Saint Leo the Great School is accredited by the Middle States Association. The teachers follow the Curriculum set by the Diocese of Harrisburg.
There are two of each grade level. The teachers have a common planning period every week where they take the time to plan together.
Every day we begin with morning prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by our Student Council.
All teachers help develop and prepare the children to receive the Sacraments.
Meet our Elementary School teachers:
Grade 1
Mrs. Bridget Paluga
College Graduate x 2: Elmira College (BS in Psychology), Gallaudet University (MS in Administration and Supervision), Ithaca College (MS in Childhood Education)
PA and MA certified: K-4th grade
Teaching at Saint Leo the Great: 2024 – present
Favorite Saint: Saint Michael the Archangel is a powerful protector who helps keep families safe from harm.
Mrs. Paluga is a dedicated wife and mother of three energetic boys, who shifted from a career as a collegiate women’s basketball coach to teaching after pursuing further education. She spent six years teaching in New York before moving back to Pennsylvania. She has taught various grades and subjects, including 3rd grade, computers and technology, and most recently, 1st grade. Her experience also includes teaching 1st and 2nd grade virtually. She believes that success comes in many forms, and she’s excited to be part of helping your child thrive and achieve their potential here at Saint Leo the Great. When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys crafting and creating, and is a regular presence on the sidelines at her boys’ sporting events. Juggling a busy family life with her passion for education and creativity keeps her engaged and fulfilled. Mrs. Paluga has been a parishioner at Saint Leo the Great Church since 2021.
Mrs. Paluga’s day in 1st grade:
- We start each morning with religion class – the main focus is about how we can be good Catholics and a friend to Jesus in our communities.
- We spend a good amount of time in the morning focused on English Language Arts where we talk about reading skills and strategies, engage in phonics, and explore a variety of writing styles.
- In Math we are excited to learn all about addition and subtraction paying close attention to number relations.
- In Science and History we focus on learning about the world around us with hands-on exploration and conversations.
- We are so fortunate to have a variety of special subjects (music, art, physical education, library, guidance, and STEAM) each day with teachers who provide lessons and activities in a variety of ways.
- SNACK TIME- Everyone’s favorite time of the day 🙂
Curriculum: Please reference the Diocese of Harrisburg website for more information on our curriculum.
Grade 1
Mrs. Christine Skidmore
Hometown: Blue Bell, PA
High School Graduate: Mount Saint Joseph Academy
College Graduate x 2: Boston College with a BA in Communications and M.Ed in Elementary Education
PA and MA certified: K-4th grade
Teaching at Saint Leo the Great: 2019 – present
Favorite Saint: Saint Christopher. He is the patron saint of travel and since her family takes many road trips, she prays that he is always with them.
Mrs. Skidmore is a wife and mother of 2. She grew up in a big family with 4 siblings and many cousins. Mrs. Skidmore became a teacher because she was the oldest of 23 grandchildren and loved being around kids. She has been teaching since 2006 and has taught in places including Arlington, MA, Oak Bluffs, MA, Lower Gwynedd, PA, and Lancaster, PA. She has taught grades K, 1, 3, 4, and 5. She is very happy to be at Saint Leo’s teaching 1st grade! Each day brings new and exciting moments. She believes that each student is unique and that they should learn that way. When she isn’t teaching, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, watching her daughters events, and being with family.
Mrs. Skidmore’s day in 1st grade:
- We start each morning with religion class- the main focus is about how we can be good Catholics and a friend to Jesus in our communities.
- We spend a good amount of time in the morning focused on ELA where we talk about reading skills and strategies, engage in BLAST Phonics, and explore a variety of writing styles.
- In Math we are excited to learn all about addition and subtraction paying close attention to number relations.
- In Science and Social Studies we focus on learning about the world around us with hands-on exploration and conversions.
- We are so fortunate to have a variety of specials (music, art, gym, library, guidance, and STEAM) each day with teachers who provide lessons and activities in a variety of ways.
- SNACK TIME- Everyone’s favorite time of the day:)
Curriculum: Please reference the Diocese of Harrisburg website for more information on our curriculum.
