Medical Science Teacher Makes Move To Join Administrative Team

by Zach Weisenthal ‘19

Sapna Hopkins (formerly Chaudhry) has left her position as the acting Assistant School Administrator (ASA) at Sherwood to become the new assistant principal at Farquhar Middle School. Stephanie Gelfand, who had been the school’s Medical Science teacher and coordinator for the Academy of Health Professions for the past seven years, has been selected as the new acting ASA.

Farquhar’s assistant principal position was posted on August 24, and Hopkins had an interview the following week. She continued to serve at Sherwood through the first week of September until a replacement was found to take over her duties and assignments. Hopkins spent the past 12 years at Sherwood, and will miss the students and staff the most. “I have served as a teacher, resource teacher, and administrator during my stay at Sherwood. During this time, I formed relationships with staff and students that I will cherish forever,” said Hopkins. She hopes that since she is at a nearby school, she will be able to stay connected with former students and colleagues.

Gelfand had started taking administration certification courses last summer in preparation for a move to a role in administration in a couple of years. With this sudden opportunity, Gelfand will take over all of Hopkin’s responsibilities, which include working with teachers and leaders on the Instructional Leadership Team to develop and implement the school improvement plan, collaborating with staff and parents to improve student achievement, serving as the school testing coordinator, and acting as the ninth grade administrator.

Deborah Parsley began on October 9 as the new Medical Science teacher and attended Back-To-School night, allowing parents an opportunity to meet her. Gelfand regularly met with Parsley to prepare her for the position. Gelfand also worked with by Zach Weisenthal ‘19 substitute teachers to ensure that students are moving forward in medical science, as well as learning the essential caregiving skills to ensure successful nursing home rotations.

“The Sherwood staff and students were wonderful during my transition,” said Gelfand. “My medical science students had been patient and demonstrated their drive to be great by keeping motivated in the face of unexpected change.”