New Intern Spotlight: Ms. Alexandra Dziura!
Hello! My name is Alexandra Dziura, and I am thrilled to be working as a social work intern here at Great Path. I am currently earning my Master of Social Work Degree at the University of Connecticut. I earned my bachelor's in psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University, but also earned some of my undergraduate credits at Manchester Community College! I have been gaining social work experience through my case management role at a shelter for families experiencing homelessness for over two years.
Outside of school, I enjoy taking my dogs for long hikes, cooking, baking bread, and doing pottery (when I have the time!) I also love traveling and gaining new experiences, especially culinarily. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with the wonderful students of Great Path, and am looking forward to this school year!
Hello! My name is Alexandra Dziura, and I am thrilled to be working as a social work intern here at Great Path. I am currently earning my Master of Social Work Degree at the University of Connecticut. I earned my bachelor's in psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University, but also earned some of my undergraduate credits at Manchester Community College! I have been gaining social work experience through my case management role at a shelter for families experiencing homelessness for over two years.
Outside of school, I enjoy taking my dogs for long hikes, cooking, baking bread, and doing pottery (when I have the time!) I also love traveling and gaining new experiences, especially culinarily. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with the wonderful students of Great Path, and am looking forward to this school year!
2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Opening Announcement
From September 15 through October 15, GPA has the privilege of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
As stated by The National Museum of the American Latino, ‘While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more. Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations.’
In this spirit, students at GPA will learn much about Hispanic Heritage through art, history, cultural readings and documentaries and researching well-known individuals from various Latin-American countries. Students will share their own heritage with each other throughout this time.
This year’s Hispanic Heritage month theme proclaims, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future". This theme emphasizes celebrating deep-rooted cultural traditions, recognizing the achievements of the Hispanic and Latin- American communities, and embracing the innovation of future generations.” Great Path embraces this theme and is honored to celebrate the Hispanic heritage of our students, faculty and staff, families and community. Throughout the month, Great Path will celebrate Hispanic Heritage through a variety of events culminating in our Hispanic Heritage Assembly on Friday, October 10th at 8:50am in the CT State Manchester auditorium.
From September 15 through October 15, GPA has the privilege of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
As stated by The National Museum of the American Latino, ‘While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more. Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations.’
In this spirit, students at GPA will learn much about Hispanic Heritage through art, history, cultural readings and documentaries and researching well-known individuals from various Latin-American countries. Students will share their own heritage with each other throughout this time.
This year’s Hispanic Heritage month theme proclaims, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future". This theme emphasizes celebrating deep-rooted cultural traditions, recognizing the achievements of the Hispanic and Latin- American communities, and embracing the innovation of future generations.” Great Path embraces this theme and is honored to celebrate the Hispanic heritage of our students, faculty and staff, families and community. Throughout the month, Great Path will celebrate Hispanic Heritage through a variety of events culminating in our Hispanic Heritage Assembly on Friday, October 10th at 8:50am in the CT State Manchester auditorium.
Please join us for our BoE Regular Meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 5:30 PM at M.D. Fox School, 470 Maple Avenue Street in Hartford.
The Agenda is here: https://go.boarddocs.com/ct/hartford/Board.nsf/Public
You may join the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/j9GtiUwA3Ig
The Agenda is here: https://go.boarddocs.com/ct/hartford/Board.nsf/Public
You may join the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/j9GtiUwA3Ig
Smile! Picture Day is Monday, September 29th, 2025
Join us on Wednesday, September 17th at 5pm in the GPA Community Commons for Freshmen Planning Night for the Class of 2029!
New Student Teacher Spotlight: Maryam Abu-Hasaballah
My name is Maryam Abu-Hasaballah. I have recently graduated with my bachelor's degree in history from the University of Connecticut and am pursuing my master's in education at UConn this year! Outside of education I enjoy running and reading. I am so grateful for the warm welcome I have received from the students and staff at Great Path and am incredibly excited for the rest of the year as a student teacher.