Grade 2
Mrs. Katie Odell
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
Education: Elizabethtown College, BS Elementary Education, Minor in Art (PK-6)
Millersville University: MSW, Trauma Informed Certificate
Graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School
Teaching at Saint Leo the Great: 2024- Present
Favorite Quote: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
Mrs. Odell’s husband is a graduate of SLTG! When Mrs. Odell was in high school, she volunteered as a part of her Christian service class, at SLTG in Nancy Odell’s 5th grade class. And… each one of her 4 children have attended SLTG! She loves to see the generations of families that have attended the school and loves that the school feels like a big family.
After many years of being home with her children, she is happy to be teaching at Saint Leo School! Mrs. Odell is a passionate second grade teacher dedicated to fostering both academic growth and spiritual development in her students. With a deep love for Catholicism, she strives to cultivate a classroom where faith, learning, and kindness flourish. Mrs. Odell believes in creating a warm, welcoming space where every child feels valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their fullest potential, both academically and spiritually.
Her young students are preparing for the sacraments of First Penance and First Communion, deepening their understanding of our Catholic faith. In addition to their religious studies, they explore art history and art studies, grammar, handwriting, Integrated Language Arts lessons, science, and math. In science, they learn about the plant cycle, states of matter, and conducting experiments to better understand our world. They also have an exciting time traveling back in history to ancient Rome!
Curriculum: Please reference the Diocese of Harrisburg website for more information on our curriculum.
Grade 2
Miss Emily Fix
Education: Millersville University- Bachelors of Science in Education: Early Childhood (PK-4) and Special Education (K-8), Lebanon Valley College Master’s Program: Social, Emotional Certificate (2023) Autism Spectrum Certificate (Currently in progress).
Teaching at Saint Leo the Great: 2020 – present
Favorite Saint: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Miss Fix is a graduate of Saint Leo the Great School where she attended preschool all the way through eighth grade! During her time at Saint Leo the Great, she was a part of the basketball team, in the band, and various other clubs and activities. She is very excited to be back teaching the next generation of Lions. Miss Fix also loves coaching soccer and girls wrestling at Lancaster Catholic High School.
Second Grade Highlights: A typical day in Miss Fix’s room includes math and language arts stations which allows differentiated instruction for all learners. Her favorite part of the day/year is getting to prepare her second graders during religion class for the sacraments of First Penance and First Communion. They also enjoy learning about life cycles of plants and animals, space, weather, holidays around the world, communities, and maps. Some of our second graders favorite events are the Saint Francis pet blessing, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day balloon parade, holidays around the world, math measurement Olympics, field day, and our spring field trip!
“No Significant learning occurs without a significant relationship”
Dr. James Comer
Curriculum: Please reference the Diocese of Harrisburg website for more information on our curriculum.
Grade 3
Mrs. Melissa Peyser
Hometown: Grew up in York, PA and still live there with my family and 6 dogs
Education: Wilkes University, Masters in Instructional Media with PA STEM certificate (in progress)
Shippensburg University, BS in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education
Teaching at Saint Leo the Great: 2017 – present.
It’s always a day full of learning and activity in Mrs. Peyser’s classroom. In third grade, we learn all about Saints. It is so interesting to learn about these heroes of the Church. In history, we focus on the Middle Ages… lots of Saints, fascinating leaders and knights in that time period. We also become multiplication masters and learn how to manage money with our classroom economy.
I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher and feel blessed to share both my love of learning and my love for God with my students every day. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family and my friends. I love to read, hike and to watch my youngest daughter on the field either playing field hockey or performing with the LCHS marching band.
One of my favorite quotes is from St. Catherine of Siena, “Be who God intended you to be and you will set the world on fire.” I strive to live my life this way and inspire my students to do the same.
Curriculum: Please reference the Diocese of Harrisburg website for more information on our curriculum.
Grade 3
Mrs. Jackie Werts
Hometown: Beaver, PA. I moved to Lancaster in 1999 and have been here ever since.
Education: Millersville University – Masters of Early Childhood & Elementary Education August 2024.
Millersville University -Post-Baccalaureate Early Childhood Education Certification, December 2020.
Certifications: Pennsylvania Pre K- 4 Teacher Certification Level II; Flipgrid Certified Education Level 1; Google Certified Education Level 1; Seesaw Education Ambassador
Teaching at Saint Leo
the Great: 2018 – present.
