• Educator of the Week

    June 19, 2017 
    Roosevelt's NBCTs  
    Roosevelt Union Free School District currently has five teachers who hold National Board Certification.  These teachers are teacher leaders, and each of them  make a huge impact for their students, in their school buildings,  and in the district community. Roosevelt's National Board Certified Teachers are:
    Nancy Ticali, NBCT (Centennial Ave. School)
    Dr. Vivian Isom, NBCT ( RHS)
    Nicole Rivera, NBCT ( Washington Rose/ PPS)
    Tayana Thadal, NBCT ( Washington Rose)
    Yolette Wright, NBCT ( RHS)
    The Roosevelt NBCTs run a National Board Candidate support cohort in Roosevelt.  If you are interested in learning more about National Board Certification, or would like to find out more information about the Roosevelt cohort, click here. 
     
     
    June 12, 2017
    Mrs. Acevedo  
     
    Mrs. Acevedo has been with the Ulysses Byas Elementary School family for four years. She started as a first grade bilingual teacher and will be recently completing her first year teaching a kindergarten bilingual classroom.  Mrs. Acevedo has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Childhood Education with a Bilingual Extension from SUNY Old Westbury and a Master’s degree in Teaching English to Students of Other Languages from Molloy College. She loves working with her students and watching them learn and prosper each year, and has a commitment to support student’s academic, social,  and emotional growth. 
     
     
    June 5, 2017
    Mrs. Thompson  
     
    Mrs. Thompson is a 7th grade orchestra teacher at Roosevelt Middle School. She believes that teaching orchestra has the power to inspire, ignite, and empower her students both inside and outside the classroom.  
     
    May 30, 2017
    Mrs. Renee Wilkinson-St.Fort  
     
    This is Mrs. Renee Wilkinson-St.Fort’s first year as the school nurse at Ulysses Byas Elementary School. Prior to working at Ulysses Byas she was a school nurse for 2 years at a Jr. /Sr. High School in Nassau County. She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing from the State University of New York at Buffalo and Master’s degree in Nursing Education from Drexel University. Mrs. Wilkinson-St.Fort enjoys providing health services and education to the staff, students, and parents at Ulysses Byas Elementary School. She is currently the building’s Health and Wellness Committee Chairperson and is excited about health and wellness promotion initiatives to come. Since joining the UB family Mrs. Wilkinson-St.Fort truly feels at “home”. 
    May 22, 2017
     
    Mrs. Robyn Clark  
    Centennial Avenue honors Mrs. Robyn Clark 2nd grade teacher for raising funds to help a family in need. One of Mrs. Clark’s students had a serious house fire recently. The fire destroyed all the families’ personal belongings. Mrs. Clark came up with an idea to raise funds for the family. She made hundreds of heart shaped chocolate lollipops and asked for a one dollar donation. What a special teacher! What a wonderful idea! Donations from the lollipops along with staff contributions resulted in close to $1000.00 collected. We celebrate and thank Mrs. Clark and her 2nd grade students for their acts of kindness and charity.
     
     
    May 15, 2017
    Ms. Despina Forakis  
     
     
    Ms. Despina Forakis is an outstanding mathematics teacher at Roosevelt High School who is treasured by not only staff and students, but the community as well! Ms. Forakis goes above and beyond expectations to ensure all her students understand their coursework. Ms. Forakis teaches various levels of mathematics including Algebra 2 Common Core, College Algebra, College Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus. She is also an adjunct professor at SUNY College at Old Westbury.
    Outside of the classroom, Ms. Forakis advises the Mathletes Club. They have recently celebrated Pi Day with a competition involving the memorization of the digits in Pi. Also, for the first time in Roosevelt history, the Mathletes have built Serpinski Triangles! Ms. Forakis and her students worked tirelessly for weeks creating two very large three-dimensional triangles which are displayed in the High School. Each Serpinski Triangle is composed of more than 100 individually handcrafted triangles and relates to the mathematical topics of fractals and exponential growth/decay. 
    On March 22nd, students and staff congratulated Ms. Forakis as she received the Greek American Heritage award from the Town of Hempstead for showing pride in her culture while serving our community. Ms. Forakis is a wonderful influence to her students and coworkers through both her dedication and service to Roosevelt High School.
    May 8, 2017
    Mrs. Roberts  
     

