Announcements / Updates / Events
--
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. " (2024-2025)
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!" (2024-2025)
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!" (2024-2025)
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." (2024-2025)
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!" (2024-2025)
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." (2024-2025)
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." (2024-2025)
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!" (2024-2025)