Let’s give a Federation shout out to Julie Hensley, a member who has been at Blind Brook High School for 18 years! She currently teaches AP Biology and AP Psychology. Thank you Julie, as you continue to encourage students to make the Earth a better place!

Today our shoutout goes to all of the federation members at Ridge Street Schools. 💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍💙 Each and every one of them have gone above and beyond to ensure that students still get the love and care that they need during this difficult time. We’re so proud of you! 👩‍🏫 👨‍🏫

This week’s shoutout goes to Mackenzie Gasparini! 💙🤍💙🤍💙 Mackenzie is a model teacher developing lessons that challenge her students to think outside the box. She has also done an incredible job of increasing morale and motivating our members to show their BBFT spirit. TY!!!

This week we give a Federation Shout-Out to our middle school Digital Media and Music & Video Production teacher, Andre Soto! Andre has been at Blind Brook Middle School for 8 years.

When he isn’t teaching, Mr. Soto is the advisor to several high school clubs including Computer Club, BlindBrook broadcast and FOCUS. In the middle school Andre advises the Gamers Club and the Broadcast Media Club.

Andre’s colleagues commend him for his selfless and dedicated contributions to their classrooms. As an integral member of their planning team he helps teachers incorporate technology into their classroom.

Pushing into classes and recording mentor videos for students provides a lot of support to the middle school! Andre is known for having a great rapport with his students. They respect his calm but knowledgeable approach to teaching. Not to mention, he has the wobbly chairs!

Andre is a devoted father, an avid music lover and musician, as well as a lover of nature. He is knowledgeable about literature, science, current events, and social justice issues. Let’s give it up for Andre!

Big shout out to this member of the week… Katie Gambino! Ridge Street is so lucky to have Katie Gambino as our technology facilitator :)

This Teacher Appreciation Week we give elementary art teacher, Betsy Murphy a shout out for her amazing work! Betsy shares a few words with us today… Recognition and a shout out? Who me? I am really honored.

I have been teaching elementary art at the Bruno M. Ponterio Ridge Street School for 23 years. And my career choice is still going strong after teaching a little over 30 years! I know I am an art teacher...

When I MAKE art When I TALK about art When I TEACH art When I ADVOCATE for the arts When I ATTEND art conferences for fun on a Saturday When I TRY new media to create art When my OWN CHILDREN appreciate art activities over other things When I am ABLE TO NOTICE my own creativity

Some of my fourth-grade students in Mrs. DeLuca and Mrs. Litchfield’s class have helped me to make a recent art adventure magical! I have learned how to connect a QR code to the art displays in our school building!

The all-time highlight of my teaching career has been adding glass fusing to the fifth-grade art curriculum. Because of this success I am often asked and am able to provide professional development in other districts to introduce a glass fusion curriculum into their school.

When I am not teaching elementary art, I am the very proud Mom of two young adults. I also create fused glass in my home studio. Most recently I found showing and selling my fused glass pieces to be a fun way to spend some weekends.

Currently I have two after school art clubs (through our Flex after school program) for young artists. I teach Graduate art education courses as an Adjunct Professor at Manhattanville college for 12 years. I am an active member of the New York State Art Association.

Thank you for all you do for our students, Betsy!!! 🖼 🎨

Our first shout-out for the 2022-2023 school year goes out to Federation member Marnita Brown! 🎉 🎈 📚 Marnita is starting her 4th year as the School Library Media Specialist for grades 6-12. She brings creativity and convenience to the teachers and students she works with.

The BBFT is giving a shout out to one of our newest members, Jade Graham! Jade is a high school Spanish teacher who is inspiring her students and her colleagues with her fun and engaging approach to learning.🥳️ Thanks for all you do Jade! Welcome to Blind Brook!

The Federation would like to give a shout-out to Carl Barnes, a special education high school teacher who has taught at BBHS for 8 years. Carl subscribes to the teaching philosophy of "Cura Personalis" which is Latin for "Teaching the Whole Child".