Embedded Files
Christopher Bilella
How long have your worked in the Bay Shore School District?
● 37 years with the Lynn Clark Summertime Players
● 32 years as a Music Teacher, Choir Director and Drama Director
In what school building(s) have you worked?
● 17 years at the Middle School
● 16 years at the High School as a Choir Director
● 22 years as the High School Drama Director
What grade levels, subjects, and/or special assignments have you taught/experienced?
● The Lynn Clark Summertime Players grade 4-12
● 6th, 7th and 8th grade Chorus
● 6th Grade General Music
● 8th Grade Keyboard Lab
● A member of the Middle School’s School Improvement Team Middle
School Girls Chorus
● Middle School Boys Chorus
● Middle School Pop Rocks Show Choir
● Middle School Drama Music Director
● Middle School Drama Director
● Middle School Talent Show
● Middle School Cabaret Night
● Middle School Television Studio
● “Not Ready for Primetime Singers” (for the Middle School retirees)
● 2 Middle School “Music in Our Parks Festivals” at Great Adventure, NJ
● 1 Middle School Choir trip to sing at the Capitol Building in DC in recognition of
the (75th?) anniversary of WW2
● 1 Middle School Choir trip to perform at Busch Gardens in Virginia
● District Sponsored South Shore Seabreeze Singers Adult Education Class
● District Sponsored Adult General Music Education Class
● District Sponsored Adult Piano and Keyboard Lessons
● High School Drama Club
● High School Thespian Troupe Advisor
● Bay Shore Theater Sponsors Advisor
● High School Men’s Chorus
● High School Women’s Chorus
● High School Showstoppers
● High School Harmonaires
● 2 High School Chorus Trips to perform at Disney in Florida
● 8 High School Chorus trips to compete at Busch Gardens, Virginia
● High School Cabaret Night
● Bay Shore Tree Lighting
● Brightwaters Tree Lighting
● Bay Shore Community Small Business Saturday “Jingle By The Bay”
● Bay Shore Arts Festival
● Bay Shore Community Mass Casualty Incident Drill (MCI)
● The New York State Theatre Education Association Conference
● The New York State Thespian Conference
● The New York State All-State Conference
● Town of Islip “Teeny” Awards for High School Drama
● New York State “George Gershwin/Roger Rees” Awards for High School Drama ● The National “Jimmy” Awards for High School Drama
What is your fondest memory of working in the Bay Shore UFSD?
Having worked with some of the most talented, dedicated students on a daily basis and having very close ties with my colleagues. Meeting John
Legend, Savion Glover, Roberta Flack and Hillary Clinton wasn’t too shabby either.
What are you looking forward to the most and/or what are your major plans for retirement?
Traveling
What advice would you give to a new teacher just hired in Bay Shore?
Administrators come and go. Students come and go. Board members come and go. But your colleagues are with you for 30+ years. Support each other and rely on each other and you’ll be just fine.
Suzanne D. Callis
How long have your worked in the Bay Shore School District?
I have worked in Bay Shore for 25 years.
In what school building(s) have you worked?
I returned to teaching after a 5-year maternity leave from Southampton Public Schools and took a first-grade position at Mary G. Clarkson. After one year I moved to Brook Avenue School where I spent the majority of my career.
What grade levels, subjects, and/or special assignments have you taught/experienced?
I have taught Fourth and Second grade (Southampton Public Schools), and First and Second grade in Bay Shore Schools. I have taught both regular education and CWC.
What is your fondest memory of working in the Bay Shore UFSD?
My fondest memories of working in the Bay Shore Schools are numerous. Watching that “light” go on in a child who has finally realized that they are a “reader”, being excited about teaching new topics and continually seeking new ways to deliver that information, and working side by side with so many truly talented professionals who lift you daily to new heights. I am so lucky to have been part of such an amazing and inspiring school district as Bay Shore Schools for 25 years.
What are you looking forward to the most and/or what are your major plans for retirement?
