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
    Robert Salandra joined the St. Luke’s faculty in 2019 as an Upper School History Teaching Fellow. During the two years of his fellowship, he taught U.S. History in the Upper School, coached Junior Varsity soccer and Middle School basketball, and filled a maternity leave position in a Middle School History class. After completing his two-year fellowship, Robert joined the Middle School History Department as the 5th Grade History teacher, which is the position he currently holds at St. Luke’s. In addition to his J.V. soccer assistant coaching duties, Robert has launched the first-ever Middle School Quiz Bowl program at St. Luke’s and continues to grow that program with hopes of expanding it to the Upper School. In the summer of 2024, Robert launched the inaugural SLS Summer Day Camp as Camp Director. 

    Robert attended Fordham University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Philosophy. He then went on to receive his Master of Arts degree in Philosophy and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Before joining the St. Luke’s faculty, Robert worked as a Kindergarten and Second Grade teaching assistant at St. Stephen of Hungary School on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

    Born and raised in Fairfield, CT, Robert currently resides in Bridgeport with his wife Emma—who is also a 5th grade teacher—and their two sons, Albus and Brewster. Robert and Emma are both members of a local folk/rock band called Mountain Laurel, playing venues across the New York/Connecticut region. 

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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.
 
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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 Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
377 North Wilton Road New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-5612 | admissions@stlukesct.org