Departments
This page lists the various academic departments in the High School.
- Business / Computer Department
- English Department
- Fine Arts Department
- Math Department
- Physical Education
- Technology Education
- Science Department
- Social Studies Department
- Special Education
- World Language Department
Business / Computer Department
The Business, Computer and Information Technology Department of Upper Perkiomen School District is dedicated to preparing all students for a rapidly changing world by expanding each student’s knowledge and skills in business, computer and information technology. We believe the knowledge, skills and ethics taught are necessary for active, life-long participation in a global, informational society—fostering success in one’s personal life, college study and career choice.
Mrs. Diane Grandizio Brust
Courses:
Ms. Debra Burns
Courses: Career Exploration; Web Design I & II
Mrs. Monica Griffith
Courses: Accounting I, II; Desktop Publishing; Career Exploration; Advanced Publications I and II; Freshman Prep
(Yearbook Advisor)
Mr. Daniel Hawthorne
Courses: Digital Media; Computer Programming; AP Computer Science; Marketing; Presentation Software; Freshman Prep; Creative Technologies
(Yearbook Business Advisor)
Mr. John Williamson
Courses: Spreadsheet/Database I & II; Personal Finance; Freshman Prep; Creative Technologies
(FBLA Advisor)
English Department
The Upper Perkiomen ELA educators empower students K-12 to become life-long readers, writers, speakers, and critical thinkers by engaging students in meaningful and authentic literacy experiences.
Ms. Alicia Austin:
Courses: 9th Grade Academic English; AP Language & Composition 11th Grade; Musical Theatre I and II, (Drama Club & Director of School Musical)
Miss Emily Barker (UPN/UPTV Director)
Courses: UPTV, UPN Production, Film Production, Sports Broadcasting, TV/Film Two
Mr. Michael Calvello:
Courses: 9th Grade Academic English; 9th Grade Honors English
Mr. Brian Hansley:
Courses: 11th Grade Honors, 11th Grade Academic, Film as Literature
Mrs. Danielle Hawthorne:
Courses: 10th and 11th Grade English, (Leos Club Advisor)
Mr. Timothy Herbert:
Courses: Academic English 12; Applied English 12; AP Literature & Composition
Mr. Vince Leskusky:
Courses: 9-10 Gifted Humanities; AP Literature; and 11th American Literature
Ms. Tasha Rushatz:
Courses: 10th Grade Academic and Honors English
Mrs. Rachel Schmeckenbecher:
Courses: 11th Academic, 9th Academic, Spanish II
Fine Arts Department
Our mission is to make the arts accessible and relevant to all students while nurturing a lifelong appreciation of the arts in a global community.
Mr. Phil DiWilliams
Courses: Intro to Art, Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Art History; Crafts and 3D Design; Fine Arts
Mrs. Kierstin Hildebrand
Courses: Music & Film; H.S. Band; Instrumental Lessons; Band Director
Mrs. Amy Lychock
Courses: Intro to Art; Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Art Appreciation; Textiles & 3D Design; Fine Arts
Dr. Mark Thomas
Courses: "A" Choir; Uptones; "B" Choir; Orchestra, Instrumental and Vocal Lessons; Orchestra and Choir Director
Math Department
The mission of the Math Program is to empower all students to achieve their goals by helping them develop critical thinking, problem solving, and mathematical skills in order to inspire students to pursue mathematics with enthusiasm and confidence.
Mr. Kenneth Eicheldinger
Courses: Algebra II; III; III Honors; Statistics
Mrs. Susan Flack
Courses: Algebra I; Algebra II; Algebra II Honors; Geometry
Mr. Benjamin Kunkle
Courses: Algebra III; Statistics; AP Statistics
Mrs. Caren Miller
Courses: Calculus; AP Calculus; Geometry; Geometry Honors
Mr. Clayton Mowrer
Courses: Algebra II; Algebra III
Mr. Matthew Nomland
Courses: Geometry; Geometry Honors; Algebra II
Mrs. Katherine Perkins
Courses: Algebra I; Algebra II; Algebra II Honors; Geometry
Mrs. Meredith Wickard
Courses: Algebra I; II; Geometry
Physical Education
It is the goal of the Upper Perkiomen Health and Physical Education department to empower all students to make lifelong positive decisions by giving them opportunities to develop physical, mental, and social skills. All students, K-12, must participate in a comprehensive and sequential health and physical education program that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.
