As of July 1st, Ms. Roskoph, a well-known face around Cherry Hill High School West for many years, is now an Assistant Principal, taking on Dr. Burns’ old role. She politely agreed to be interviewed, and on the day of the meeting, she ate her lunch as she discussed her work on the warm Monday morning.

This school year is Ms. Roskoph’s 23rd year teaching at West, and her experience is evident. Over the years, she has had many titles, such as English Department Facilitator, Student Activities Coordinator, National Honor Society Advisor, and International Baccalaureate Program for “Middle Years” Coordinator, as well as an English teacher. These roles prepared Ms. Roskoph for her new list of responsibilities. Some of these include overseeing 12th grade, English, and Performing Arts, making the Teachers’ Duty schedule, and managing the 504 plans and technology hardware, such as Chromebooks. 

While all of these tasks are essential to the success of the school, she considers ensuring senior success the most crucial task of all: “It is my responsibility to make sure that all of our seniors graduate…we are doing everything that we can to ensure that,” she stated.

Ms. Roskoph considers the first week back to have gone “really well!” She went on to say that this year had “one of the best first weeks I can remember having.” Ms. Roskoph thinks that students have adapted well to the transition back to school and believes that any existing issues can be sorted out.

While the new role felt easy for her to transition into, as it had occurred over the summer, there is one factor that is a challenge: not seeing kids in her classroom every day. “I do miss that part,” she stated, “I’m struggling with that piece of not having that daily interaction with groups of kids.”

When asked about the new policies surrounding homerooms, Ms. Roskoph emphasized that the purpose of the homerooms is not punishment, despite popular belief. “It’s really about student safety,” she expressed. In a presentation she made in one of Ms. Lee’s English classes, she stated, “We hear you…We are listening and adjusting as needed.”

Ms. Roskoph is excited for many things to come this school year, including senior activities and graduation. Ms. Roskoph cares deeply for her students and has many things she wants them to know. “If seniors have questions or concerns, I want them to know that they can come in, you know, and stop in. If I’m not available at that moment, Ms. Benitez will make sure that she schedules an appointment for them,” she expressed. “I just would like to tell everyone it’s gonna be a good year. We’re all gonna work together to make sure it’s a good year.”