Ms. Franciosa
is a 5th grade classroom teacher. Ms. Franciosa grew up in Blackstone, MA, about an hour and a half east of here. She received her Bachelors degree in music from Keene State College and her Masters degree in education from Southern NH University.
In her free time, Ms. Franciosa loves to play the piano, paint and cook. She is excited to join the DeBerry team and begin working with the students, teachers and families!
Mr. Flynn
is one of our new 5th grade teachers here at DeBerry Elementary. Prior to coming to our school, he taught two years at an elementary school out in Pittsfield MA. Mr. Flynn grew up in Lunenburg Massachusetts with his parents and one older sister. After graduating High School Mr. Flynn went on to study Elementary Education at Westfield State University. While attending Westfield State Mr. Flynn was part of the Men’s indoor and outdoor Track and Field teams, athletics were always a positive influence in his life, and he loved his athletic and academic career at WSU.
In his free time, he likes to play golf, spend time with family and play video games. However, his most favorite thing in the world is Harry Potter, he has read or listened to the entire book series at least 10 times in his life.
During the statewide COVID 19 lockdown this past spring and summer, Mr. Flynn built his very first gaming computer, during that journey he learned a lot about the inner workings of computers and enjoyed broadening his knowledge of technology. He intends to use his newfound knowledge of computers and technology to make online learning this fall easier and more efficient.
Mr. Flynn is extremely excited to be working in Springfield this year, he is looking forward to working with his students and their families.
Mrs. Prairie
I am currently an ESL teacher at DeBerry. ESL is an abbreviation for English as a Second Language. I work with students who speak a language other than English at home. Many times, this includes students that are new to the United States. I love welcoming students to our country and providing them with a safe and comfortable environment in which to get acclimated. Unfortunately, I do not speak another language. I wish that I did! I encourage all my students to be sure to keep their first language as they learn English. Being fluent in two languages is very special.
I was born and raised in Springfield and our City will always hold a special place in my heart. I attended Washington Street Elementary School in Springfield. Two of my three children attended Talmadge Elementary School. All three were born in Springfield and lived there for a while. We now live in Wilbraham. I live with my husband, Jeff, my three children Michael, Richie and Ann Marie and our dog, Teddy. Except for Teddy, all of my family has visited DeBerry from time to time and love to meet my students. Many of my students all know my mom, as well. We call her Mee Mee. She sometimes reads with my students and loves them as much as I do.
I wanted to be a teacher when I was a little girl. As I got older, I changed my mind. I went to Western New England College (now it’s called Western New England University) and studied political science. I worked for a State Representative for 7 years. I went on to serve as Director of Government Relations for the City of Springfield from 1997-2000. I stopped working when my second son was born. When my boys attended Talmadge, I was president of the PTO and loved being in the school. I started to substitute teach a lot. I really wanted to become a teacher. I went back to school to receive my Master’s in Education from Cambridge College. I am so happy that I did! I am proof that it is never too late to achieve your dreams!
When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading and planning travel for my friends and family.
Mrs. Rurak
is a Special Education Teacher who loves to support students as they learn reading, writing, math, social studies, and science. Mrs. Rurak grew up in Springfield and attended Springfield Public Schools. She went to Western New England University and American International College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Social Work and a master's degree in Education.
Mrs. Rurak is married and is the proud mother of two grown children. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with friends and family. She also enjoys reading, hiking, and shopping!