    Mrs. Roberts has been employed with the Roosevelt UFSD since 1998. She was hired as a first grade teacher under Mrs. Lillian Coggins-Watson. She taught first grade for several years and advanced to second grade. From there, Mrs. Roberts was given the opportunity to advance to third grade. It was a couple of years after that, that she was able to teach the precious Kindergarteners for many years. Throughout the years, she has worked in several inclusion settings. Mrs. Roberts currently teaches first grade in an inclusion setting.

    Mrs. Roberts knew she wanted to be a teacher since she was a young girl. Her love of children and her understanding of the importance of their future drives her each and every day. She works diligently hoping to motivate her students to learn, to believe in themselves, and to be good citizens.

     
     May 1, 2017
    Mrs. Paulette Taylor  
     
     The Washington Rose family wants to salute Mrs. Paulette Taylor on becoming Educator of the Week. She has worked long countless hours providing teachers the necessary resources and support to improve classroom instruction and to move our school from Good to Great. She has also been an pivotal part in ensuring the New York State English Language Arts Assessment was organized and flawless. Her work goes without question and she has been a consummate professional throughout. Along with the support of Ms. Janet Mascoll, Reading Teacher, we are confident all the hard work, sweat, and long hours will reap benefits in student achievement. Again, congratulations on this recognition and thank you for all you do for Washington Rose Elementary School and the Roosevelt Union Free School District.
     
    April 24, 2017
    Ms. Camen  
     
    My name is Mia L. Camen. I have been a school-based speech-language pathologist in RUFSD for the past thirteen years. I am also a resident of Roosevelt, which makes what I do even more special. I love serving the community of Roosevelt. I currently work at Ulysses Byas Elementary School aka “Our Place Called Home”. It has been my home away from home for the past 2 years. Before that, I worked at Washington Rose ES. Earlier in my career, I also worked at Centennial Avenue ES . I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Long Island University at C.W. Post. During my graduate studies, my professors recognized my exemplary performance in the J.M. Ladge Speech & Hearing Center by honoring me with the coveted Distinguished Graduate Clinician Award. I am very passionate about the field of speech-language pathology. Watching children improve their communication skills over time gives me great joy. Developing treatment plans for children that present with speech and/or language delays is a small portion of what I do. On most days, you can find me in my therapy room working on improving speech sounds, expanding speech from words to sentences to conversation, or evaluating a student to see if they qualify for services. When I’m not working, I enjoy curling up with a good book, traveling the USA, and attending concerts with friends. 
    April 17, 2017
    Ms. Wilkes and Ms. Notice  
     
    It is with great pleasure that our Washington Rose family recognize, salute, and congratulate Ms. Dawn Wilkes, Math Curriculum Specialist, and Mrs. Carolyn Jones-Notice, Teaching Assistant, on being Co-Educators of the week. Both have work feverishly with teachers and students in preparation for the upcoming New York State Mathematics Assessments. These ladies have contributed greatly in developing a culture of collegiately and they go above and beyond the call of duty. The support has been tremendous and has put our school in a position for greatness. Thank you for all that you do for our school community in the enriching the lives of students and staff. Congratulations. 
    April 10, 2017
    Mr. Duca  
     
    Mr. Duca is an 8th grade science teacher at Roosevelt Middle School. He believes in actively engaging his students in the process of science through hands on and minds on activities.  Mr. Duca strives to foster in his students a genuine curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.  
    April 3, 2017
    Ms. Asmus  
     
     It is with great pleasure on behalf of the Washington Rose School Community that we recognize one of our most diligent staff members for Educator of the Week, Ms. Asmus. Ms. Asmus has been a tremendous help and is always shown the desire to go above and beyond in support the school mission and vision. When called upon, she never says “No.” Thank you for all that you do and continue to do on a daily basis. Congratulations!!!!
     
