great tool that can be used to improve the quality of the curriculum. 

My goals for the near future include landscaping my new home.  In 1996 my husband was hurt and became wheelchair bound.  We built a one-story home that has had a very positive impact on our lives.  The “old” farm house just did not meet our needs any longer.

My personal experience with my husband in a wheelchair has made me an advocate for accessibility. 

In order to be better prepared to teach my students in 7^th and 8^th grade Computer Technology, I am participating in the online Instructional Technology program at Kent State University.  

I find it challenging to balance teaching, going to school, and my home life.  I am very lucky to have the support of a great family.  My students also make it worthwhile.  I really enjoy watching my students succeed.