Mr. Christopher Bieler
Courses: Physical Education 9-12; Fitness/Sports Nutrition
Mrs. Lori Cascioli
Courses: Physical Education 9-12; Aquatics; Adapted Physical Education; Health I
Mr. Christopher Lonergan
Courses: Health I; Physical Education 9-12
Mr. Frank Mercon
Courses: Health Education II; Fitness/Sports Nutrition; Physical Education 9-12
Mrs. Kristin Ott
Courses: Physical Education 9-12; Health I
Technology Education
The Technology Education Department will use innovative technologies to empower every student to achieve at their highest potential. Students will be nurtured in a creative and iterative environment where they will learn through problem solving and hands-on activities in real world applications. Authentic partnerships will be formed through community and district relationships fostered within and beyond the classroom.
Mr. Blake Bardman
Courses: Energy Systems, Ceramics; Engineering Design; Architectural Design; Multi-Material Engineering & Design
Mr. Dan Moyer
Courses: Creative Design & Engineering; Team Design & Manufacturing; Multi-Material Manufacturing; Advanced Custom Fabrication
Miss Emily Barker (UPN/UPTV Director)
Courses: UPTV, UPN Production, Film Production, Sports Broadcasting & Multimedia Storytelling
Science Department
The mission of Upper Perkiomen School District’s Science department is to develop learners who engage in the scientific process while fostering a lifelong curiosity in a dynamic and ever-changing world.
Mr. Matthew Austin
Courses: AP Biology; Academic Biology; Comprehensive Biology
Mrs. Diane Csekitz
Courses: Chemistry; Chemistry IA; Integrated Science Systems
Mr. Andrew Graham
Courses: Biology
Mr. Taylor Gregory
Courses: Integrated Science Systems
Mr. Dan Heinrichs
Courses: Biology
Mrs. Christa Paul
Courses: Biology
Ms. Jen Rosch
Courses: Integrated Science Systems; Energy, Matter and Motion
Mr. Michael Tirjan
Courses: Integrated Science Systems; Energy, Matter, and Motion; Physics; Environmental Science
Social Studies Department
The Social Studies Program aims to foster cultural literacy and prepare students for active citizenship in a global world. We develop social responsibility, critical thinking, and sense of self through speaking, reading and writing, and use of technology.
Mrs. Lori Barsh
Courses: AP Psychology, Social Studies 10
Mr. Tom Hontz
Courses: 11th Grade Social Studies; Gifted Social Studies 9 and 10
Mrs. Alicia Mata
Courses: 9th & 11th Grade Social Studies; Contemporary Political Issues
Mr. Brian Peoples
Courses: 11th Grade Social Studies; AP US History
Ms. Colby Phillips
Courses: Social Studies Grade 9 Academic and Honors
(NHS Advisor)
Miss Megan Smolinski
Courses: Grade 10 Honors & Academic Social Studies; AP US History; AP World History; Community Service Faculty Advisor
Special Education
Mrs. Rashida Larkin
Courses: Emotional Support
Ms. Jennifer Bamford
Courses: Life Skills Reading/Math; Applied Life Skills; Vocational Training; Transition Support
(Special Olympics Advisor)
Mr. Eric Boyer
Courses: Support Services
Mrs. Laura Hilehoffer
Courses: English 9; English 10-12
Mrs. Rachel Kollar
Courses: Support Services
Mr. Robert LaSalle
Courses: Support Math
Mrs. Nicole Muhlheisen
Courses: Read 180 & System 44
Mr. Todd Niemann
Courses: Mindfulness Instructor, Support Services
Mrs. Katelyn Patrick
Courses: Support Services
Ms. Tara Purcell
Courses: Multiple Disabilities Support
Mr. Shane Thrush
Courses: Transition Coordinator
Ms. Christina Willett
Courses: Autistic Support
World Language Department
World language students at Upper Perkiomen High School develop a high level of oral and written proficiency and build strong cultural connections through the use of innovative technologies in order to expand their perspectives beyond the classroom.
Ms. Molly Hartley
Courses: Spanish
Mrs. Petra Marx-Abend
Courses: German I, II, III, IV
Ms. Judy Mendez
Courses: Spanish
Mrs. Rachel Schmeckenbecher
Courses: Spanish I; English 9; English 12; Gifted
Mrs. Bethany Smolinsky
Courses: French
Mrs. Briana Wolfgang
Courses: Spanish