I am looking forward to not continuously operating according to the “clock”. The loosening of time constraints will allow my husband and I to explore and travel together. My husband John and I plan to first rent a Bareboat Sailboat Charter in the BVI in the Fall and do some island hopping in the Caribbean. We then have a desire to visit all of the National Parks in the U.S. over the next few years. When not traveling, we will enjoy time with our adult children and families.
What advice would you give to a new teacher just hired in Bay Shore?
My advice for a new teacher would be to never stop learning and being excited about what you do each day. See the wonder in the children you teach and know how fortunate you are that you get to be an integral part of their life. Continue “Climbing Mountains”!
Laura Ann Hotelling
How long have your worked in the Bay Shore School District?
I worked for the Bay Shore UFSD for over 30 years. Specifically, from 9/1993 to 2/2024.
In what school building(s) have you worked?
I spent the majority of my teaching career in the SHS, however, I also worked for 3 years in Brook Avenue Elementary School from 10/93-6/96. Additionally, I started the ESL Summer Program in June of 1995, which was housed in the Bay Shore Middle School, and continued with this program until 2002.
What grade levels, subjects, and/or special assignments have you taught/experienced?
As I am certified K-12 in ENL, I have taught most grade levels in this field. Specifically, ENL K-3 at Brook Avenue, ENL 6-8 at the Middle School and 9-12 at the SHS. Moreover, I have taught ENL Science 9-12 and ELA 9-12 in the Senior High School.
What is your fondest memory of working in the Bay Shore UFSD?
My fondest memory of working in the Bay Shore UFSD is not one but many. They all involve the amazing children with whom I worked and the colleagues who turned into friends and family.
What are you looking forward to the most and/or what are your major plans for retirement?
I am looking forward to slowing down a bit and enjoying my husband and puppies in South Carolina, whom I was separated from for a year and a half. I am also looking forward to running our cafe, Southern Smoothies Cafe, in Myrtle Beach, which has been a lifetime dream of my husband, Dan. Aside from that, my plans are simple: to enjoy my family. I plan to enjoy my niece and nephew, who reside in South Carolina, visit with my children, who reside in Arizona, and my niece who lives in Colorado. Lastly, I plan to enjoy our long-anticipated honeymoon in Italy, which was derailed in 2020.
What advice would you give to a new teacher just hired in Bay Shore?
Please remember that every child who sits in front of you is someone’s child, someone’s baby, someone’s love. Treat them as you would want your own child to be treated. And, be grateful to be part of something amazing. We are the lucky ones - we get to make a difference- every single day.
Cindy Godfrey
How long have your worked in the Bay Shore School District?
I have worked in Bay Shore for 22 years.
In what school building(s) have you worked?
My entire career has been at South Country School.
What grade levels, subjects, and/or special assignments have you taught/experienced?
I teach 5thgrade.
What is your fondest memory of working in the Bay Shore UFSD?
Teaching fifth graders makes for many funny and poignant memories. I find it very rewarding when past students come back to say hello and tell of their experiences and I get to see how they have grown.
What are you looking forward to the most and/or what are your major plans for retirement?
I have no immediate plans for the future, but I’m sure the next chapter is certain to include biking and hiking trails, traveling, and enjoying my family.
What advice would you give to a new teacher just hired in Bay Shore?
Teaching is a rewarding and demanding job. Get to know your colleagues, build relationships with them, learn from them, and share with them.
Rich Marco
How long have your worked in the Bay Shore School District?
28.5 years
In what school building(s) have you worked?
Bay Shore High School
What grade levels, subjects, and/or special assignments have you taught/experienced?
Special Education Teacher self contained, Physics 300, Physics 200, MST, Green Solutions, ENL, Chess Club.
What is your fondest memory of working in the Bay Shore UFSD?
Moments in the classroom with students and then having them come
back and visit me or seeing them in the community, where they
reminded me how I helped change their lives. Relationships with
teachers that became friends outside of our jobs.
