Middle School

The most critical of years

Middle School

Preparing for future endeavors

At Harmony Christian School, our Christ-centered Middle School includes sixth through eighth grades. We strive to provide an environment to help students grow in wisdom and favor with God and people and to experience growth in their spiritual walk. We recognize that this period of developmental transition can be difficult for students which is why we put a great deal of effort into treating their social needs with the same level of importance as their academic goals. 

Tweens are undergoing physical, emotional and intellectual changes at a pace that mimics that of an infant to toddler.  In many cases the same the same inability to be still, to be attentive and to complete a task is evident.  On the positive side, it is an opportunity for our children to learn self-control, to ask for and to give help, and to develop empathy.  This is an exciting time of trying on new personas and exploring talents.  

Our focus is a partnership between home, church and school and the importance of parental responsibility for a child’s discipline and education.  We encourage our middle schoolers to be as enthusiastic about learning as they are about understanding the world around them. We want our students to prepare to live “in” the world, but not “of” the world. Students are often given the opportunity to apply problem-solving skills to non-academic situations, develop the ability to clearly articulate ideas and to critically examine different points of view. While most students continue on to Harmony Christian’s High School, students are well prepared to enter any high school, both academically and spiritually.  

Harmony Christian School is a safe, loving place where students are encouraged to care for one another and to act in ways that are pleasing to God.

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the law.

Matthew 7:12

What you can expect from our Middle School program:

  • Teachers with many years of experience
  • Challenging curriculum taught from a biblical perspective preparing students to thrive at any private or public high school
  • Daily communication via, weekly newsletters, pictures of students sent home
  • Clean and safe environment, doors secured, regularly scheduled drills
  • Degreed and devoted Christian educators specializing in middle school education
  • Core subjects in math, science, history, language arts, social studies, Bible and literature at each grade level
  • A range of electives including Art, Spanish, PE, and more
  • Small class sizes
  • Competitive athletic programs in volleyball,  boys & girls basketball, Co-ed Soccer and more
  • Community outreach programs

Middle School Staff

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Vanessa Veras

Vice Principal-Secondary/ MS Supervisor/ 7th & 8th History and English

About me

VANESSA VERAS
Vice Principal of Secondary Education

Middle School English Teacher
Middle School US History Teacher

Why do you like teaching?
"I love teaching! I love working with the middle schoolers and seeing how much they grow over the year. It is so rewarding to watch them understand a particular topic and get excited about learning more about it. My favorite unit we do is in 7th grade with our Mock Trial. The kids love it and its so awesome to see how much effort and enthusiasm they put into it. We laugh a lot in my classes and try to have fun tied into most lessons. Our review game sessions are always a lot of fun too. I get the opportunity to see how much they've learned and how eager they are to do well. Getting to know the kids better and understanding their social needs as well as academic is so important to me. Sometimes we forget that at that age our "small" problems seemed so BIG so I try to make sure they feel like their concerns matter to me and I'm here to help."

What led you to HCS?
"My three children attend (have attended; one graduated last year) HCS. I loved the school for them so when I left my former career behind and had no idea what God would have me do next, I was asked if I would sub here at the school. I loved subbing and did that for a year and half when I was asked to take on the role on Middle School English and History teacher. It was a role I had covered for a month while the previous teacher was out on leave and I absolutely loved it so I jumped on the chance to do it full time!"

What have been your roles at HCS?
"I started out as a substitute teacher and did that for a year and a half. Last year I started full time as the Middle School English and History teacher. This year I have taken on the additional role of Middle School Supervisor."

What do you enjoy most about your time at HCS?
"My students of course! The staff is phenomenal as well but getting to work with my kids every day makes this whole experience not really feel like a "job"."

What are you looking forward to during this school year?
"I'm looking forward to navigating through all of the new responsibilities and opportunities of my supervisor role and seeing how I can work with our staff to improve the middle school and live out God's vision for this school."

What is your education background?
"I have my Bachelor's in Sociology with a minor in Psychology."

Tell us some personal information you would like to share.
"My husband and I have three amazing kids and we spend a lot of time together as a family. If I have any spare time I like to paint, read, and watch historic documentary type shows because I'm a History nerd. I also love to visit historic sites which is part of the reason I love living in such a rich historical area like the Hudson Valley."

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Shanik Smith

Phys. Ed & Sophomore Health Teacher

About me

Ms. Smith bio

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Rosalyn Akinyemi

Middle & High School Spanish Teacher

About me

Mrs. Akinyemi bio

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Gerald Dumoulin

Middle & HS Bible Teacher

About me

Mr Dumoulin bio

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Christi Grimm

Middle School Math & Science

About me
Why do you like teaching?  
I enjoy teaching because I love to learn. Each year that I have taught has brought new opportunities to learn new things, and I enjoy sharing my passion for learning with the students I teach. I also enjoy seeing the confidence of a student grow as they become confident in their abilities. 

What led you to HCS?
My daughter came to HCS for her senior year, and I took the middle school teaching position that was open that year as well. I have dedicated my entire career to teaching in Christian schools. 