My name is Maryam Abu-Hasaballah. I have recently graduated with my bachelor's degree in history from the University of Connecticut and am pursuing my master's in education at UConn this year! Outside of education I enjoy running and reading. I am so grateful for the warm welcome I have received from the students and staff at Great Path and am incredibly excited for the rest of the year as a student teacher.
Let’s Show Community Pride!!!
Sign up to participate in the Puerto Rican Day Parade on SUNDAY, September 21, 2025!
GPA has been invited to participate in the parade, and is forming a group to participate.
Click on the link to sign up!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AIrLM7i1dC7APNnPiDzysnY5mukcTCgK_pMab-Lm_ZI/preview
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¡Mostremos orgullo comunitario!
¡Inscríbete para participar en el Desfile del Día de Puerto Rico el DOMINGO 21 de septiembre de 2025!
GPA ha sido invitado a participar en el desfile y está formando un grupo.
¡Haz clic en el enlace para inscribirte!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AIrLM7i1dC7APNnPiDzysnY5mukcTCgK_pMab-Lm_ZI/preview
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Vamos mostrar orgulho pela comunidade!!!
Inscreva-se para participar no Desfile do Dia de Porto Rico no DOMINGO, 21 de setembro de 2025!
A GPA foi convidada a participar no desfile e está a formar um grupo para participar.
Clique no link para se inscrever!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AIrLM7i1dC7APNnPiDzysnY5mukcTCgK_pMab-Lm_ZI/preview
New Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Bonnie Lespier, Special Education Teacher
My name is Bonnie Lespier and I am overjoyed to be joining the Great Path Academy family as a Special Education Teacher. This will be my 10th year of teaching. I have taught in both public and private schools. I am married and have two wonderful adult children. My daughter just graduated from college with a degree in Social Work. My son is actively serving as a Marine.
In my free time, I enjoy serving at my church along with volunteering with Salvation Army. I am also a CT Blue Stars Mom. We support and fundraise for Veterans and active military personnel and their families. I love spending quality time with family and friends. I’m looking forward to building positive and lasting relationships with my school community and my students and families.
My name is Bonnie Lespier and I am overjoyed to be joining the Great Path Academy family as a Special Education Teacher. This will be my 10th year of teaching. I have taught in both public and private schools. I am married and have two wonderful adult children. My daughter just graduated from college with a degree in Social Work. My son is actively serving as a Marine.
In my free time, I enjoy serving at my church along with volunteering with Salvation Army. I am also a CT Blue Stars Mom. We support and fundraise for Veterans and active military personnel and their families. I love spending quality time with family and friends. I’m looking forward to building positive and lasting relationships with my school community and my students and families.
College Rep Visits are scheduled for the month of October. Juniors and seniors are allowed to attend with their teacher permission. All visits will be held in the GPA Community Commons.
Junior and Senior Student Council Elections are coming! Campaigns go through September 17th and we will hold election speeches on Friday, September 19th. Any student interest must complete the interest form on the senior and junior google classrooms.
Join us Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 5pm for a VIRTUAL Hartford Board of Education Committee of the Whole Meeting. To view the agenda and find the livestream link, visit: https://go.boarddocs.com/ct/hartford/Board.nsf/Public.
Join us Monday, September 8, 2025 at 5pm for a VIRTUAL Hartford Board of Education Committee of the Whole Meeting. To view the agenda and find the livestream link, visit: https://go.boarddocs.com/ct/hartford/Board.nsf/Public.
Our Senior Planning Night will be on Wednesday, September 17th at 5pm at GPA! The Class of 2026 students and parents are invited to work on college planning. Mrs. Gralia, 12th grade school counselor, will be available this evening for the presentation. Please send your RSVP on ParentSquare.
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15th to October 15th! We are celebrating a Hispanic Heritage Festival on October 10th, 2025 from 8:50-9:50am at the CT State Manchester auditorium! Parents are invited to attend and we will share a RSVP on ParentSquare soon. Save the date to celebrate Hispanic Heritage with us!
New Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Vanessa Borjorquez-Anguiano!
