Students and Teachers Honored at the Board of Education

The Teacher of the Year from each school and March’s Students of the Month were announced at the Board of Education meeting Tuesday night.

The Teachers of the Year are:

• Seventh grade teacher Christopher Della Fave from Wallace Elementary School. “He may be one of the most unassuming teachers we have on board but clearly one of the most effective,” said Principal Jay Medlin. “It is very easy to see that he is a natural teacher.”

• Kindergarten teacher Beth Tomlinson from Joseph F. Brandt Primary School. “She is such a tremendous support and we are so proud of her,” said Director of Early Childhood Education Adriana Battista Coppola.

• School library media specialist Michelle McGreivey from Hoboken High School. “She’s always dared to be great and dared our students to be great,” said Board Member Carmelo Garcia.

• Third grade teacher Francine Yu from Thomas G. Connors Elementary School. “I love the school, I love the staff, and they make me who I am today,” she said.

• Art teacher Annette Lisa from Salvatore R. Calabro Elementary School. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Miguel Hernandez said she is adored by students and staff alike.

Hernandez also read aloud the recommendations a principal or teacher made for each Student of the Month. Those students are:

• Seventh grader Shannon McGorty from Salvatore R. Calabro Elementary School. “Shannon is a friendly, outgoing, conscientious student,” wrote teacher Kelli Leon in her recommendation. “She quickly made friends and adjusted to her new school environment and procedures.”

• First grader Emma Dezenzo from Wallace Elementary School. “She is a very sweet and conscientious student,” wrote Principal Jay Medlin in his recommendation. “She always tries her best in class. Her class work and homework are always completed and she is always enthusiastic about learning new things.”

• Senior Alex Johnson from Hoboken High School. “He has been an outstanding student at Hoboken High School because he has pushed hard to succeed,” wrote social studies teacher Christopher Munoz in his recommendation. Munoz also mentioned Johnson’s outstanding ability in theater and media production. Johnson is preparing to shoot a production of his original screenplay Shame to Glory this summer.

• Fourth grader Kaijah Torres from Thomas G. Connors Elementary School. “Kaijah’s personality is always pleasant and shines throughout the day,” wrote teacher Kevin Metcalfe in his recommendation. “She is an excellent friend and student. She shows amazing leadership abilities.”