Claymont Elementary School
Administrative Team
Ms. Juliet Agresti
Principal
I’m excited to welcome you to Claymont Elementary School! We are a kindergarten through fifth grade school. At Claymont, we believe that every child can learn and reach their full potential in the warm, caring environment that is provided by our amazing staff and school community. Claymont adheres to a rigorous curriculum and pacing provided by the Brandywine School District, in all core academics. While our academic rigor is challenging, our Claymont Cougars continue to learn and grow due to our multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). We provide clear behavioral expectations along with incentives. To support our students' social emotional wellbeing, all students receive SEL lessons aligned with skill building. In addition, Claymont offers supports for students who may be struggling with peer relationships, anxiety, impulsivity, or anger regulation. Finally, evidenced-based reading and math interventions are provided in small groups as well. We believe this whole child approach is the key to student success.
Prior to joining Claymont, I served as the Principal of Hanby Elementary School. Over the many years I have been in education, I have served as a special education teacher and special education coordinator. I graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a minor in Sociology, and graduated from Temple University with a masters degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. In addition, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to attend Harvard for a summer session focused on educational leadership.
At home, I am a proud mom of two young men. My oldest attends law school and my youngest attends Harvard as a student athlete (wrestling). I can’t forget to mention that I am married to a great guy who has put up with me for more than 25 years. We enjoy traveling, cheering for all Philadelphia teams, and just having a nice cup of coffee at home!
Dr. Megan Stoffa
Assistant Principal
Welcome to Claymont Elementary School! I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal for our 2nd and 3rd grade Cougars. Before joining the Claymont family, I worked as an Assistant Principal at P.S. duPont Middle School. Now in my twelfth year in education, I have been fortunate to serve in a variety of roles, including student advisor, special education coordinator, and special education teacher.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Wesley College, followed by a master’s degree in School Leadership and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University.
Outside of school, I am a proud cat mom who enjoys traveling, caring for my indoor plants, and spending time with family and friends.
Edward Burks
Acting Assistant Principal
Let’s GO Team Claymont! I am a native of Middletown, Delaware (back when all we had was a Tastee Freeze and a Pappy’s Restaurant). I attended Delcastle Vo-Tech High School and then went on to Cheyney University (the 1st HBCU). Afterward I received a Masters in Educational Counseling from Wilmington University. I have been married for over 25 years and have 3 children (all who’ve attended BSD Schools). I have been in education for over 25 years. Being very much embedded into the BSD ecosystem, I was the founder of the Elementary Basketball League, was the first to co-start the summer STEM Camp, and part of the first group of elementary coaches in the VEX Robotics League. Aside from official BSD programs, I have coached many BSD student in soccer, tennis, flag football and basketball in many other community organizations.
In my free time you can find me riding my bike, going for walks, binge watching some good shows, and geeking out on sci-fi/ superhero books/movies. I am also a huge supporter of the arts in any form.
Looking forward to another great year at Claymont Elementary!!
Jill Peddrick
Assistant Principal
Welcome to Claymont Elementary School! I’m so proud to serve as the Assistant Principal for our amazing kindergarten and first grade Cougars. Watching our youngest learners take their first steps into school life—and seeing them grow in confidence, curiosity, and friendship—is truly the best part of my day.
I’ve spent over 20 years working in elementary education, teaching grades K–2 and supporting multilingual learners. Thirteen of those years were in a Spanish Immersion program, and I’m thrilled to bring that same passion for language learning to Claymont’s outstanding Spanish Immersion community.
Outside of school, I’m the proud mom of two college boys—one at the University of Delaware and the other at the University of Kentucky. As a family, we love watching soccer (any team, any time!), hiking, and relaxing together at the beach.
Casey Lazartic
Dean of Students
Welcome to Claymont, Home of the Cougars! I serve here as Dean of Students and work for the most wonderful students.
After earning my Bachelor's degree in Art Education from Kuztown University, I went on to earn two more Master's degrees: one in Integrating Technology in the Classroom and one in Forensic Psychology. All of my degrees and educational experiences have taught me the value in investing in myself to benefit my son's future.
I began my career in BSD in 2002 and have served as an art teacher at both elementary and middle schools. My last assignments included Art Teacher, Athletic Director, Dean of Students, and Drama Director at P.S. DuPont Middle School. Those roles shaped me and provided me with extraordinary experiences and knowledge. Currently, as Dean of Students at Claymont, I feel like I am home.
In the summer, I proudly coordinate the Summer Entitlement Program. While not working, I enjoy traveling, riding ATVs, and spending time with family and my puppies.
Marissa Finocchiaro
Dean of Students
Welcome to Claymont Elementary School! I am so happy to work as one of the Dean of Students for our Claymont Cougars. For over 18 years, I have been so lucky to work in many roles within education, such as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, teacher of students with gifts and talents, team leader, and more. It is wonderful to be able to help support the Claymont community each day!
I earned my bachelor’s degree as an Intervention Specialist from the University of Dayton, Ohio. In addition, I have my master’s degree from Wilmington University in Special Education, Leadership, and Administration.
I am also the lucky mom of three energetic, young kiddos. When my husband and I are not going to and from many activities for our kids, I love spending time traveling, hiking, going to the beach, reading a good book, or playing a fun game with friends and family.
Administrative Assistants
- Kahliah Cooper, Administrative Assistant
- Stephanie Mikul, Administrative Assistant
- Jessica Ka, Administrative Assistant