On Jan. 28, the Bayport-Blue Point Board of Education recognized the Teachers’ Association’s Teachers of the Month from September 2024 to January 2025. Congratulations to all who were given with this prestigious honor!
Lori Katakofsky
September Teacher of the Month
Lori is an extremely dedicated, devoted, and highly professional educator. She consistently advocates for her students and has many years of experience teaching Academy Street's primary population.
Every single day, she works hard to deliver the most effective instruction to her students in a kind and caring way. Lori is well-liked and respected by her colleagues, her students' parents, and especially by the children in her care. Her former students are often heard naming her as their all-time favorite elementary teacher. She has been teaching many years and deserves to be recognized for her hard work and dedication to the children she has taught. Her colleagues describe her as "kind”, “compassionate," "supportive," "hard working," and "dedicated."
She is known to put the needs of her students first and she works diligently to advocate for them to get the help they need. As an experienced and committed elementary teacher, Lori is certainly deserving of this honor.
Brooke Yonick
October Teacher of the Month
Brooke is a dedicated social worker who supports her students and colleagues every day, often taking the initiative to reach out to parents about any concerns teachers may have.
She provides valuable strategies and feedback, making her an indispensable resource in the classroom. As a "go-to" person for students, her kind and nurturing nature brings comfort and ease to all. Brooke's calm disposition fosters an environment where students feel safe and secure, allowing them to express themselves, problem-solve, and thrive.
We are truly grateful to have Brooke at BPE; she lights up every room she enters. A beacon of inspiration, she demonstrates unwavering commitment to the well-being of both students and staff, going above and beyond to ensure every child feels valued and supported. Her deep involvement in the school community, leading various activities and initiatives, highlights her dedication. Brooke's genuine care for everyone in our district, along with her professional and kind demeanor, make her a huge asset to both her building and the district at large. Her active role in the Teachers' Association and her leadership in the Community Relations Committee further showcase her commitment. The time and energy she dedicates to our school district truly make her deserving of this honor!
Alyssa Malave
November Teacher of the Month
This teacher is the truest example of a professional, with an unwavering commitment to students and staff. She works tirelessly to create an enriching, welcoming, and organized learning environment that caters to students' unique needs, providing engaging activities and real-world experiences to enhance their learning.
Through constant collaboration with classroom teachers and a command of the K-5 curriculum, this educator designs lessons to support each student to ensure a successful outcome in the classroom. She is also creative and offers real-world experiences to students, such as establishing a garden in her classroom that students plant, care for, harvest, and sell.
In addition to her students, she plans unique events that boost staff morale and positivity throughout the school, from coffee bars to trail mix stations – small gestures that make staff feel valued and appreciated. Despite the demands of her many roles, Alyssa never fails to show compassion and support for others and is always willing to lend a listening ear or provide assistance.
She works tirelessly to ensure that everyone at Sylvan feels heard and supported. As the BBPTA Elementary Vice President, she goes above and beyond, often working around the clock to address the needs of her colleagues and students. When faced with challenging situations, she serves as a liaison between her colleagues and the administration, helping them navigate complex issues with empathy and professionalism.
In short, Alyssa is a true asset to the Sylvan community. She embodies the values of dedication, empathy, and tireless service. Her contributions have made a lasting impact on the lives of her colleagues and students alike.
Marybeth Lyons
December Teacher of the Month
Marybeth is exceptionally dedicated to her students, going above and beyond to ensure their success and well-being both in and out of the classroom. She is actively involved in the Christopher A. Coluccio Foundation, working tirelessly to educate our community about mental health, depression and suicide prevention. Her commitment to opening lines of communication between parents and children on these important topics demonstrates her caring nature and leadership.
She is a dedicated advisor to the newspaper club, where she encourages students to express themselves creatively while fostering a sense of community.
She is actively involved in our BBPTA as a building representative and committee chair and has proven herself to be a go-to person for many of her colleagues. Her involvement at all these different levels showcases her passion for education and her dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of her students and the broader community.
Krissy Ungaro
January Teacher of the Month
From the moment she greets you in the hallway with a smile, you can feel her positive spirit and eagerness to make a difference. Always ready with a helpful hand for both students and colleagues alike, you can count on her not only for advice but also for a good laugh.
Students enjoy sharing lunch with her and furthering their connections over books they've read. She goes above and beyond to organize events that bring staff together, boosting morale with initiatives like the end-of-year luncheon and themed staff cookouts, including chili, hot cocoa, and dips. Her efforts to foster community extend beyond school as she continues the tradition of Fink's Farm family day, the end-of-the-year dinner and various gatherings throughout the year.
Passionate about her subject area, she is deeply committed to her students, holding them to high standards and ensuring they are accountable for their learning. Her dedication to their success is clear in everything she does. She genuinely cares for each one of them, making sure they reach their fullest potential. And if you haven't guessed it by now, you will always know when it's a Friday because no one else can rile up the 200 wing quite like her with her Friday cowbell and music tradition!