Hello, Students and Families!

My name is Lori McDonald. Unfortunately, I have neither a farm nor a restaurant chain, which is a bit of a bummer. I am, however, getting to be "Old McDonald" (which is also a bit of a bummer). Ha!

Growing up in Gettysburg, I always planned to become a teacher. I graduated from Shippensburg University in 1999 with a degree in English in addition to my secondary education certificate, and I have been teaching in some capacity ever since.  Although I have taught several grade levels of ELA over the years, middle school is my absolute favorite level of education! It can be a challenging time for students as they learn more about their interests and abilities and begin to choose their own paths in life. Therefore, if I can be a facilitator for learning and a positive support system for students during this important time, then I will have served a meaningful purpose.

My husband is also an educator, having taught biology at Susquehanna Township High School for two decades. He and I settled our family into the Dillsburg community in 2010, just before our oldest child began kindergarten. Since then, our three children have flourished in the Northern York County School District. This fall, our oldest two children will be just across the parking lot at the high school where our daughter, Kyley, is a senior and our oldest son, Collin, is a sophomore. Our youngest son, Calvin, is entering third grade right down the street at Dillsburg Elementary. Arlo, our two-year-old cat, does not attend school, but he thinks he’s pretty clever nonetheless. I believe that Arlo must enjoy learning and exploring as much as I do because he has "escaped" the confines of our house in order to explore our neighborhood a few times over the summer months. That darn cat!  As a family, we love to learn, laugh, and stay active. Our family calendar clearly reflects how involved we are in the Dillsburg community! If we are not at one of several athletic fields, you may find us at the library, one of the many local restaurants or shops, or gathering with our family and friends in our own backyard.

Before coming to NMS, I taught 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade English/Language Arts at Middletown Area Middle School for eight years. As such, the 2022-2023 school year will only be my second year as a gifted support teacher and as a teacher within this district. Last year was a great introduction to the genuine dedication and hard work of the Northern Middle School staff and administration, and I am eager and determined to begin another great year here at NMS!

I wish each and every one of you a healthy, joyful, fulfilling year.

Become. Belong. Be Northern.