Announcements / Updates / Events
5th/6th Boys basketball player/parent meeting will be on Wednesday, November 13th at 5:30pm in the VIT elementary cafeteria. If you are going to play this year is important you and your parent to attend the meeting.
JH Volleyball meeting on Nov 13, 2024 at 5:30 in the VIT Cafeteria for all 6-8th graders interested in playing JH Volleyball.
Elementary (K-8) Houses
Teachers
Mr. Follman - JH History
Classes Teaching:
US History I (1492-1865), US History II (1865-Present), History Through Film, World History, Future Explorations, Geography, & Government
"I have been a teacher since 2019 at Astoria Junior High and I graduated from Western Illinois University in the same year. I have a passion for teaching history. I look at history as one big never-ending story with Action, Drama, Romance, Battles, and all the other fun things that make up a great story.
My favorite topics to teach are the American Civil War, World War 2, and Ancient Greece. "
Mrs. Hollenback - JH Science & Reading/Language
Classes Teaching: 6-8 Science and 6th Grade Reading & Language
"After teaching 2nd grade here in Astoria for a decade, I got the chance of a lifetime! I get to teach SCIENCE for the better part of my day! I will still get to teach my STEAM Lab students on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and have room for the projects we will be working on. This new adventure I hope will be as exciting for my students as it is for me! As a newly minted empty nester, I am more apt to call these students my own!"
Mrs. Gale - JH Special Education
Classes Teaching:
6th Grade Language and Math
7th Grade Language and Math
8th Grade Language, Math, and Journalism
6th-8th grade Interventions
"I have been a special education teacher for 8 years - 6 of which has been in Astoria Junior High. I currently have my bachelors from SIU Carbondale in Special Education as well as my masters degree from ISU in Special Education. I also have a certificate in Curriculum Adaptation. I chose to become a teacher to make an impact in students' lives and show them that they are capable of so much more than they even know!"
Ms. Koopman- JH Math
Classes Teaching:
7th Grade Math, 8th Grade Math, 7th Grade Language Arts, 8th Grade Language Arts
"I am originally from Minnesota where I earned my Bachelors in Psychology and Head Coaching Certification from the University of Minnesota. I worked in a couple of housing non-profits and volunteered for ministries, but for the most part I was a stay at home mom to my 5 kids. In 2019 I ventured back into the workforce and started teaching Drug and Alcohol Prevention classes to area Jr High students. I quickly fell in love with being in the classroom and wanted to be able to be in a school investing in students full time. I was able to get my teaching certification in Special Education from Blackburn College in 2021. I worked in Rushville for 2 years as an Elementary Special Education teacher. I am excited to be back working with Jr. High students. I love all things Psychology and Mental/Emotional Health so I am really excited about our SEL curriculum in Astoria."
Ms. Quigley - Art
Classes Teaching:
"My name is Christy Quigley, I attended Spoon River College and Western Illinois University for my degree in Art Education. I am currently in my 7th year of teaching where I have tried to become a teacher who is a safe place for kids to explore creativity and enjoy being themselves! I look forward to exploring the world of art with everyone and seeing each of your kids' unique creativity flourish!"
Mr. Otto - Music
Classes Teaching: 9-12 Band-Choir
"Hello there! Your kids know me as Mr. Otto, but you can call me Ty. I went to high school in Havana just across the Illinois River and I'm a 2024 graduate of Monmouth College, where I received my bachelors in Music Education. This is my first year teaching, both at Astoria Schools and in general. I'm very happy to be a part of this community, and I hope to share the love for music I have with your kids."
Mrs. Friedrich - JH PE / Health
Classes Teaching: 6-8 PE and 7th Grade Health
"Greetings! My name is Mandy Friedrich and I am currently in my twenty-four year of teaching. I have a Bachelor's from MacMurray College in Physical Education, and a Masters' from Walden University. I am married, have one son, and reside in Havana. I spent 15 years teaching middle school health in Jacksonville, IL at Turner Junior High, which later became Jacksonville Middle School. I love the atmosphere of Astoria and really enjoy the small school experience."
Mrs. Wesley - Special Education
Classes Teaching:
"Hello! My name is Holly Wesley. This is my 19th year of teaching, and I have worked with many different ages and ability levels of children in that time. I enjoy seeing kids learn new skills, including improving their reading, math, and social skills.
In addition to teaching, in the summer, I have helped with the community VBS and day camp at Camp Emmanuel for the past few years.
When I am not at school, you will find me hanging out with my 8 year old daughter, who is a student here, reading murder mysteries, and participating in the monthly arts and crafts club at the local library.
I look forward to yet another sensational school year!"