Hi! My name is Mrs. Vanessa Borjorquez-Anguiano (Mrs. BA) and I am so excited to be at Great Path this year! A little about me. I was born in Boston, MA, but I lived in Las Vegas most of my life. I am so excited to be back in New England! I am married (5 years in October) with zero plans of ever having children (my students are all the kids I will ever want or need). I have a ton of furbabies though (3 cats, 2 huge dogs, and 2 little dogs). This is my 13th year teaching (my first full year here in CT and ta GPA). I love being a teacher because I enjoy making learning fun and exciting. I want my students to know that I absolutely love teaching and it is such a huge part of who I am. My students mean the world to me and it super important that my classroom is a safe and comfortable place for all of you. I am looking forward to spending this school year with you and getting to know you.. It's going to be great!
Hi! My name is Mrs. Vanessa Borjorquez-Anguiano (Mrs. BA) and I am so excited to be at Great Path this year! A little about me. I was born in Boston, MA, but I lived in Las Vegas most of my life. I am so excited to be back in New England! I am married (5 years in October) with zero plans of ever having children (my students are all the kids I will ever want or need). I have a ton of furbabies though (3 cats, 2 huge dogs, and 2 little dogs). This is my 13th year teaching (my first full year here in CT and ta GPA). I love being a teacher because I enjoy making learning fun and exciting. I want my students to know that I absolutely love teaching and it is such a huge part of who I am. My students mean the world to me and it super important that my classroom is a safe and comfortable place for all of you. I am looking forward to spending this school year with you and getting to know you.. It's going to be great!
Save the Date! Our open house is on Wednesday, September 10th at 5pm! This is your opportunity to meet your student's teachers and staff members to learn about curriculum and classroom activities. We look forward to welcoming you to GPA!
New Staff Spotlight: Ms. Barbara Batista, ELL Teacher
My name is Barbara Batista, and I am very excited to be joining Great Path Academy this year as an ELL teacher. This is my ninth year in education and my first year at GPA, and I am so excited to be part of this wonderful school community and family.
I hold a degree in Modern Languages with a concentration in English, as well as a Master’s in Applied Linguistics for Teaching English as a Second Language. I speak three languages, and as a former multilingual learner myself, I understand the challenges my students face. Supporting them as they grow, reminding them of their potential, and celebrating their cultures and languages are at the heart of my work as an educator.
Beyond the classroom, I enjoy spending time in nature, singing, reading and writing, and exploring new things to learn. I am eager to bring both joy and support to our community this year.
My name is Barbara Batista, and I am very excited to be joining Great Path Academy this year as an ELL teacher. This is my ninth year in education and my first year at GPA, and I am so excited to be part of this wonderful school community and family.
I hold a degree in Modern Languages with a concentration in English, as well as a Master’s in Applied Linguistics for Teaching English as a Second Language. I speak three languages, and as a former multilingual learner myself, I understand the challenges my students face. Supporting them as they grow, reminding them of their potential, and celebrating their cultures and languages are at the heart of my work as an educator.
Beyond the classroom, I enjoy spending time in nature, singing, reading and writing, and exploring new things to learn. I am eager to bring both joy and support to our community this year.
New Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Jordan Waston, Special Education Teacher
My name is Jordan Watson, and I am very excited to be working at Great Path Academy this school year as a Special Education teacher. I will be a first-year teacher this year having just completed my master's degree at UConn in May. I will primarily be supporting freshmen this year which I am looking forward to as I believe this year is one of the most important in a student’s high school career. To say a little bit about myself, I was once a student at Great Path Academy during my first two years of high school. Having navigated being a student at Great Path I come with experience and advice that will be helpful to my students. Overall I can’t wait to meet all the students at GPA and support them in their academic endeavors as well as prepare them for life after high school!
Outside of school I have a range of interests that I’m always happy to talk about with my students (during the appropriate times.) Some of these things include soccer, basketball, UFC, music, TV, anime, cooking and many more. I believe being a young and fresh teacher will help me connect with students as I am sure many of our interests will intersect. Can’t wait to get started with you all!