What are you looking forward to the most and/or what are your major plans for retirement?
I am looking forward to the next phase with my family and
grandchildren. I plan to have enough airline miles to go to Italy for free.
I plan to also grow my second career as a property developer.
What advice would you give to a new teacher just hired in Bay Shore?
TEACH FEARLESSLY!!!! Push the envelope and make a child think!
And don't forget life is more than the classroom, help them learn that.
Cathy Mercurio
How long have your worked in the Bay Shore School District?
I have worked in the Bay Shore School District for 32 years (7 months).
In what school building(s) have you worked?
At the start of my career I taught an Enrichment Program with Liz Galarza and we were split between South Country and Gardiner Manor. After 2 years, my permanent home became Gardiner Manor.
What grade levels, subjects, and/or special assignments have you taught/experienced?
I taught 4th grade for 12 years. Then I finally graduated and moved on up to 5th grade and I’ve been there ever since!
What is your fondest memory of working in the Bay Shore UFSD?
This is a difficult question indeed and it’s impossible to pick just one! But I think my best memories were the ones where students were engaged and truly excited about what they were doing. It’s so satisfying to know that in some way you’ve touched each and every one of your students, and to watch them grow over the course of a year never ceases to amaze me! Every June I dissect squid with my class. At the start of my career, prior to the Wellness Policy, after we dissected the squid, I would go home for lunch and make some fried calamari and bring it back for everyone to taste. Believe it or not, most of them liked it! My only faux pas was dissecting the squid in my classroom the first year. Boy, was it stinky! The smell lingered for days and I don’t think the custodians were very happy with me. So from then on, I set up an outdoor lab. Another fond memory filled with a lot of laughs was participating in the Harlem Wizards versus Teachers basketball game. Exciting, fun and extremely embarrassing. The last big standing memory was when I put on my director's hat and coerced teachers in the building to play a role in the Trial of Goldilocks. We even charged for tickets to our performance! HILARIOUS! Honestly, after 32 years there’s waaayyyy too much to list. :)
What are you looking forward to the most and/or what are your major plans for retirement?
I think the thing I’m most looking forward to is not being on a time schedule. Kicking back, walking on the beach, designing jewelry and making crafts. But most all, spending time in Florida.
What advice would you give to a new teacher just hired in Bay Shore?
Being a new teacher is exhilarating, challenging, nerve-wracking and most of all, rewarding. Take lots of pictures, keep all of the cute drawings and letters and make a scrapbook. Jot down those funny happenings and make friends. Stay on top of things and be a good communicator and supporter. But most of all, be you and know that you’re making a difference in each one of your students.
Kirsten Shivak
How long have your worked in the Bay Shore School District?
I started working at Fifth Avenue in October of 1992.
In what school building(s) have you worked?
Fifth Avenue
What grade levels, subjects, and/or special assignments have you taught/experienced?
1st, 2nd, and 1 year of 3rdgrade (the last year that Fifth had 3rd grade)
What is your fondest memory of working in the Bay Shore UFSD?
There are so many fond memories! Honestly, all the fond memories make retiring such a bittersweet
decision. One of the many is when my class wrote letters to WWII Veterans that were being honored in
Washington DC through a program called Honor Flight. I hand delivered the heartfelt letters to these heroes at MacArthur Airport. In the letters, the class wrote about themselves, expressed their appreciation, andinvited them to come to our end of year assembly that Carol Bertolino organized. This particular year it hada patriotic theme. Three Veterans responded and one had been a teacher and wanted to visit with us. We were all starstruck! Hearing the children singing so proudly not only to their families, but to the very heroes of this country—priceless!
What are you looking forward to the most and/or what are your major plans for retirement?
I am looking forward to spending quality time with my husband, visiting our 3 grown daughters more,
visiting with my father, traveling non peak times, not falling asleep on the couch as soon as I sit down to relax each night, walking my dog during daylight hours, kayaking more, and not having the Sunday or August “scaries”—it’s really a thing!
