FA C U LT Y F O C U S
CARING FOR THE WHOLE STUDENT Q & A with Retiring Science Faculty Scott Fleischmann
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n the two decades that retiring Science Faculty Scott Fleischmann has been a part of the DSHA community, he’s taught nearly every science course offered. While current students know him as an anatomy and physiology expert who shows up consistently at their games, plays, and concerts, they also know him as a patient and helpful teacher who loves to see his students succeed in his class and beyond. Fleischmann has valued helping his students become passionate about current and future science endeavors through numerous co-curriculars. And he has loved his time accompanying students on excursions that help them become well-rounded in their interests, whether that be the marine biology science trip in Hawaii, or the DSHA Drama Club trip in New York City. While looking forward to his retirement, the summary of his parting could be this: he will miss the science, but he will truly and deeply miss his work alongside of his students and colleagues.
Q: You’ve spent almost your entire career at DSHA. Why choose an all-girls, Catholic school? A: When (former Principal) Sr. Virginia Honish, SDS, DS ’55, hired me in 1999, I didn’t really plan on teaching at DSHA for my entire career. But after my first year here, I realized I wouldn’t want to teach anywhere else. Our students are amazing; they want to work hard and learn. They look out for each other and care about their school. That is truly unique. Working in a Catholic school, we enjoy a religious environment with daily prayers twice a day, as well as Mass and service opportunities. Daily interactions were very different in the other schools in which I taught for the first 4 years of my career. At DSHA, you can talk about God and Catholic social teaching. When
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going through difficult times, having class prayers and discussions can be very beneficial. These reasons brought me back to DSHA year after year. Q: You are proud of the dedication of DSHA’s faculty and staff. What faculty members have inspired you and why? A: Over the past 20 years, I have had the opportunity to work with so many great colleagues. Three people from DSHA who made huge impacts on me all had similar characteristics and loved their careers: Sue Reidy (former Science faculty, who passed away in 2015), Tim Grandy (former English faculty), and Sr. Virginia. They worked many years without complaining and always focused on the good of the students. They took the time to talk with