My name is Jordan Watson, and I am very excited to be working at Great Path Academy this school year as a Special Education teacher. I will be a first-year teacher this year having just completed my master's degree at UConn in May. I will primarily be supporting freshmen this year which I am looking forward to as I believe this year is one of the most important in a student’s high school career. To say a little bit about myself, I was once a student at Great Path Academy during my first two years of high school. Having navigated being a student at Great Path I come with experience and advice that will be helpful to my students. Overall I can’t wait to meet all the students at GPA and support them in their academic endeavors as well as prepare them for life after high school!
Outside of school I have a range of interests that I’m always happy to talk about with my students (during the appropriate times.) Some of these things include soccer, basketball, UFC, music, TV, anime, cooking and many more. I believe being a young and fresh teacher will help me connect with students as I am sure many of our interests will intersect. Can’t wait to get started with you all!
New Staff Spotlight: Ms. Yolanda Colon, School Social Worker
My name is Yolanda Colon, Licensed Master Social Worker with three decades of dedicated service in school social work services, child welfare, mental health, and family advocacy. I am so happy to be joining the GPA community! I believe that education is not just about academics—it is about unlocking potential, nurturing self-worth, and creating opportunities that ripple through generations. My approach blends compassionate counseling with practical resource connection, empowering students to overcome barriers, discover their strengths, and achieve their potential. I am going to work tirelessly to connect families to resources, mediate challenges between home and school, and ensure that the students feel seen, supported, and capable of success. Whether in the classroom, in a therapy session, at a community meeting, or during a quiet one-on-one conversation, I would like to be a source of hope, guidance, and empowerment for the students that cross my path. When not working or providing services in the community, I can be found enjoying time with my kids, especially my grandchildren. I enjoy relaxing while listening to music, attending local concerts and dancing to Latin music.
My name is Yolanda Colon, Licensed Master Social Worker with three decades of dedicated service in school social work services, child welfare, mental health, and family advocacy. I am so happy to be joining the GPA community! I believe that education is not just about academics—it is about unlocking potential, nurturing self-worth, and creating opportunities that ripple through generations. My approach blends compassionate counseling with practical resource connection, empowering students to overcome barriers, discover their strengths, and achieve their potential. I am going to work tirelessly to connect families to resources, mediate challenges between home and school, and ensure that the students feel seen, supported, and capable of success. Whether in the classroom, in a therapy session, at a community meeting, or during a quiet one-on-one conversation, I would like to be a source of hope, guidance, and empowerment for the students that cross my path. When not working or providing services in the community, I can be found enjoying time with my kids, especially my grandchildren. I enjoy relaxing while listening to music, attending local concerts and dancing to Latin music.
Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing our new faculty and staff at GPA!
New Staff Spotlight:
Hello GPA Community!
My name is Ms. Chelsey Hood, and I am so excited to be joining Great Path Academy this year as the Culinary Arts teacher. This is my 12th year in education, but my first year at GPA and my first year teaching culinary arts. My background is in Career and Technical Education, where I’ve taught courses in graphic design, digital media, and STEM. I love helping students discover their creativity, build confidence, and develop skills they can use far beyond the classroom.
Outside of school, I’m a proud mom of two wonderful kids. We love cooking together, trying out new recipes, and spending time outdoors. I look forward to bringing my passion for food, creativity, and hands-on learning into the kitchen here at GPA.
New Staff Spotlight:
Hello GPA Community!
My name is Ms. Chelsey Hood, and I am so excited to be joining Great Path Academy this year as the Culinary Arts teacher. This is my 12th year in education, but my first year at GPA and my first year teaching culinary arts. My background is in Career and Technical Education, where I’ve taught courses in graphic design, digital media, and STEM. I love helping students discover their creativity, build confidence, and develop skills they can use far beyond the classroom.
Outside of school, I’m a proud mom of two wonderful kids. We love cooking together, trying out new recipes, and spending time outdoors. I look forward to bringing my passion for food, creativity, and hands-on learning into the kitchen here at GPA.
