As the 2024-2025 school year unfolds, new faces, both students and faculty, wander the halls. Among them, a fresh face stands outside Room 230, beckoning students into a world of atoms, ions and all things chemistry. Who is this mad scientist? It’s none other than Jennifer Estabrook.
Due to the retirement of chemistry teacher Kathy Turner, there was a vacancy in the position, and Estabrook did not hesitate to take it.
“I have always heard great things about Ocean Lakes High School, so when I was made aware there was going to be an open position in the science department, I tried my best to make sure I could transfer to this school,” Estabrook said.
In addition to chemistry, Estabrook has experience in a plethora of science subjects, including oceanography, environmental science, IB Biology and Principles of Biomedical Science.
“Previously, I was at Achievable Dream High School, and before that, I taught at Westlake High School in Maryland,” Estabrook said.
While this is Estabrook’s first year as a Dolphin, she has already made a difference in the lives of many of her students.
“She is very open to questions and comes over to further explain something you don’t understand, the homework and lessons are clear and easy to understand,” sophomore Jack Robertson said. “She really connects with me by being funny and interactive. I’m never really bored in her class, and I enjoy her lessons.”
During instructional time, Estabrook illuminates her classes with interactive labs and activities to help students gain a better understanding of chemistry while fostering their passion for learning.
“We do [many] labs that involve candy, which I enjoy, and I think they can get the students in our class more interested,” sophomore Emma Straseskie said.
As a science enthusiast, Estabrook believes it’s important to advise her students on science-related scholarships and opportunities in their community. During class, she encourages students to partake in science programs such as the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars program, Earth System Scholars program and the Space Coast Scholars program.
“I went to a small religious private high school which had a lot of restrictions on the types of opportunities that they could offer or advertise to the students. I know when I was in high school if these extracurricular programs would have been known to me, I would have loved to have taken advantage,” Estabrook said. “I would hate for someone to miss out on a chance to have an amazing educational experience just because they were not aware of it.”
According to Estabrook, keeping students engrossed in their scientific studies is one of the most important and enjoyable aspects of her job.
“My favorite part is working with the students and hopefully inspiring a lifelong appreciation for science,” Estabrook said.
