Dear Zephyr Families,

It is my pleasure to introduce myself, Gabriel Dillard, to the Zephyr community as Principal of Zephyr Elementary School.  As we embark on another school year, I am thrilled for the opportunity to get to know the students, staff, and families of Zephyr Elementary. Below you will find a brief overview of who I am and how my journey in education led me to Zephyr Elementary School. 

My experience in education began in Bethlehem, PA, where I attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and graduated from Notre Dame High School of Easton.  It was at Notre Dame where my aspirations to become an educator began, and I went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Elementary Education from Kutztown University.   

In the fall of 2005, I began my career as a special education teacher in Nanakuli, Hawaii, where I taught high school mathematics and served as an assistant wrestling coach.  Two years later, my wife and I welcomed our first son and decided to return to the Lehigh Valley, where I spent the next seven years as a special education teacher at Wilson Area High School.  While at Wilson, I obtained a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University.  In the fall of 2014, I joined the Zephyr community as Assistant Principal of Whitehall High School, where I served until joining the staff of Zephyr Elementary School in January of 2022.  

Currently, my wife and I reside in Bethlehem Township with our three sons, Keanu, Reef, and Waimea, and our Jack Russell terrier, Moki. All three of our sons are actively involved in athletics and much of our time outside of school is spent on the wrestling mat or the football field. Additionally, my wife and I are both from large families and typically spend free time visiting and catching up with siblings. 

Since the beginning of my career in Whitehall, I have always felt welcome by students and staff, and have taken pride in continuing to share that feeling with others in our community.  As you get to know me better, you will find that I value the benefits gained by working together as a team.  It is my hope to partner with you and collectively help students reach their fullest potential.  Additionally, I think it is important for students to learn the value of setting goals, to learn what their strengths are, and to constantly strive toward self-improvement. 

I look forward to working with the Zephyr students, staff, and families.  Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you might have.  

Sincerely,

Gabriel Dillard

BUILDING HOURS: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Phone: 610-871-3671 Fax: 610-871-3672

Dear Zephyr Families,

It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I introduce myself to our Zephyr community as Assistant Principal of Zephyr Elementary School.  I am looking forward to working in partnership with Mr. Dillard and the Zephyr staff in anticipation of the upcoming school year as we strive to provide all students and families with an educational experience where diversity, creativity, and hard work are celebrated. I am honored to have the opportunity to help Zephyr Elementary School, which has such persevering students, an extremely dedicated staff, and a supportive school community. 

For the past 22 years, I have been an educator in the Zephyr community, working across a multitude of grades in many different positions, including as a first grade teacher at Gockley, a second grade teacher at Steckel, and most recently, as a gifted teacher and Dean of Students at Zephyr Elementary School.  My decision to become an administrator grew from my desire to make a positive impact on the larger Zephyr community.  I studied Educational Leadership at Cabrini College, where I obtained an Administrative Certification.  Prior to receiving this certification, my educational studies also included a Bachelor’s of Arts and Science in Social Psychology and a Master’s in Education in Elementary Education from Lehigh University.  

On a more personal note, my husband Chad and I spend our free time with our two teenage sons, Chase and Parker.  We enjoy watching our sons play lacrosse and football at Parkland High School. In addition to Chase and Parker, our family also consists of two labrador-pitbull rescued dogs named Clyde and Cameron.  Collectively as a family, we enjoy running, exercising, traveling, and watching sports.  

As an education administrator, I strongly believe that every child can excel and that the partnership between home and school builds confidence in our students to use their individual strengths to shape their success and build the future of our community.  I am excited to integrate my experiences, my openness to learn, and my child-centered approach to support our Zephyr students.  Because the relationships between families and the school are essential to the success of our students, I encourage you to become involved in Zephyr Elementary School.  

I look forward to meeting you soon!   I also welcome your conversation and collaboration throughout the year.

Sincerely,

Amanda Kusko