Students are not the only ones excited to come back from break this September. After extended absences, biology teacher Leah Morgan and English teacher Emily Soto are returning to Communications High School.
Morgan began an unexpected leave on Jan. 24, 2022, due to a medical incident that left her unable to teach at CHS for the past two school years.
“It was difficult to not be here, but I needed to focus on getting better so I could be the best I could be once I got back,” Morgan said.
While she recovered, substitute teacher Anthony Venezia assumed her role in the science department beginning Feb. 10, 2022. Morgan worked closely with Venezia during the transition, providing him with assignments and notes to utilize in his teachings.
After taking the time to recuperate, Morgan is now ready to come back to the classroom. Despite some anxieties regarding her comeback, she feels she’s readjusting well to the school environment.
“I was very nervous coming back but I’ve gotten a little better…and everyone is so helpful,” Morgan said.
Despite returning to her teaching duties, Morgan will not immediately reclaim the title of Student Government Association advisor, a position currently held by school counselor Melanie Sambataro and chemistry teacher Erin Wheeler.
“After my recovery, I’m still doing physical therapy to continue to get better and I thought it would be too much on my plate to do SGA while
I’m coming back,” Morgan said.
Also returning this fall is sophomore English teacher Emily Soto, who went on maternity leave for the 2022-23 school year. Soto will not continue as the Class of 2024 advisor, instead handing off the role to physics teacher Steve Godkin, who held the position in her absence.
Substitute teacher Aubrey Torta filled in for Soto during her leave. Torta, a former English teacher at KAPPA International High School in the Bronx, will continue teaching the subject at Rumson-Fair Haven High School this fall.
Soto feels more energized than ever to finally return to the classroom.
“I was very excited to come back to work,” Soto said. “It’s been nice to get to know students and figure out how to have a good semester together.”