    March 27, 2017
    Ulysses Byas Student Council  
     

    The Ulysses Byas' Student Council grew out of the need to give the students a sense of purpose, to support the main tents of PBIS, the to fulfill the Mission of the RUFSD! Ms. Johnson, Mr. Mayo, and Ms. Wagner wanted a system in place that would propel students to be productive UB citizens and respect the rules and systems that school has in place. What better way to complete this task than having students to help create the rules and systems.

     

    The Ulysses Byas Student Council is an organization conducted by students and supervised by adults.  The purpose of the student council is to give students an opportunity to develop leadership by organizing and carrying out school activities and service projects.  In addition to planning events that contribute to school spirit and community welfare, the student council is the voice of the student body. They help share student ideas, interests and concerns with the school wide community.

     

    Ms. Wagner has been a teacher in the district for 18 years and she loves the community and the students she serves.

     

    Mr. Mayo has been working in the district for 2 years come May, and has a passion for fashion and education. He loves to incorporate both to build students to be leaders and have self-confidence. 

     

    Ms. Johnson has been a  teacher in the Roosevelt School District for 17 years. She enjoys teaching children and working with some of the most dedicated and passionate educators in the district. 

     

     
    March 20, 2017
     
    Ms. Techeira  
     
    Ms. Tiffany Techeira is the music teacher/choir director at Ulysses Byas Elementary School. She holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Music Education and a Masters’ Degree in School Counseling from C. W. Post Long Island University. This is Ms. Techeira’s tenth year serving in the Roosevelt School District. Ms. Techeira is passionate about her students exploring the performing arts. She has created dynamic and outstanding productions for the Winter and Spring Concerts such as “December in Our Town”, “Paint the Town December”, “A Tribute to Broadway” and “Gone, But Not Forgotten.” She also did a special concert dedicated to the legendary television show “Soul Train,” which was a huge success. Not too long after that concert, Ms. Techeira had the opportunity to speak with the host of “Soul Train”, the late Don Cornelius. He was excited that Ulysses Byas paid homage to his show and learned how important it was to culture and history. This was an unforgettable moment for her. Ms. Techeira is constantly thinking of new ways to ensure that her students have a spectacular and memorable musical experience at UB. She is a true crusader for her students and the arts. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, traveling, and definitely the theatre. Congratulations Ms. Techeira! Job well done! 
     
     
    March 13, 2017
    Mr. Kingsberry  
     
    It is with great honor and pleasure that the Washington Rose school community recognize Mr. Steven Kingsberry for staff member of the week. Mr. Kingsberry's quick thinking and sharp attention to detail is one of the many reasons students can feel safe in school. Thank you again Mr. Kingsberry for being recognized as staff member of the week. 
     
    March 6, 2017
    Mr. Tchinnis  
     
    Mr. Terry Tchinnis has been teaching at Ulysses Byas Elementary for 11 years. The last several years he has been part of the awesome fourth grade team. Mr. Tchinnis has an Associate’s Degree in Aerospace Technology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. He loves watching his students grow and learn each year, and believes the best motivation is knowledge. For the past eight years his morning math program has challenged students to work at and above grade level and has seen students learn to love math. Away from school Mr. Tchinnis enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and playing ice hockey and golf. 
    February 27, 2017 
    Ms. Reid  
    I started working for the Roosevelt Union Free School District in 1996 as a Teaching Assistant under the leadership of Mrs. Patricia Charthern at Harry Daniels Primary Center.  After much encouragement from Mrs. Charthern, I went back to college to complete my Bachelors Degree at Adelphi University.  I received my bachelors degree in 2002 in Social Sciences and continued my education at Adelphi and obtained my Masters Degree in Elementary Education in 2004.  I began my teaching career in 2009 at Washington Rose Elementary School, teaching 5th grade under the  leadership of Dr. Perletter Wright.  I have since taught at Centennial Avenue School and Ulysses Byas Elementary School, where I currently teach today as a 2nd and 3rd Grade Special Education teacher.  I have since taught grades 2, 3, and 4.  Teaching is a profession that I truly enjoy.  I enjoy working with children and helping them to excel.  I am the proud mother of two beautiful and intelligent daughters.  Imani 22, a recent graduate of Delaware State University and Kaliya 16, an 11th grade student at Roosevelt High School.   Some of my hobbies are spending time with my daughters and participating in community service activities with my Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.   Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.  
     
