For both students and staff, the month of August is always a transition period between summer vacation and the start of a new school year. However, for three faculty members, this summer required much more of an adjustment.

After having children in July, they each have taken maternity leave this fall to have the opportunity to adjust to parenthood and watch their children begin to grow.

History teacher Cassidy Pope is among those who will be spending the fall caring for her children. Pope is adjusting to being a mother of two, after her second daughter Grace Mae Mascio was born on July 29. Pope has decided to stay on maternity leave at home with her two girls until January of 2015. This decision was made so that she can start fresh for the second semester and be able to stay home with her oldest daughter, Hope, as she will recover from a hip procedure at the end of the month.

“I feel very blessed and thankful to be able to stay home and raise my girls these first months of being a mom to two,” Pope said. “That being said, I miss all of my teacher friends and sweet students! I’m really excited to come back and get started.”

While on maternity leave, Pope says she is staying in contact with her long-term sub and occasionally talks to some of her students via email.

“Mr. Serine is a retired History teacher so I know he is very capable,” Pope said. “I’m happy and hopeful that my students can soak up all of the knowledge that he can provide.”

Over the summer, science teacher Stephanie Motz began parenthood very differently than most. Motz is also mother of two, but unlike Pope, her baby boys were born only minutes apart. On July 20, identical twins William and Joseph were born. Adjusting to parenthood requires a great deal of time and energy, therefore Motz has been unable to provide any further information at this time.

“I spoke with Mrs. Motz and one of her babies is getting discharged from the hospital tomorrow (Sept. 10),” science teacher Evan Miller said. “ She is extremely busy with doctors appointments, learning baby stuff, and getting her home ready.”

For guidance councilor Amy White, parenthood has just begun. On July 5, her first child was born. Despite arriving six and a half weeks premature, Maya Emily White was born a healthy baby girl.

“I enjoy watching her grow and seeing all the developmental changes.  She now weighs about seven pounds and is becoming more alert to things,”  White said.

White plans to return to school on October 20, but she continues to keep in contact with the counseling center through phone and email while she is gone. She also helps students at school through email and by referring their questions to the appropriate person in the counseling center.

“I’m thankful that I was available to give her the care she needed,” White said. “People have always said they grow up fast so I’m cherishing every moment.”

Send comments to [email protected]