What advice would you give to a new teacher just hired in Bay Shore?
Family problems appear to be so much more prevalent than when I first was hired. This makes thinking of your students as your second family and doing what you would want for your own so much more needed. Let the families know you feel this way and what you want for the child you share. Parents sometimes need to hear that we may have to agree to disagree and that we both are coming from a place of the heart. There will be highs and lows, tears of frustration, rants, feelings of defeat, and tears of joys—yes, this is what normal feels like.! We joke when we say we are “in the trenches”, but the words of Thomas Paine ring true for classrooms as well.
“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow.”
― Thomas Paine
Debbie Olsen
How long have your worked in the Bay Shore School District?
31 years
In what school building(s) have you worked?
Mary G Clarkson, South Country
What grade levels, subjects, and/or special assignments have you taught/experienced?
I have taught kindergarten, first grade, third grade and fourth grade. I have taught in both general education and special education. I taught in the Dual Language Enrichment Program at South Country. I was a Literacy Coordinator at South Country for 12 years. I was an inclusion teacher for 23 years. I am now a self-contained fourth grade teacher.
What is your fondest memory of working in the Bay Shore UFSD?
Naming one memory would be impossible. It is a culmination of a million little things every day. I am especially proud of the inclusive environment that exists in our schools. Watching our staff and students embrace the differences in our learners and show that everyone is valued, respected, and included for who they are, is something that will continue to touch my heart always.
What are you looking forward to the most and/or what are your major plans for retirement?
I am looking forward to spending time quilting and traveling throughout the United States with family and friends.
What advice would you give to a new teacher just hired in Bay Shore?
Rely on each other. Valueeach other. Care for each other. Learn from each other. Be kind to each other. We are better together.
Tess Wong
How long have your worked in the Bay Shore School District?
I was fortunate enough to get 5 years in Freeport before getting hired in Bay Shore in 1998. That makes 26 years in the district.
In what school building(s) have you worked?
19 years at Gardiner Manor, 4 at South Country and lastly, 3 at Fifth Avenue and Brook Avenue.
What grade levels, subjects, and/or special assignments have you taught/experienced?
At Gardiner Manor (grades 3-5), I was so lucky to have worked with some Physical Education superstars, and we established the first ever Circus Programs that is still being done today. I taught Unicycle to probably 15 years of kids. At South Country, I did the same but got a chance to experience teaching Skateboarding, Bicycle Riding and RollerBlading in PE, which was so much fun! At the Kindergarten to Second level, life was very different, but I embraced the need to teach social skills and build emotional strength and good manners.
What is your fondest memory of working in the Bay Shore UFSD?
Now that’s a tough one. So many memories when I think back. One that I will never forget, when bringing Reyneld Curtis’ entire class to Games for the Physically Challenged at Mitchell Field (organized by Mariusz Borkowski). It was a rainy overcast day, and one that makes you think, “what am I doing here?” But our teachers and 4th grade students took the opportunity to cheer for all the athletes performing. In doing so, the smiles and joy and pride was prevalent. The camera people started filming the group and I believe we made the news that year!
What are you looking forward to the most and/or what are your major plans for retirement?
So, I learned to sail over the last few years. My kids will be off to college, and instead of being home sulking in the changes, I’m planning on getting on my Lagoon catamaran with the love of my life, Jim, and my dog, Luna, and heading south to every port that we feel like exploring. Making our way down to the Keys, eventually the Bahamas, and who knows what else. I feel like my future is bright and exciting.
What advice would you give to a new teacher just hired in Bay Shore?
Make every day a learning experience. Don’t be afraid to fail and learn as you are role models for the learning process. Try new things, stay focused on the positive, and don’t fall prey to negativity. Always do your best, and show the students you care every day!
Jon Nelson
How long have your worked in the Bay Shore School District?
I have worked in Bay Shore for all 30 years of my teaching career.
In what school building(s) have you worked?
