Mrs. Fortenbaugh, Family Consumer Science

Mrs. Patricia Fortenbaugh is the new Family Consumer Science teacher for the middle and high school.

Fortenbaugh and her husband are Newport alumni, so this move feels to her like “returning home.” After graduating from Newport, Fortenbaugh got a bachelor’s degree in biology from Susquehanna University and later her masters degree in Science Education from Lebanon Valley College. Later, in 2020, Fortenbaugh earned a STEM certificate from Lebanon Valley College as well.

Fortenbaugh’s first job was difficult to find locally, so she moved to Maryland and taught Biology, anatomy, and Physiology at Wheaton High School in Montgomery County. The following school year, a position opened up in the Central Dauphin School District, so she spent the next 15 years teaching Honors Biology, AP Biology, Biology 2, and Anatomy & Physiology in Harrisburg. For the last two years, she has been at Commonwealth Charter Academy teaching Honors Biology and AP Biology online.

Fortenbaugh looks forward to her future at Newport. She explains, “Teaching Family Consumer Science is a new adventure for me, so I’m excited to see what the future holds. I grew up in 4H where all of my Family Consumer Science skills derive from, so it’s interesting how all of my paths through life converged in this job opportunity.” 

Outside of school, she is in a family of three, including her husband Jeffery and her son Jacob, who is in seventh grade here at Newport. Most of her free time is spent helping her son show livestock in his 4H group. When she is not traveling or helping with that she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. She says, “We love to spend time outdoors.”