Patriot Profiles - Angela Dressel

Meet Angela Dressel…Angela has held a number of roles at Newark Charter School since 2000. “I was fortunate to be friends with one of the authors of the NCS charter application, Laurel Zydney.  She knew my passion for education and drive to improve the public offerings available.  She enlisted my help at the very beginning and I've been around ever since!  First, I was a volunteer, then a parent.  My first teaching position was Exploratory French then I taught both French and General Music.  Finally, when the Primary Building opened in 2007, I moved to my current position as a second grade teacher.”

When asked about her favorite memory of Newark Charter School, Angela shared a story from the 2001 Grand Opening Back to School event. “So many families and students had volunteered to set up classrooms, run cables, paint, put furniture together and many more tasks.  We wanted to do something fun to thank everyone for their efforts. But the best laid plans...the charcoal grills wouldn't light, crockpots tripped circuit breakers and we were in a panic.  But, in true NCS can-do fashion, we created a relay to nearby homes to cook food and return it in little red wagons.  It was hysterical afterwards, but stressful at the time!  The kids and families had an awesome time exploring the new buildings (trailers), the ramp walkways, the playground (Barksdale Park), and meeting their new classmates.”

Angela, and her spouse Steve, have been tireless champions of education since the idea of a charter school in Newark was being discussed around kitchen tables. “Always remember that Newark Charter School was started to fill a need. People took huge risks, and used incredible grit and imagination to accomplish this goal. Use this knowledge to lead your life.  When you see something that inspires you and you believe you can improve it, or make it  more inclusive, go for it!  Use all of your creativity, perseverance, and passion to make the world a better place. As Gandhi said, "Be the Change you wish to see in the world!"

We are so lucky to have had Angela as part of our community for so long and look forward to celebrating her retirement at the end of the academic year. We understand there are some happy children and a grandchild who are going to get some undivided attention now! Thank you, Angela!