Secondary Science
Science at Riverway is taught in a variety of methods including project-based learning. Students are encouraged to view the world around them as their classroom, as they study the scientific world.
Biology
Chemistry
Physical Science
Earth Science
Other Classes TBD
Secondary Staff
MaryKate Ciszak
Mathematics Learning Leader
MaryKate Franklin
Hi! My name is MaryKate Franklin and I am the SI (Grades 7-8) and math Learning Leader. I also currently serve on the School Board as the treasurer. I grew up in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, went to college at Winona State University and graduated with a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education, fell in love with the town and have never left. Some of my passions are spending time on the river whether it is kayaking, pontooning, swimming, fishing, or ice fishing. I truly enjoy it all. Another is traveling, whether it is taking a road trip across the country or taking a plane across the sea I really enjoy meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. Oh and I also love to cheer for the Packers!
I started working at Riverway in 2018. Riverway drew me in because it was different from other schools. From the importance of environmental education to the multiage classrooms and the project based learning I was very interested in it all. Throughout my time at Riverway I have really enjoyed the relationships that I have built with my students and really appreciate being able to teach them for more than just one year. If you are interested in helping out in my classroom please feel free to send me an email. I am always looking for people to share their passions with my students.
Sharon Foss
Science Learning Leader
Sharon Foss
Hi my name is Sharon Foss, I am the Secondary 3 Learning Leader and I teach science 7-12th grade. This is my 12th year teaching at Riverway. I previously have been a member of the Riverway School Board, a few committees, and founder of the Outdoor Activity After School Group. I also plan and organize our Riverway Graduation Ceremony for our Seniors each year.
I have been a parent of Riverway students as well, all 3 of my children attended school at Riverway during their elementary years. I attended Winona State University and obtained a degree in Biology:Ecology with a minor in Interpretive Studies in 1994. I taught Environment Education and worked in the native plant industry for many years before going back to Winona State to receive my teaching certificate to teach science 5-12th grade. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my kids, and being outside as much as possible! I love to hike, garden, kayak, cross-country ski, camp and grow seeds to plant in my garden around my house each season.
I love being a part of the Riverway community, I honestly can’t see myself teaching anywhere else! I am passionate about teaching our students about the natural world around them and hope to instill a sense of wonderment, awe and respect for our whole planet! I think my favorite event we do annually is our overnights with an Environmental Education focus. I enjoy those times of building relationships outside of the classroom. Another part of our school that I don’t think I could find anywhere else, is being able to watch and build relationships with our students, possibly all the way from preschool to graduation! It is a very cool experience to be a part of their lives for such a long time, watching them grow, mature and find their true passions. If you would like to be involved with the S3 classroom, you are more than welcome to help plan, organize and chaperone trips, sharing your career or lifelong hobby or activity with our students. Or any other way you feel comfortable and willing to contribute to help students have as many different experiences and opportunities to learn!
Zachary Krage
Social Studies Learning Leader
Zachary Krage
Hello, my name is Mr. Krage, and I am the Secondary II Learning leader. My main area of focus is Social Studies and Project Based Learning. This is my eleventh year at Riverway Learning Community. I have had many roles at Riverway. I started halfway through the year in EI as a Learning Leader Assistant, and by the end of the year, I was hired as the Secondary I Learning Leader.
I was born in Winona but moved to Victor, Colorado when I was twelve. After graduating high school, I moved back to Winona to attend Winona State University where I received my degree in Secondary Education, and I decided to stay in Winona after graduating. Winona is a beautiful town, and I am happy that I get to live here with my family.
I chose to work at Riverway because I enjoy the small class sizes and the focus on Community as Classroom. I believe that students learn best when they are able to get real world experiences.
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, skateboarding, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Brianna Haupt
Fine Arts Learning Leader
Brianna Haupt
Outside of Riverway, I’m an art instructor at Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts where I teach people from age six to ninety-six. In my free time, I enjoy learning more about cooking, native plants and photography.
I love working at Riverway because of our focus on the whole child, our small class sizes, and the dedicated staff. I especially enjoy helping students find their inner artist. Parents and families can help the art program by donating materials they feel would be useful and encouraging their child to appreciate art they see around them.
