Administration
PRINCIPAL, JOSHUA GIBSON
A Berks County native, Mr. Gibson is the Principal at Thomas Holtzman Jr. Elementary School. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton.
Previously, Mr. Gibson was the 3rd – 6th grade general music teacher and choir director at Maple Manor Elementary/Middle School in the Hazleton Area School District. He also was employed by Wilkes University for the Schools and Homes in Education program, an after-school STEAM based program established in the district.
He lives in Hamburg, Pennsylvania with his wife Tara and their two cats Maggie and Molly. When he is not working, Mr. Gibson enjoys singing with Vox Philia, a vocal chamber ensemble based in Reading, Pennsylvania, playing board games, and tending to the family garden.
Assistant Principal, Lisa Robbins
Hello! My name is Mrs. Lisa Robbins, and I am extremely grateful and excited to serve as the Assistant Principal at Thomas W. Holtzman Jr. Elementary School. I am a product of the Susquehanna Township Middle School; therefore, I am strongly committed to continuing the legacy of getting a great education here while still having fun and laughter.
As the newly hired Assistant Principal, my goal is to maintain and build upon the foundational leadership principles and collegiality of last year's administration. I wholeheartedly believe that teamwork makes the dream work and that we must make great efforts to ensure true and vibrant collaboration amongst our entire school staff, the students and their families, and the community. Maintaining a collaborative relationship between these various group ensures that ALL students will have an awesome opportunity to succeed, which is our primary goal!
Let me provide a little bit more of my background. I graduated from Susquehanna Township High School. After that, I attended Millersville University, earning a dual Elementary/ Early Childhood Education certification. Subsequently, I obtained a Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Cabrini College. Next, let's talk about my professional experience. I have been an elementary school educator for over 30 years, 32 years to be exact. The beginning of my 32-year tenure was at the Harrisburg School District, where I taught for nine years. During those nine years at the Harrisburg School District, I had the opportunity to teach kindergarteners, fourth-graders, and sixth-graders. Then an awesome opportunity I couldn't pass up came to my attention. There was an opening for an elementary school teacher here in the Susquehanna Township District. I applied, was hired, and was so elated that I had the opportunity to teach in MY district.
All in all, I have had the distinct privilege to teach students in this District for 23 years. First, at the Thomas W. Holtzman Jr. School, and then I transitioned to the Sara Lindemuth/Anna Carter Primary buildings. My 32-year experience as a teacher has led me to believe in the potential of every student. As Assistant Principal, I am committed to supporting students, academically, socially, emotionally so that meet the needs of each individual student. Together, we can prepare them to overcome any experiences by establishing relevant and rigorous educational standards that promote a fun learning environment.
In closing, I look forward to our new school year together and to learning and growing with our amazing students, dedicated staff, supportive families, and community. Here's to a great school year.