Principal
Mr. Gabe Dillard, Principal
Dear Zephyr Families,
It is my pleasure to introduce myself to the Zephyr community as Principal of Zephyr Elementary School. My name is Gabriel Dillard, and I am eager to begin this exciting journey with the Zephyr community as we embark on another promising school year. I look forward to getting to know each of the students, the dedicated staff, and the supportive families that make up our school. Below you will find a brief overview of who I am and how my journey in education led me to Zephyr Elementary School.
My journey in education began in Bethlehem, PA, where I attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and graduated from Notre Dame High School of Easton. It was during my time at Notre Dame that 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 had the privilege of serving as an assistant wrestling coach. After two years, my wife and I welcomed our first son and decided to return to the Lehigh Valley, where I continued my journey as a special education teacher at Wilson Area High School for seven rewarding years. During my time at Wilson, I also earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University. In 2014, I became a part of 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 two dogs, Moki and Tito. 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 gym. Additionally, my wife and I are both from large families and typically spend our free time visiting and catching up with our 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, you will find that collaboration is essential to me, and I strongly believe that by working together as a team, we can create an environment where every student can thrive. With students, staff, my family, and in my own life, I emphasize the importance of goal-setting, recognizing individual strengths, and fostering a spirit of constant self-improvement. My goal is to build partnerships to ensure that our students reach their fullest potential.
I look forward to the opportunity to work with the Zephyr students, staff, and families. Should you have any questions, or concerns, or simply wish to connect, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your input and involvement are invaluable as we continue to create a positive learning environment at Zephyr!
Sincerely,
Gabriel Dillard
BUILDING HOURS: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Phone: 610-871-3671 Fax: 610-871-3672
kuskoa@whitehallcoplay.org
Amanda Kusko, Asst. Principal
Dear Zephyr families,
This school year is going to be another exciting year, as we continue our journey to learn and grow. I am looking forward to working in partnership with Mr. Dillard and the Zephyr staff as we strive to provide all students and families with an educational experience where diversity, creativity, and hard work are celebrated. I appreciate the opportunity to help Zephyr Elementary School, which has persevering students, an extremely dedicated staff, and a supportive school community.
For the past 24 years, I have been an educator in the Zephyr community, working across a multitude of grades in different positions, including as a first grade teacher at Gockley, as a second grade teacher at Steckel, as a gifted teacher and Dean of Students at Zephyr, and most recently, in my current role as Assistant Principal at Zephyr. 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 earning a Bachelor’s of Arts and Science degree in Social Psychology and a Master’s of Education degree 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. 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 administrator in our school community, 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 always excited to integrate my experiences, my openness to learn, and my child-centric 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 this upcoming school year.
Sincerely,
Amanda Kusko