     February 13, 2017
    Mrs. McGrath  
     
    It is my privilege to recommend Mrs. McGrath, to receive the Teacher of the Week recognition for the district.  Teri has been teaching science for over 18 years here at Roosevelt High School.  For the past two years she has served as the lead teacher for the Science department.  She has served on many committees over the years.  She is an active participant in the high school and has a huge impact in and out of this school.
    Mrs. McGrath is popular with students and respected by her colleagues.    She is intelligent, enthusiastic and sensitive to the needs of others.  Mrs. McGrath has a personality that is sincere and a willingness to help not just her colleagues but also the administrative staff.
     
    February 6, 2017
    Christopher M. Unger  
     
    Mr. Unger is a 7th grade Social Studies teacher at Roosevelt Middle School. Mr. Unger believes in meeting the students where they are at academically to practice more deep understanding of the past. The students are always his top priority in and out of the classroom. 
     
    January 30, 2017
     
     On behalf of the Washington Rose School Community, we would like to congratulate Mrs. Matias for her selection as Educator of the Week. Mrs. Matias has dedicated herself to becoming  a vital support for our second language families and their children. She has supported school-wide and external school related events. She is a consummate professional and works to get better in all that she does. Thank you Mrs. Matias for all that you do in the lives of our students.
     
     
    January 23, 2017
    Diane Canerossi  
     Diane Canerossi is the dynamic Reading teacher at Centennial Avenue School. She has been enthusiastic and thoughtful in supporting her students to achieve high reading expectations. She is a team player and serves on several building level committees.  Some of these committees include 25 Book Campaign,  Instructional Support Team, Site Based Management Team and Parent University Committee.. Mrs. Canerossi is the advisor for our student newsletter “Eagle News” which is published quarterly. Mrs. Canerossi formerly Ms. Dods is a newlywed. Congratulations!
     
    January 17, 2017 
    TTL  
     
    A team of educators from Roosevelt High School joined educators from all over New York State at a state educators summit, where teams could work on ideas to enhance teaching and learning in their school and educational communities.  Roosevelt High School lead teachers, Ms. McGrath, Ms. Heisig, Mr. McCray, Ms. Wright, NBCT and Ms. Chase joined together with their critical friend,  to create a plan to increase inquiry based learning for all students in all subject areas at Roosevelt High School.  We salute these amazing educators for collaborating to benefit their students' learning, and enhance their own teaching practice. 
     
    To read more about Teach to Lead, click here. 
     
    January 10, 2017
    RB
     

    Mrs. Randi Bezalel has had the pleasure and rewarding experience of teaching at Ulysses Byas Elementary since 1988 when the school was named Theodore Roosevelt. She was hired as a second grade teacher by  Dr.Earl Mosely. She has subsequently taught 6th grade Social Studies, 5th grade Writing , 3rd grade, and is currently teaching with an awesome 4th grade team!

    Mrs. Bezalel has a Bachelor's Degree  in Political Science and English, a minor in Urban Studies, and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education. Both degrees were awarded at CUNY at Queens College. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog, cooking, reading, traveling, and is a world news enthusiast. She finds no greater reward than  former students reaching out to her and sharing their successes.