Favorite Saint: Saint Agnes
Hi! I’m Mrs. Werts. I have been teaching at Saint Leo’s since 2018. It’s always a day full of learning and activity in our 3rd grade classroom. In third grade, we learn all about the Saints with monthly Saint studies as well as memorizing scripture as we practice our cursive handwriting. We will explore the timeline of the Middle Ages in history. We also become multiplication fact masters, and learn how to manage money with our classroom economy. We start each day with our #goodvibes word of the week, which is focused on a different social emotional topic each week, and tied to a scripture verse.
I believe that the most effective teaching practices are rooted in developing a safe, happy, loving and faith filled learning environment for all students. My goal is to nurture my students’ character, creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills through a faith filled education, collaborative learning environment and meaningful technology integration.
When I’m not in my classroom, I enjoy spending time at home with my husband, two children and two dogs. I love spending my summers at the beach, reading and watching my children play sports.
Curriculum: Please reference the Diocese of Harrisburg website for more information on our curriculum.
Grade 4
Mrs. Aimee Taylor
College Graduate: Holy Family University, M.Ed, Early Childhood Education; Cornell University, M.S., Food Science; Penn State University, B.S., Food Science
PA certified: PK-4th grade
Teaching at Saint Leo the Great: 2024 – present
Favorite Saint: Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Favorite Saying: “Progress, not perfection!”
Favorite Quote: “He has a plan, I have a purpose.” (unknown)
Mrs. Taylor is a wife and mother of 3. She lives in Lititz with her family and 2 dogs. Teaching is her second career (she previously was a scientist, stay-at-home mom, and K-12 substitute teacher). She most recently taught in the Northern Lebanon and Conestoga Valley School Districts. She is so excited to be a part of the Saint Leo family! Outside of school, she enjoys baking, working out, and volunteering at St. James Parish in Lititz. She and her husband cheer for the Warwick Marching Band and Penn State football.
We start each day with a morning meeting, an opportunity to build classroom community, pray together, and set a positive tone for the day.
We spend a large block of time focused on English Language Arts, including spelling, grammar, reading, and writing. Learning includes whole group instruction, small reading groups, partner work, and one-on-one conferences. Students practice and master cursive handwriting, and are introduced to typing and other digital skills.
In Math we learn new concepts, review familiar skills, and also work to improve math facts fluency.
The Classical Education approach guides our learning in History, where we focus on early explorers in the Americas, followed by a study of Pennsylvania’s government, economy, history, religion, and geography.
Religion class gives us the opportunity to learn about and deepen our Catholic faith. We also review saints, feast days, sacraments, and the liturgical year.
Students have “Specials” every day – music, art, physical education, library, guidance, and STEAM.
Fourth graders have snack time, recess, “brain breaks”, and independent work time each day.
Curriculum: Please reference the Diocese of Harrisburg website for more information on our curriculum.
Grade 4
Mr. Anthony Carothers
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va
High School Graduate: Floyd E. Kellam
College Graduate x 2: Penn State University Bachelors in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood; Wilkes University Masters in Classroom Technology
PA Certified: K-6th grade
Teaching at Saint Leo the Great: 2021 – present
Favorite Saint: St. Joseph patron Saint of Fathers/ Father Figures.
Mr. Carothers is a husband and father of 2. Mr. Carothers knew at an early age that he wanted to be an educator. He found joy in learning and teaching others. He has been teaching since 2010 and has done a little bit of everything. He has long term subbed in 4th grade. He also worked in childcare teaching preschool, Pre K, and Kindergarten. He is very happy to be at Saint Leo’s teaching 4th grade! Each day brings something new and finds joy in the little moments. When he isn’t teaching, he enjoys hiking, photography, and spending time with his family.
Mr. Carothers’ day in 4th grade:
- We start each morning with religion class- the main focus is about how we can be good Catholics and a friend to Jesus in our communities.
- We spend a good amount of time in the morning focused on ELA where we talk about reading skills and strategies, engage in BLAST Phonics, and explore a variety of writing styles.
- In Math we are excited to learn all about addition and subtraction paying close attention to number relations.
- In Science and Social Studies we focus on learning about the world around us with hands-on exploration and conversions.
- We are so fortunate to have a variety of specials (music, art, gym, library, guidance, and STEAM) each day with teachers who provide lessons and activities in a variety of ways.
