About Us
Mission
Londonderry School’s mission is to help each child reach their full potential in a diverse, loving, safe, supportive, and fun community. Through our dynamic pre-K through 8th program, children learn at their own pace to think logically, critically, and creatively.
Londonderry has had many physical homes over the years. But, in each location, the foundation has always been the same—community. By centering respectful relationships, Londonderry creates a unique intergenerational community of co-collaborators that are its heart.
Students, teachers, and parents work together as partners with a shared purpose: nurturing the development of the whole child. This fosters a profound sense of connection with and belonging to our school, our city, and our wider world. Indeed, community forms the core of who we are.
The adjectives that describe this community in our mission statement were deliberately chosen to provide a snapshot of the values that define Londonderry. Each forms a critical component to the school that, in many ways, will always be our home.
Philosophy
Londonderry provides an important educational alternative for families in the greater Harrisburg area. Our commitment to academic excellence is grounded in a multifaceted approach that embraces individualized instruction, STEAM, outdoor play, and experiential education to foster a life-long love of learning.
At the same time, Londonderry is dedicated to nurturing social and emotional growth, empowering students to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and compassion. Indeed, our holistic curriculum is designed to foster not only academic achievement but also a deep sense of respect, empathy, and civic responsibility. The active involvement of parents is also an integral part of who we are, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines our school community.
At Londonderry, we aspire to cultivate not just scholars, but engaged global citizens. In short, we help “grow good humans.”
Unique Ways We Teach
We have mixed-age classes that help children learn from each other. Older students can help younger ones, which builds teamwork and makes learning deeper. This way, there’s more collaboration and less competition.
Having the same teacher for several years also makes students feel safe and comfortable. This stability helps with emotional and social growth, making children feel secure as they learn and grow.
Our teaching focuses on exploration. Teachers follow what interests the kids, which makes learning more fun and hands-on. This approach helps students get excited and involved in their learning.
Londonderry helps children reach their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters independence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging.
Londonderry Faculty and Staff
School Administrators
Christina Luo, Director
Rhoda Barasch, Interim Education Director
Jennifer Pomerantz, Business Manager
Margaret Naguski, Director of Operations
Raihanna Sharif, Parent Liaison
Early Childhood Teachers
Suzanne Stiles, Kindergarten Teacher and Early Childhood Director
Sarah Gurchik, Kindergarten Teacher
Amy Allen, Preschool Assistant Teacher
Andrea Harper, Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Angelique Jennings, Preschool Teacher
Stacy Dorman, Preschool Teacher
Elementary and Middle School Teachers
Meredith Sullivan, 1st - 2nd Grade Teacher
Halli Smeltzer, 1st - 2nd Grade Teacher
Vanessa Pettingell, 1st - 2nd Grade Teacher Assistant
Jyoti Singh Horgan, Teacher Assistant
Pete Godber, 3rd - 4th Grade Teacher
Laura Blanchfield, 5th-6th Grade Teacher
Steve Holubec, 3rd - 4th Grade Teacher
Samantha Maldet, 7th - 8th Grade Teacher
Sharon Roof, 7th - 8th Grade Teacher
Specialty Teachers
Kathy Boyle, Computer Teacher
Roxanne Dixon, Music Teacher
Natalia Onutu, Spanish Teacher
Interested in joining the team?
Our Building
When Londonderry decided to build its own school after years of renting, we knew it had to be special. In the early 2000s, sustainable and environmentally friendly building design was becoming popular, and it fit perfectly with Londonderry’s values. Although “green” buildings were expensive at the time, we challenged architects to design a building that was both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
After a year of design challenges, we created a LEED-certified building on a budget by focusing on simple, energy-efficient systems. The building has super insulation, recycled materials, and systems that are easy to maintain. We also included eco-friendly features like a rainwater collection system and wastewater treatment on-site. The school’s design is not only practical and cost-effective but also serves as a learning lab where students can explore sustainable design.
Londonderry Board of Trustees
The Londonderry Board of Trustees consists of eleven board members, and is comprised of nine parent representatives, the school director, and one teacher representative.
Email us with any questions board@thelondonderryschool.org.
Trustees
Kristen Jenko (President/Parent)
Brian Hope (Vice President/Parent)
Theresa Wilson (Secretary/Parent)
Mandy Fullmer (Treasurer/Parent)
Colette Clarke (Parent)
Maiya Harris (Parent)
Ron Melsuky (Parent)
Angela Faulkner (Parent)
Adam Turk (Parent)
Laura Blanchfield (Teacher Representative)
Christina Luo (Director/Parent)
Meeting Dates
Third Thursday of the month
June: No meeting
July: (TBD)
What do parents and alumni say about Londonderry?
All parents worry; it’s part of the job description. Most of us want the same things for our children: to be kind, to explore and learn, to find joy and friendship, to grow into confident, self-aware adults.
Enter Londonderry. The six hours a day my daughter, Charley, is at school, my worry lessens. I know she’s in an environment that values kindness, suits her learning pace, and surrounds her with teachers who truly know her. When I asked what was so great about Holly’s class, Charley looked at me like I was silly and said, “Because Holly teaches people how to be good friends.” And THAT is what we want for our kids.
Thank you, Londonderry, for being a safe home for them to become the good humans we know they can be.
– Mandy Fullmer
Grandparenthood is a special time to enjoy our grandchildren with unhindered time and patience. We delight in their milestones, exuberance, creativity, personalities, and idiosyncrasies. Whether in person or via Facetime and Zoom, we treasure our special relationships with this next generation.
As a grandparent lucky to have all five grandchildren nearby and attending Londonderry—where my children went and I taught—I share with other Londonderry grandparents appreciation for the gifts the school provides.
There’s the gift of play, treasured at Londonderry and preserved for a media-inundated generation. Whether building in the woods or with blocks, Londonderry kids have a real childhood.
There’s the gift of treasuring each child as an individual and tailoring learning to their needs.
There’s the gift of friendships—same-age peers, friends of different ages, and teachers who are friends, facilitators, and mentors.
And most importantly, there is the gift of family, for Londonderry was never just a school, but always a family.
– Jane Allis
Thank you for all the gifts you gave and continue to give. Thank you for the love, kindness, compassion, and thoughtfulness with which you cared for me, other children, and our community.
To approach learning with the heart and talents of each child as the foundation of an educational philosophy is a unique understanding and wisdom that has resonated far beyond our permanent home and into the world for fifty years.
As a parent, alumni, and steward of this community, I am grateful—grateful my child also has the opportunity to be here and be loved for what she is and will become.
Thank you to all the amazing people who make Londonderry a brave and thoughtful place.
– Heather Shelley
Start their adventure today.
Prospective students are encouraged to spend a day in the classroom before families make a final decision.