     
     
    January 3, 2017
     Ms. Wright
     
    I am a National Board Certified Teacher and I teach Regents Chemistry and AP Chemistry in the High School.  I am also the Student Government Association Advisor.  In my role as advisor, I help with coordinating school-wide events such as Homecoming, the Breast Cancer walk, Thanksgiving Food Drive, and our Club Fair. When I reflect on my high school years, I not only think about the lessons I learned, but also the fun that I had. I also want the students of Roosevelt High School to have experiences that will create those fond memories.  This is why I became the Student Government Advisor.  Through Student Government, I hope to encourage all students to get involved in school so that we can build and maintain school spirit.  When students feel good about school, they do well academically.  So let's elevate that Rough Rider spirit so we can move from good to great!
     
    December 19, 2016
    Ms. Coleman  

    Mrs. Coleman has been employed in the Roosevelt UFSD since 1999. Hired as a Kindergarten teacher under Mrs. Lillian Coggins- Watson, she taught at Ulysses Byas for 9 years until transferring to the Roosevelt Middle School in 2008. There, she taught sixth grade social studies under Dr. Tucker, until 2014, when she returned ‘ home ‘ to Ulysses Byas, now under the direction of Ms. Hudson. She currently teaches sixth grade in a CTT class with Mrs. Green- Miles.

    Mrs. Coleman has a B.S in Psychology, with a concentration in Cultural Anthropology, from Hofstra University. She also holds a M.S in Elementary Education from the same institution, as well as ESL certification from Molloy College. In her spare time, Mrs. Coleman enjoys Japanese food, reading, studying martial arts and loudly listening to rock music.

     
    December 12, 2016
    Mrs. Patrick  
     Mrs. Patrick is celebrated for her kind heart and gentle spirit. She is always willing to help out at the school in so many ways. She serves as Parent Building Representative for the PTSA and is a 1:1 Teachers Aide in the 1st Grade Inclusion classroom. Mrs. Patrick volunteers her time organizing clothing items at our Family Care Boutique. She has provided etiquette classes for the 6th Grade Girls’ Empowerment group.  She also coordinates PTSA meetings and Parent Education workshops with the building principal.  Mrs. Patrick has many gifts and talents. Centennial Ave. School is  blessed to have her as a part of our staff and parent community.
     
     
    December 5, 2016
    Ms. Genova
     

    Laura Genova is the Centennial Avenue School Educator for the Week. Ms. Genova is a Speech Teacher at Centennial Avenue School. She is being recognized for her coordination of the fundraiser called “Pink and Jeans Friday” is held at Centennial school every October. This fundraising event calls attention to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month By Raising Funds For American Cancer Society® Ms. Genova is upbeat and encourages everyone to participate.

    Lee National Denim Day® Urges People Nationwide to Wear Jeans And Donate $5 to Fund The American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Research and Support Services At Centennial teachers and staff were urged to wear Pink and Jeans every Friday in October for a donation of $20.00. Pink and Jeans Fridays is an event the Centennial teachers and staff look forward to every year Ms. Genova has been coordinating this event for the past 4 years at Centennial School. Under her leadership Pink and Jeans Fridays raised close to $1000.00 this year. Keep smiling Ms. Genova. You are a survivor and inspiration to us all.

     
     
    November 28, 2016
    Mr. Woods  
     
    Centennial school is proud to recognize Mr. Akeem Woods, Teacher’s Assistant in Ms. Holland’s 4th Grade Self-Contained Classroom. Mr. Woods serves as an excellent male role-model to our young boys. He is efficient in the classroom supporting students with assignments and projects. Mr. Woods is a” gentle giant” and is always willing to offer a helping hand not only to the students in his classroom but all students. He represents a quiet strength that the Centennial students can look up to for an encouraging word or pat on the back. Mr. Woods is an advocate for children and truly is an asset to our school. Congratulations!
     
     
    November 14, 2016
     
     Mr. Polk
    Mr. Polk is our senior guidance counselor and an exceptional member of our Middle School support team.   Mr. Polk is a member of our Project SAVE and DASA teams as well as  an intricate part of our building level scheduling team.  His relationship with both students, parents and staff allows him to operate as a change agent to foster student success in and out of the classroom.  We honor Mr. Polk for his diligence and faithfulness to our Middle School community. 
     
