Each year, Jericho High School hires new teachers to expand its faculty base and replace those who have retired. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we would like to officially welcome technology teacher Mr. Dalen, Physical Education teacher Ms. Funes, business teacher Mr. Garfinkel, chemistry teacher Ms. Roman, and Assistant Principal Dr. Artiles to the Jericho family.
Mr. Dalen has always been interested in teaching technology, he said, “When I was in middle school and high school, my favorite classes were my technology electives. Though I did well in my core classes, I found that I excelled in technology courses like architecture, drafting, and woodworking. I enjoyed problem solving and the satisfaction of creating something that started as an idea.”
Ms. Funes said of her decision to become a gym teacher, “I like teaching, kids, and sports, so it was kind of my destiny.”
Ms. Funes said that the difference between Jericho and the last school she worked at is that Jericho has half the number of students and a better soccer team.
New Assistant Principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles attended Saint Francis College for his bachelor’s degree, St. John’s University for his master’s degree, and Fordham University for his doctorate degree. Dr. Artiles describes his high school self as a “normal person who occasionally got into trouble.”
New business teacher Mr. Garfinkel attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate degree and Duke University for his graduate degree. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the drums, kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking.
Dr. Artiles loves to drive, and hopes to one day own a Lamborghini. He also loves to eat. His favorite cuisines are Indian, Thai, and Italian.
Mr. Garfinkel said he was attracted to Jericho High School because of its excellent reputation. “It’s one of the best schools in the country, and I’m really impressed by the student body and how hardworking the students are. The conversations we can have are very high level because the students are smart, the faculty is really nice, and it’s a great environment.”
In his free time, Mr. Dalen enjoys DIY projects and staying active. He said, ““Lately I’ve been teaching myself how to design and build furniture and cabinetry. I’m also into rebuilding and working on older vehicles. Over the past few years I’ve owned a few Jeep Wranglers and my current project is a 1934 Ford pickup. In my free time when I’m not taking things apart and building something new, I like to be outside enjoying the weather while surfing, snowboarding, or hiking.”
Of his years in the North Rockland and Hempstead school districts, Dr. Artiles said, “It is interesting because now I think I have completed the whole cycle of having experience of education of different levels. Jericho is this very high achieving Ivy League type district, so it’s three streams. I saw Hempstead, which is a struggling district, North Rockland, which is a typical American school district, and Jericho, which is a district of very capable students who can achieve some great things.”
New chemistry teacher Ms. Roman said she was attracted to Jericho High School because it’s a great place to work. “The students are amazing, and the teamwork among my colleagues is very good, too. The science department is like one unit which is really nice. You don’t find that in a lot of places.”
Co-teachers Mrs. Zagelbaum (left) and Ms. Roman smile outside the teachers’ workroom. In her free time, Ms. Roman enjoys working out at CrossFit, reading, and whale watching.
Fun facts: Ms. Funes owns a pet bird named Barren and enjoys playing tennis and dancing.
