Welcome, Grandparents and Special Friends!

Please enjoy this special access to photo galleries and news stories about St. Luke’s School’s 5th graders.
 
 

Photo Galleries

 
 

News

(Please click on the news title to read the story.)
 
 

Meet Our Teachers

(Please click on each teacher's name to learn more about them.)

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  • Elaine Juran

    English Teacher
    Elaine earned a Master of Science in General Education and Reading, Writing, and Literature from Bank Street Graduate School of Education in 2012. Prior to entering the teaching profession, Elaine practiced law in the area of Intellectual Property. Elaine is also the parent of two St. Luke’s graduates (2015 & 2017).

    Elaine shared that she loves being a teacher at St. Luke’s “not only because the students are eager and curious learners, but also because of its collaborative, student-centered, and inclusive environment.”

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  • Rob Salandra

    History Teacher
    Rob joined St. Luke’s in 2019 as the Upper School History Teaching Fellow after teaching at St. Stephen of Hungary School in Manhattan for two years. A 2016 graduate of Fordham University, where he majored in Business and minored in Philosophy, Rob is in the process of earning his Master's in Philosophy and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. A Fairfield, Connecticut native, he currently lives in Bridgeport with his wife, Emma (who is also a teacher), and their son, Albus. On top of being an avid guitarist and music lover, Rob is also a self-described amateur mycologist and naturalist.

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  • Jessie Samuel

    Science Teacher
    Jessie most recently worked at the Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood, NJ, where his role as a middle school science teacher extended beyond the classroom to serving as an assistant tennis coach and mentor to the 5th grade debate team.

    Jessie earned his BA in Biology from Dominican College, and in addition to his middle school experience at Elizabeth Morrow he has taught in several high schools. Prior to being an educator, Jessie had his hand in science working as a lab technician.

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  • Melissa Zurkowski

    Math Teacher
    Melissa has been teaching 5th-grade Humanities and Math at St. Luke's since 2006. Ever since Melissa was five years old, she knew that the teaching profession was where she would be the happiest. She believes that children are the seeds of the future, and it is her job, as the teacher, to provide these “seeds” with the proper nourishment they need to grow, achieve, and prosper. Melissa lives in Norwalk, CT with her husband, Jonathan, and two sons, Michael and Joseph. During her free time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching television, and reading.
 
Please consider making a gift in honor of your grandchild or special friend.

At St. Luke's, the solid foundation built in fifth grade prepares students to take off academically. Balancing a traditional curriculum—emphasizing strong math, critical thinking, and writing skills—with interactive, hands-on learning and exploration, our fifth-grade academic program sets the stage for a positive school experience and success. Your generous donation helps us to continue providing this high standard of excellence.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 35 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Center for Leadership builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.