What do you most enjoy about your time at HCS?
I love that this school is a family. The staff, students and families make up a wild and wonderful family that I am grateful to be a part of.

What are you looking forward to during this school year? 
I am looking forward to a school year where students prosper and grow, in their academics, and in their knowledge of Christ. 

What is your educational background? 
I hold a BS in Elementary Education and Psychology from SUNY New Paltz and have held certifications in both New York and Pennsylvania. I have over fifteen years of classroom teaching experience.
 
Any personal information you would like to share? 
My husband and my two sisters are teachers. My daughter will be graduating next year with a teaching degree.  Teaching has become our family business! 
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Linda Whitney

7th Bible, 6th English & History Teacher

About me
The best part about teaching for me is the minute when I see the look on the student's face when they "get it". Watching the students mature each year is such an incredible experience.  I love trying to come up with new, fun things to get the students engaged and learning..
 
What led me to HCS? God. I was previously working in special education which I loved and then God whispered in my ear that I was ready for a change and this is where he wanted me to be. I came in for the interview with Mr. Barry and at the end he told me to pray on it and let him know and before I knew it the words "I'll take it" came out of my mouth. So here I am.
 
I am really enjoying my time so far at HCS. I love the support I receive from administration. Everyone here is so kind and friendly and puts the students first. The staff here were all placed here by God for a reason and it shows.
 
I have a degree in Early childhood education and a degree in Psychology. I've spent most of my career working with the special needs community which is very near and dear to my heart. I knew when I was a little girl that I would be in some type of Human Service field. I am drawn to helping people and having them be the best version of themselves. 
 
I am married to my husband Drew for almost 28 years. I have three children. Cole, Camryn and Christopher who the absolute joy in my veins. I am very involved in my church and my community and try to volunteer as much as I can. Most importantly, I am a child of God. 
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Anthony Navarro

Middle & HS Computer Teacher

About me

Why do you like teaching?I enjoy teaching because it gives me the opportunity to build relationships with students and motivate them to learn something new each day. I believe that even as adults we are always learning and it is something that should be accepted as a part of our daily lives. I look forward to the small teachable moments that occur in the classroom each day, this is just one aspect of being a teacher that makes everything worthwhile.

 
What led you to HCS?
In 2022, I was already working as a teacher aid in a special acts school, but I knew I wanted to make a change in my life. I sent out my resume to a few job openings in the area for a similar position, and I received a response from Mr. Barry a few days later. When I found out HCS was a bible-believing Christian school with strong values, I knew that it was the right place for me. I strongly believe that God has a plan for me and there is a reason he led me here to HCS. 
 
What do you most enjoy about your time at HCS?
I enjoy the school environment most, including my amazing co-workers and of course, the wonderful students. Ever since my first day here at HCS, I have always felt so welcome. 
 
What are you looking forward to during this school year?
This is my first year at HCS so I am looking forward to settling into a routine and finding out what my students are most interested in learning about. 
 
What is your educational background?
I have an A.A. Degree in General Studies and I am currently pursuing my B.A. Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been working in a classroom setting for almost five years now and have gained a lot of experience starting out as a 1:1 student aid, then transitioning to a teacher aid and now a teaching position.  
 
Any personal information you would like to share?
I recently became a father as God has blessed me and my wife with a beautiful baby boy. I am learning a lot through this major life event and also excited to see what else God has in store for our future. Some of the things I am passionate about and enjoy doing include spending time with family, my faith, being outdoors, wildlife/animals, my pets (I have three dogs), music/guitar, and playing hockey. 
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NeoSkye Ealy

Music Teacher

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Jenny Giammatteo

Art Teacher

About me
I love teaching because I do believe that it is part of the calling God has put on my life. So when you're doing that which God designed you to do, it can't help but be enjoyable and fulfilling. 
 
I was led to HCS by a fairly complicated series of Holy Spirit-orchestrated events. 
 
I enjoy developing and deepening relationships with students to better mentor, lead and instruct them, encouraging them in their walks with God.
 
I am looking forward to completing this year's mural painting with my middle and high school students. 
 
I have my Bachelors of Science in Visual Arts Education from SUNY New Paltz with a concentration in Drawing and Painting.
 
My husband, two teenage daughters, beloved family dog and I live in Washingtonville, NY. I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and backpacking, as well as fitness and obstacle course racing. 
 
I have been a follower of Jesus since 2005 and an active member of my church since then. I am currently honored with a variety of leadership roles in which I strive to use my gifts and talents to glorify God and serve others. 
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Theresa VanKeuren

Resource Room Teacher

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If you are in need of more information, please either click the button below and fill out the form on the contact page or contact the school office directly.

According to Niche.com, Harmony Christian School is ranked #3 Best Private High Schools in Orange County, NY and #19 Best Christian High Schools in NY State.

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1790 Route 211 East

Middletown, NY 10940

P. 1-845-692-5353

Harmony Christian School

is part of

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."

Psalm 32:8

1790 Route 211 East

Middletown, NY 10940

P. 1-845-692-5353

F. 1-845-692-7140

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