Ms. Daria Baldyga, the newest addition to the 8th grade Navy Team, has been teaching for 22 years. This is her first year at Middlesex, and she teaches American History. Her favorite subject growing up was French because she enjoyed the challenge of learning a different language. Before coming to MMS, she taught at a high school in Fairfield , but not just American History. During the day she taught a Freshman Justice course, U.S. History, a Senior Law course, and even a couple of French classes. Ms. Baldyga says that teaching at the high school level is very different from teaching on a middle school level because in middle school, the focus is on the child while in high school, the focus is on the content. She enjoyed high school teaching just a little bit better because her days were always varied and each class was different. If Ms. Baldyga could do anything besides teach she would be very wealthy and give all of her money away to people who need it because she firmly believes that you shouldn't see people suffer. So far, she loves the Navy team and thinks the teachers and kids are great. She really enjoys the sense of community both on the team and throughout the school. Her advice to students and teachers about starting or going someplace new is to make sure you are aware that it's going to be a dramatic difference from what you are used to. On a more personal note, she added that ever since she can remember she has known she was supposed to be a teacher. She loves her own grown children and adores ballroom dancing. Anyone want swing lessons?