- SNACK TIME- Everyone’s favorite time of the day:)
Curriculum: Please reference the Diocese of Harrisburg website for more information on our curriculum.
Grade 5 and Vice-Principal
Mrs. Michelle Navickas
Email: [email protected]
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
High School: Lancaster Catholic High
College: St. Francis University, B.A. in Elementary Education
Certifications: Florida and Pennsylvania Teacher Certificate with a Reading endorsement certification. Basic Catechetical Certification; working towards level 2 certification. Working towards School Leader Academy Certification with ICLE.
Work Experience: 36 years of teaching grades 2–6, including five years co-teaching in an inclusion classroom, and eight years serving at Saint Leo the Great. My dedication to literacy is demonstrated through completion of a 40-hour reading endorsement course, presenting on literature circles at the International Reading Association in Orlando, Florida, and contributing to the design and implementation of the writing curriculum for Citrus County School District as part of a district writing cadre.
I have served as a grade-level leader, I have guided academic and student support committees, used data-driven decisions to promote student growth and to maintain high academic standards. I have mentored colleagues, fostered collaboration, and encouraged structured routines that help students break down complex tasks into manageable parts, reinforcing responsibility and perseverance.
Teaching at Saint Leo the Great: 2017 – present
Favorite Quote: Trust in HIS timing, Rely on HIS promises, Wait for HIS answers, Believe in HIS miracles, Rejoice in HIS goodness, Relax in HIS presence
Favorite Saint: St. Gemma Galgani – She is known for her deep devotion to the Passion of Jesus. She is the patron saint of students. (My daughter is named after her)
Why I love teaching at SLTG: I love celebrating weekly Mass with my students, sitting in adoration with my students, and praying every day together. My students continually awe me with their goodness and teach me more about my faith each and every day.
Hobbies and Free Time: I love spending time with my two daughters, taking walks, going to the beach, gardening, watching movies and going out to eat.
Fifth Grade Highlights: Learning about American History from the 1700-mid 1800’s, Boston Tea Party Celebration, Civil Rights Project, Digital Projects, field trip to Junior Achievement BizTown, IU13 events, Works of Mercy Projects, weekly adoration and Mass, memorization of the Nicene Creed, Memorare and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Catholic Schools week activities, Pre-K buddies, and field day.
Vice-Principal: As Vice-Principal, I am passionate about academic excellence and moral formation. I want to foster a learning environment where students can excel academically and grow in their Catholic faith. I believe the first and foremost task at SLTG is to maintain and continually strengthen our Catholic Identity. My responsibilities include supporting Saint Leo the Great in transitioning to a Catholic Classical Education Approach for students in grades K-8. I serve as an academic advisor to faculty and lead the academic committee. Additionally, I facilitate the data committee, promoting a data-driven culture to enhance student academic achievement. I coordinate the Student Support Team and assist the principal in any capacity needed.
Curriculum: Please reference the Diocese of Harrisburg website for more information on our curriculum.
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:1-5
Grade 5
Mrs. Theresa Stritch
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
High School: Lancaster Catholic High
College: Alvernia University, B.S. in Elementary and Special Education
Licenses: Teacher Certificate for Middle School Math and Science
Work Experience: Over 16 years of teaching in parochial and public school settings in grades Preschool – 8th
Teaching at Saint Leo the Great: 2022 – present
Favorite Quote: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
Why I love teaching at SLTG: I love celebrating weekly Mass with my students, sitting in adoration with my students, and praying every day together. My students continually awe me with their goodness and teach me more about my faith each and every day.
Hobbies and Free Time: Sports takes up a lot of my free time, whether it’s cheering on my 4 boys from the sidelines or rooting for the Phillies and Eagles. I enjoy taking walks with my husband and our dog, going to the beach, gardening, spending time with family, and reading.
Fifth Grade Highlights: Learning about American History through stories, memorization, and project based activities, Becoming a Famous Explorer during The Explorer Fair, Taking a Field Trip to Valley Forge, creating Digital Projects through Applied Digital lessons, STEAM and Coding activities, participation in IU13 events, participating in Works of Mercy Projects, weekly adoration and memorizing the Nicene Prayer and Memorare.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
Curriculum: Please reference the Diocese of Harrisburg website for more information on our curriculum.