I have only taught at the high school. While on special assignment as a Secondary Curriculum Coordinator and assistant to the Director of English Language Arts from 2005-2009, I also spent time at the middle school, South Country, and Gardiner Manor.
What grade levels, subjects, and/or special assignments have you taught/experienced?
I started my career as an English teacher at the high school. From 1994-2005, I taught a range of courses including Sophomore Regents English, Junior Regents English, Senior Honors English, Creative Nonfiction (a senior writing elective),
Canon of Poetry, AP English Literature, and Sophomore Humanities (a co-taught double-period English, History, and Art class). From 2005-2009, I was a Secondary Curriculum Coordinator and an assistant to the Director of ELA. During this period, I
continued to teach AP English Literature and volunteered to participate in the initiative to bring the IB Program to Bay Shore High School. After leading the two-year application and authorization process, I was appointed as the IB Coordinator. In the fall of 2009, we launched the IB Diploma Program, and I began teaching Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a course in critical thinking and philosophy that all diploma candidates take as part of the IB Diploma curriculum. For the last fifteen years, I have had the great pleasure of teaching junior and senior IB diploma candidates about the nature of reality, the limits of perception, and the latest findings in cognitive science and asking them to consider how do you know what you know? And why should I believe you when you claim to know something?
I also coached soccer for 16 years at the high school. I began as the Boys JV Soccer Coach from 1994-1999., then took over as the Boys Varsity Soccer Head Coach when John Cody retired in 2000. I coached for the next 10 years with Ross Weber, Stuart
Love, and Jacek Niedzwiecki as my assistant coaches. Last, I co-founded the Creative Writing Club with Matt Pasca in the late 1990s. We launched a new literary magazine called The Writer’s Bloc and created the Poetry Jam, an open mic literary event celebrating the spoken word and providing a platform for aspiring student writers.
What is your fondest memory of working in the Bay Shore UFSD?
There are so many wonderful moments, it’s hard to select just one. I have worked with great people throughout my career and had many varied opportunities and experiences. Working on a daily basis with Margaret Schultz, Pat Ponzi, June Fandale, Joe
D’Antoni and Brian Nava in Humanities 10 was a pleasure and taught me how to teach collaboratively and creatively. Other highlights include having a pint of Guinness with Frank McCourt in the Irish Coffee Pub after the 1997 Ethnic Pen Conference;
Friday afternoons hanging out with Matt Pasca sharing stories and poems with writing club members; and touring Copenhagen by bike and cycling through the anarchist neighborhood of Christiania with Dan Sullivan and the IB Diploma students on the first Denmark Cultural Exchange Trip.
Most of all, though, I will remember the moments of joy and laughter I experienced with all of the students who walked through the doors of my classrooms over the years: dancing with them at prom in my early years, reading Shakespeare, Kafka, and Faulkner with them in the middle years, and discussing philosophical topics in TOK in later years.
What are you looking forward to the most and/or what are your major plans for retirement?
I am looking forward to long, leisurely mornings with a cup of coffee and a good book and traveling to corners of the world that I have only been able to read about.
What advice would you give to a new teacher just hired in Bay Shore?
Whatever you teach, be clear in your mind what you want students to learn while they are with you. Show passion and enthusiasm for your subject. Keep yourself fresh by collaborating with other creative teachers. And last, support and appreciate the unsung heroes in your building: the clerical staff, paras, security guards and custodians.
Bill Blackman
How long have your worked in the Bay Shore School District?
Since September 1996
In what school building(s) have you worked?
Bay Shore High School
What grade levels, subjects, and/or special assignments have you taught/experienced?
K-12 Physical Education/Health
What is your fondest memory of working in the Bay Shore UFSD?
Working with all the great people here
What are you looking forward to the most and/or what are your major plans for retirement?
Relaxing and enjoying the next chapter of my life.
What advice would you give to a new teacher just hired in Bay Shore?
This term was given to me by a friend so I can not take credit for it:
What is your "Tenure Project"
Mine was creating the Crew Team
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