Tuscarora Elementary School

6321 Lambert Drive / Frederick, Maryland 21703     
Phone: 240-566-0000     

Second Grade Profiles

Jaci Drass

I am very excited to be once again teaching second grade at Tuscarora Elementary School!   I can’t wait to meet all of my new second grade friends as well as see my old friends.   I have lived in Frederick County for my whole life.   I attended Valley Elementary School and Frederick Christian Academy for elementary, middle, and high school. I graduated summacum laude from Mount Saint Mary’s University with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in English, with honors.   This fall, I am beginning work on my Master’s degree at Hood College in Frederick.   Before coming to Tuscarora, I student taught first and third grade at Ballenger Creek Elementary School. Some of you may also know me from Frederick Gymnastics Club where I trained and coached for several years.

I am currently living in my new house in Jefferson, Maryland with my fat cat, Gwennie. My mom lives about three miles away from us.   My dad, stepmother Karen, siblings, and Chloe the cat live in Sarasota, Florida. My brother Joe is 27.  His wife, Steffani, is 25.   Nathan and Natalie, my other brother and sister are twins, but they don’t really look alike. They just turned twelve over the summer.   Nathan is a whiz at Guitar Hero and Natalie loves to draw.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading. My favorite books are usually history books. I just started reading Summer 1787 which is all about the writing of the Constitution. I also love fantasy books such as the Redwall series, the Chronicles of Narnia, and the Princess Bride. My all time favorite book is The Fairy Rebel by Lynne Reid Banks (author of the Indian in the Cupboard) and my favorite children’s author is Beverly Cleary (author of the Ramona books).

When I am not reading, I also enjoy traveling to interesting places. I have been to Germany, Austria, Alaska, and England. Our next adventure is going to be to either Hawaii or Antarctica. I also still LOVE gymnastics, so I spend some of my spare time going to the gym to work out on my favorite event, bars. In addition, I love to play the piano and spend time with my family and friends.

I am looking forward to a great year in the second grade at Tuscarora Elementary School!

Stacy Echeandia

Hi, my name is Stacy Echeandia and I am looking forward to beginning a new school year at Tuscarora Elementary School.   After receiving my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Hood College, I began my teaching career at Brunswick Elementary School.   During my six years at Brunswick Elementary School, I taught kindergarten, first and second grades.   While teaching at Brunswick Elementary School, I continued my education at Hood College and in 2005 I received a Master of Science in Reading Specialization.

In 2004, I was very proud to be part of the team of teachers, parents, and students who helped to open Tuscarora Elementary School, where I teach second grade.   I really enjoy teaching at Tuscarora!   Everyday is rewarding and I am able to work with so many incredible students, parents, and teachers.

When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.    My husband and I live in Robin Meadows with our four and a half year old daughter, Elena.   She keeps us very busy.   We like to swim at the pool, read, play sports, and spend time outdoors.   Elena is also very active in ballet, swimming, and soccer.

I’m excited about another school year and look forward to meeting my new class!   Thanks for helping to make Tuscarora such a great place!

Jill Foss

Hi friends! I am so happy to be returning to Tuscarora Elementary for my third year of teaching. I am an avid Terps fan and attended the University of Maryland for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I am very excited about all of the new friends that I am going to meet this year.

Aside from school I really enjoy running, yoga, and all other physical activities. I also love going to the beach and any other activity that involves sunshine. I have a twin sister that lives in Virginia Beach so I love visiting her (and the sand) on the weekends.

I am really excited about all of the things that we will learn together this year! Go Timberwolves!!!

Sherri Hohnke

My name is Sherrie Hohnke and I am new to Tuscarora this year.   I taught for 6 years at Hillcrest Elementary and 9 years at Whittier Elementary, all in second grade!   My husband Larkin just accepted a position as Director of Operations for Secondary Schools.   He previously was a Middle School Principal.   I have twin sons, Chris and Brian who will be 24 this fall.   They both live on their own, Chris in West Virginia and Brian and his fiancée Melinda in Boonsboro.   Yes, I will be helping to plan a wedding in May 2008!!   I am very excited!!

I love second graders and their enthusiasm for learning.   Science is my first love and I have a fat little guinea pig and hissing cockroaches as class pets.   I also have a composting bin with red wrigglers that I will bring in later to school.   You never know what kind of “critters” you may find in my room through out the year! While at the beach in Mexico this summer, I collected shells as “treasures” for my students.  

I am looking forward to meeting the community and my students at Tuscarora and working with a new team.   I know 2007-2008 will be a great year!

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Last Updated: November 2005