• Welcome to my website! 

    For those who don't already know me, my name is Karen Nolan, and this is my 19th year in the RCSD.

    Strangely enough, my career with the district actually began at School 50, where I worked as a long-term substitute for a 3rd grade classroom.  I had just moved back to Rochester from sunny Orlando, Florida, where I taught middle school for 3 years.   I soon discovered that an elementary teacher I WAS NOT, and therefore pursued a position at Freddie Thomas High School where I got back into the middle school classroom.  Since then, I've taught at All City High School, School 45, and am now back to my "home" at Helen Barrett Montgomery, School 50! 

    I am married and have two amazing kids - my M & M's I call them - Mackenzie and Mason.  By the time this year is over, you will feel like you know them personally, because of how often I talk about them.  Mackenzie is currently attending St. Bonaventure University, where she is studying Communications, and she plans on going to law school!  She is a goalie on the Women's Soccer Team.  Mason is a senior in high school and plays varsity football for his high school.  Both of my kids are awesome, with funny personalities!!

    Most of the summer I spent with my family doing fun things like going to Darien Lake, swimming and jet-skiing.  We have a family cottage on the lake and spend a lot of time there!   
     
    I am a HUGE Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and throughout football season, I like to incorporate football fun/trivia/friendly wagers into my lessons. 
     
    My lessons.  With only 43 minutes per class, I have a strict schedule to follow.  You will learn quickly that when it's time to get down to work, there's no nonsense.  My classroom, my style, my teaching, has been called a lot of things over the years, but BORING has never been one of them.  I take pride in creating lessons that are engaging, intriguing, and interesting. 
     
    Be prepared for a year of hard work - that WILL pay off.  Be prepared to open your mind to reading.  I absolutely don't believe anyone can "hate" reading.  I do believe if a student feels that way, they simply haven't found the right book.  
     
    I'm looking forward to our year together.