Dawn Morris
Dawn Morris has been a dedicated Concord school educator since 1989. During this time, she has taught kindergarten, first grade and second grade. Dawn has spent the last seven years of her teaching career teaching kindergarten! Dawn is an inspiring teacher who works each day to make learning fun, engaging and exciting for her students. From a fossil dig or to silly songs, her classroom is filled with joy each day. She is a teacher who holds high expectations for students and helps them reach goals. Dawn truly lives the seven principles of responsive classroom and makes strong connections with both students and families and truly understands them not just as learners but as people. In 2007, Dawn was recognized as a Distinguished Educator for her dedication to her profession. Dawn is also a champion of Responsive Classroom and is always willing to help others, from opening her room up for teachers to observe to sharing information at staff meetings, she focuses on helping other teachers grow. She has had a great impact on many students, families and staff members and she will be greatly missed at Mill Brook School! We wish you the very best in your retirement!
Sharon Sorette
Sharon Sorette started her teaching career in Concord in 1999 and has been a passionate, dedicated teacher for the past 26 years. She has taught kindergarten, first and second grade and for the past three years she has been Mill Brook’s Math Coach. Whether Sharon is teaching students or coaching colleagues, she is an educator who understands how to build relationships. Sharon is always able to meet students where they are and help them to feel connected and successful. She is the type of educator who has a profound impact on students, families and other staff members. When Sharon was a classroom teacher, her classroom was filled with joy, engagement and learning. As the math coach, Sharon has become a strong leader at Mill Brook, supporting both students and teachers. She is approachable and knowledgeable. She makes it easy to ask questions and is always willing to help others. Sharon received the Distinguished Educator award in 2010 for her dedication to her craft. Sharon brings a positive energy to all she does and her light will be missed at Mill Brook School next year! We wish you the very best in your retirement!
Phil Hoefs
Phil Hoefs began his longtime career in Concord in 1997 where he has worked as a music teacher. Phil has spent his career cultivating a love of music within his students. His music classes are filled with singing, playing instruments and dancing. He creates an environment where all students feel successful and he develops excitement and interest in playing instruments as students get older. Phil also runs the instrumental program at Broken Ground. This has become a robust program where he instructs well over 100 students each week. He holds concerts throughout the year that are well attended by families and the school community. Phil is also an integral part of the Kids in Action program, helping students shine on stage for over 20 years Phil was recognized as a distinguished educator in 2024 for his dedication to the Concord School District. In addition, Phil is a collaborative team member, serving as a mentor to new music educators and continuing to learn from them, as well. Whether you are lucky enough to spend time in one of Phil’s music classes, watch a concert or be in the audience for a musical it is clear that his love of music has spread to his students. We will miss him next year and we wish him the very best in his retirement.
Jane Kleiner
Jane Kleiner began her career in Concord in 1985 as an Instructional Assistant. In 1998, Jane transitioned to the library and has worked as the Program Assistant in the library for the past 27 years. Jane is a true wealth of knowledge around literacy and books. She has worked to build a library selection that is reflective of the Mill Brook Community and creates excitement around reading for all students. She is able to build connections with students and this helps her know exactly what book to recommend to engage students. She also supports teachers and is able to find just the right book to support any lesson. Jane not only builds a community of readers inside the library, she spreads this love of reading throughout the school by leading events like Blankets and Books and school-wide reading challenges. Jane understands the importance of community and is a quiet force behind many of our school literacy events. She is always willing to jump in and help whenever needed. She collaborates and works together with the whole staff and is a true asset to all of us. Jane- we will miss you and all you do for our school and we wish you the very best in your retirement years!
Mary Miller
Mary Miller started working in Concord in 1998. She has worked for the past 27 years as an Educational Assistant serving the students of the Concord School District. Mary is a dedicated staff member who always puts students first. She appreciates each student for who they are and works to build relationships and make connections. Using these relationships she is able to find each student’s strengths. She truly knows the students she works with and collaborates as an active member of each student’s team. She is incredibly dedicated to not only the students of Mill Brook but the community as a whole. She has planted flowers in the front planters, helps at the holidays for families in need and is always willing to help wherever needed. She supports students, staff and families in any way she can without judgement and an open heart. Mary is an active member of our school Sunshine committee, celebrating joyful moments and offering support in times of need. Mary has been a vital member of the Mill Brook community for many years and she will be truly missed. We wish you the very best in your retirement years!