    November 7, 2016 
     Mr. Sheehan
    Mr. Sheehan, the Instrumental Music Teacher for the three elementary schools, is currently in his 21st year in the Roosevelt School District. He loves teaching instrumental music to students. Some of the instruments he teaches are:  flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium and percussion. Mr. Sheehan prepares students for the New York State School Evaluations (NYSSMA). Additionally, he conducts the band for Ulysses Byas’ Winter and Spring Concerts.  Every year, Mr. Sheehan inspires our students to move from Good to Great! Congratulations! 
     
     
    October 31, 2016 
    Mr. Braswell  
     
    Mr. Clyde Braswell is the proud principal of the Washington Rose Elementary School. He is on a mission to have Washington Rose be designated as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Mr. Braswell and his staff continuously strive for greatness and have held many innovative and creative events over the years. We congratulate him on his efforts and encourage him and the entire Washington Rose family to continue on their journey from GOOD TO Great!  

    We proudly congratulate Mr. Braswell on his newly received tenure! 

     October 24, 2016

    Ms. Bernard  
     
    The Washington Rose family would like to congratulate Ms. Joan Bernard for being our Educator of the Week. She has gone above and beyond supporting school wide events and grade level team members. Ms. Bernard truly exemplifies the attributes of the R.O.S.E.  Congratulations. 
     
    October 11, 2016
    Ms. Ellerbe  
     

    At Ulysses Byas, we are considered a “family” and we strive together to make Ulysses Byas, “Our Place Called Home” for all who enter, work, and learn in this environment.

    One of our family members is Ms. Ellerbe, the school’s Security Guard. She is welcoming to one and all, and she greets everyone with an energetic “Good Morning”.

     Ms. Ellerbe has worked in the Roosevelt School District for ten years. She started first at Centennial Avenue School and for the past four years has been stationed at Ulysses Byas. Her most enjoyable part of her job is making sure that everyone is safe. At her post, Ms. Ellerbe has encountered many diverse cultures and this helps her to be more patient and supportive to the needs of others in her midst.  

    Ms. Ellerbe’s warm-heartedness extends beyond Ulysses Byas. She loves to help people in the community. If she sees someone needing help, she would extend her services.

    We salute our Educator of the Week, Ms. Ellerbe!

     
    October 3, 2016
    Ms. Cannon  
     
    Washington Rose would like to recognize and congratulate Ms. Dominique Cannon for being our Educator of the Week. Ms. Cannon has demonstrated professionalism and a willingness to support all students. She also serves as the coordinator for the Girls Scout Troop. She has been a tremendous asset to our building. Again, congratulations on the great accomplishment. We appreciate you. 

    September 26, 2016

    P. Glover  

    Pattiann is the Principal Personnel Clerk in our Human Resources Department.  She reports directly to Dr. Robert Brisbane, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Professional Development. Pattiann embodies what it means to be a team player.  Pattiann goes above and beyond to complete all the tasks assigned to her. She projects a warm and cheerful attitude to all staff members.  She resolves conflicts and handles other difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact. Her attitude is essential in our Department and District.  She loves people, works hard, and always tries to lift the spirits of those around her. I believe these characteristics are indispensable and I am pleased to nominate her as the Employee of the Week.



     

     September 19, 2016

    Mr. McQueen  

    Roosevelt High School Security Guard Michael McQueen is the Educator of the week. Last week he intercepted students attempting to bring contraband into the High School building during the morning check-in. The Roosevelt community would like to congratulate Mr. McQueen for a  job well done. Keep up the good work in keeping our students and staff safe.


     

     September 9, 2016

     Mr. Green and Mr. Cortez

    September 9, 2016

     

    Wilfred Cortez and Milton Green, the District Maintainers, are incredible team players who have helped the Technology Department get all of the classrooms in the District ready for the students.  They worked very hard during the school year and over the summer to assist us with installing projectors, cables, etc.  They are truly an asset to the District and deserve the recognition.