INTERMEDIATE GRADE LEVELS

Third Grade through Fifth Grade

Paula Brunkella
Third Grade Teacher
Mrs. Brunkella has been at St. Cyril of Jerusalem School since 1984 as a third grade teacher and as the assistant principal for a number of years.  She received her teaching certification from the state of Wisconsin and has continued her professional development through California State University Northridge and UCLA.  She has taught in both public and private schools.  Her teaching experience ranges from grades 2 to 6.

Mrs. Brunkella’s philosophy of education has been derived from her love of children.  She believes that all students have their individual strengths and their various learning styles must be addressed.  She strives to educate the total child by helping them to grow in a stimulating atmosphere where a love of learning is nurtured.  This is accomplished through love, patience and encouragement.  “I challenge students to be responsible, independent learners that think critically and are problem solvers, and I view parents as my partners in education,” comments Mrs. Brunkella.

Alice Ling
Fourth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Ling graduated from Barat College of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, Illinois, with a double major in Education and Psychology, receiving her teaching credential in Illinois.  Her first teaching assignment was in the Chicago public school system.  After teaching in several other schools, she moved west and settled in the Los Angeles area where she raised her three children.  Mrs. Ling has been the 4th grade teacher at St. Cyril since 1988.  She is currently the Academic Decathlon Coach and the standardized testing coordinator for the school.   After school, Mrs. Ling tutors 5th through 8th grade students in math, english, literature, and social studies.

Mrs. Ling believes that her fundamental job as a Catholic school educator is to create a desire in her students to be disciples of Christ and become the best they can be.  Recognizing, and then fulfilling one’s potential is of paramount importance to becoming a productive human being and utilizing God’s gifts.  Mrs. Ling focuses on developing study skills which emphasize organization and elaboration, and she integrates project-based assignments throughout her curriculum to enhance the learning process.  She strives to develop a sense of responsibility in each of her students and create a learning environment that is challenging, yet fun.


Maureen Boland
Fifth Grade Teacher
Ms. Boland was educated entirely in Catholic schools in Western New York.  She graduated from D’Youville College with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a New York Teacher Certification.  Maureen taught 3rd and 4th grades in the Buffalo area.  She has been at St. Cyril since 1988 teaching 5th grade.  She enjoys working with this “tweenage” group, of students.

Ms. Boland loves working with students and learning alongside them.  Her classroom strives to be a caring and respectful “family”.  We are unique individuals with many differences, and are capable of learning from one other and appreciating our diversity. Ms. Boland encourages each child to be the best person and student they can possibly be.  She is respectful of their many talents and different styles of learning.