History and Government teacher returns after maternity leave

By now many students and teachers feel that they have adjusted to the school’s new block schedule and well into the routine of the year.

U.S. History and AP Government teacher Margarita Morelle, however, is just getting exposed to the new schedule and has only seen her students a few times so far.

Morelle returned on Nov. 7 after being on maternity leave since May. When Morelle was gone, substitute Colleen Haas filled in for her.

“The transition back to the school is a different change in gears, but the kids have been really welcoming and teaching AP Government means that I have at least half my students from last year,” Morelle said. “It’s a pretty easy transition because some kids know me already, but it’s also like starting the school year for me on the first day, so I’m playing catch-up with the kids.”

Senior Samay Garg, who had Morelle last year, is glad to have her as a teacher again.

“Morelle is a great teacher,” Garg said. “It’s nice to have her teaching style back again because she’s been gone for a while.”

Last year, Morelle taught only U.S. history. This year, however, she is also teaching AP Government.

“It’s an interesting year in general for politics because of the presidential election, so it’ll be nice to pull some very immediate examples to reference for the class,” Morelle said.

All in all, Morelle is looking forward to getting to know her students better and resuming her teaching career at SHS.

“I’m super excited and optimistic about this year,” Morelle said. “I hope the students are too, but I’m ready for it.”