This will be our final meet the new teachers article, and we’re ending with a bang! Everyone please join me in giving a warm Raptor welcome to Mr. Rappa and Ms. Scully!

1) Mr. Rappa

He will be teaching Algebra II with Probability Honors and AP Calculus BC, and he’s already looking forward to helping students reach their goals both inside and outside of the classroom. When asked what excites him most about joining AMHS, Mr. Rappa didn’t hesitate: the students: “I am most excited to work with the students here to help them reach their goals both inside and outside of the classroom,” he shared. “From what I have seen so far, students here are highly motivated and I am looking forward to seeing what they will accomplish”. Mr. Rappa first got to know AMHS students through his work at The Citadel’s Math Research Camp, where he has spent the past three summers. Year after year, he was struck not only by their academic ability but also by their attitude. “I was continually impressed by their passion for learning and how they all spoke so positively about their experience at AMHS,” he said. Those summers left a lasting impression, and now he is excited to officially be part of the AMHS community. Before coming to AMHS, Mr. Rappa taught at Fort Dorchester High School for 11 years, where he honed his teaching style and built lasting relationships with students. He describes himself as a teacher who values structure and student-driven learning. His classes are designed to give students a strong conceptual understanding of mathematics, rather than focusing solely on formulas or procedures. “I like having a structured classroom environment that provides students with plenty of opportunity for student-driven practice and learning,” he explained. Beyond academics, Mr. Rappa wants students to understand the deeper value of education. He believes success is about more than test scores- it’s about personal growth. One of his guiding philosophies comes from NFL Hall of Famer Curtis Martin: “It’s not what you achieve in life, but who you become in the process of those achievements that really matters.” This outlook reflects his own mindset. Mr. Rappa is a competitive person, motivated not just by challenges with others but also by self-improvement. “I gain a lot of motivation by competing with myself,” he said. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Rappa enjoys playing video games, running, playing pickleball, and reading. He values balance and finds joy in both mental and physical challenges. But above all, his family is his greatest source of inspiration. “My kids and my family mean everything to me and I’m grateful every day for everything I have,” he said. Mr. Rappa earned his degree from Stony Brook University. As he begins this new chapter at AMHS, Mr. Rappa is looking forward to combining his passion for math, his competitive spirit, and his belief in lifelong learning to inspire students to reach their full potential. We are excited to have Mr. Rappa join our faculty and can’t wait to see the impact he will make on our students this year!

2) Ms. Scully

This year, Academic Magnet High School is excited to welcome a new face to our math department: Ms. Scully, who will be teaching freshmen and sophomores in Geometry and Algebra 2. With a passion for learning, a love for adventure, and a teaching style that encourages participation, Ms. Scully is sure to be a great addition to our school community. When asked what she is most excited about at AMHS, Ms. Scully didn’t hesitate: “I am most excited about working with students who are focused on learning and improving.” Her enthusiasm for helping students grow academically fits perfectly with AMHS’s culture of curiosity and achievement. She brings years of teaching experience, having taught math in North Carolina, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and even Switzerland before making her way to Charleston. Her journey to Charleston was driven by family. Ms. Scully moved from Wilmington, North Carolina, to be closer to her little brother and his family. Outside of work, she treasures the time she can spend with friends and family, and when the opportunity arises, she enjoys traveling. Whether it’s exploring new places or connecting with loved ones, she describes herself as both hard-working and adventurous- qualities that shine through in her teaching and her life outside of the classroom. In terms of her teaching style, Ms. Scully likes to keep things engaging and interactive. She describes her approach as “informal-lecture-ish,” preferring student participation, open discussion, and peer collaboration over rigid instruction. When it comes to philosophy, Ms. Scully offers a bit of wisdom through her own personal quote: “Keep your friends out of crazy town!” Her educational background is just as impressive as her teaching career. Ms. Scully attended Boston University; there, she laid the foundation for both her love of mathematics and her commitment to education. Now, she brings that energy to the halls of AMHS. So, as the year unfolds, be sure to give Ms. Scully a warm welcome when you see her around campus. With her experience, enthusiasm, and student-centered approach, she is certain to become an important part of our AMHS community.