BCSD introduced a monthly highlight on its teachers and staff last school year. This is a monthly feature that highlights teachers from each school building and new this year a non-instructional district staff member. In the first feature for the 2021-2022 school year get to know a little more about Mr. Turetsky, Ms. Gilbert, Ms. Montgomery Breh and Ms. Staples.
BCSD will quote the featured staffs’ responses to a light-hearted questionnaire. This is an opportunity for the staff at BCSD to share a little about themselves as well as offer some advice from their perspective.
Mr. Matt Turetsky
Berlin Elementary School
Fifth Grade Math Teacher
1. What is your favorite memory from school?
My favorite memory from school came during high school. Growing up in New York City I had the opportunity to join an after school activity called SING. This was a musical performance that was completely student run. There were three teams; seniors, juniors and sophomores/freshmen. Each team was then divided into actors, musicians, and stage crew. As a guitar player I joined the musicians. We were tasked at learning several popular songs of the nineties such as the theme song for the Friends sitcom. Each year the nights of the performances were super exciting, but what I remember most was the comradery established among my fellow classmates throughout the weeks of preparing for the big show. My friends and I still reminisce and laugh about these days.
2. What would the students be surprised to find out about you? What is one of your hidden talents?
My students would probably be surprised to learn that one of my favorite hobbies is to run. I love to compete in 5k races. My other hobby, which I consider one of my hidden talents, is playing the guitar. I have been playing since I was thirteen. My dream is to one day be able to play with confidence in front of an audience as an adult .
3. What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
A “good day” at school is when my classroom is filled with energy from my students. I enjoy it when my students are eager to participate with hands constantly raised and the looks on their faces showing they are having a good time. I always love when my students are leaving my room surprised at how quick the class went. That is when I am confident they were engaged and happy to be learning. This is a “good day”.
4. What kinds of questions do you suggest that I ask my child(ren) on a daily basis after a day at school?
I would suggest you ask your child three questions on a daily basis.
- What do you feel like you improved on today?
- What did you do to help someone in your school? If you didn’t do it today, what could you do tomorrow?
- What did you do today that you are proud of, or made you feel good about yourself?
5. What are the best resources that we should consider using to support our child in the classroom?
One of the best resources we should use in our classroom is our community. I have had parents come into my room to help me in the past. I have also had community members come in to present to our students. We have very talented people all around us.
6. If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
If I could take my students on a field trip anywhere in the world I would probably choose Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. I know this is right around the corner when we are talking about the world, but when I was in eighth grade I took a field trip to Ellis Island and it was one of my favorite school trips. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to walk on the island that so many of our ancestors stepped foot on when entering this country. There are so many great history lessons there.
7. What is your “trapped on a desert island” book?
I think my trapped on a desert island would have to be some type of survival book. I know a Stephen King or a sci-fi book would be a good way to get my mind off of being trapped on a desert island, but I would prefer to know how to survive.
Ms. Ariel Gilbert
Berlin Middle School
English Language Arts Teacher
1. What is your favorite memory from school?
My seventh grade math teacher had a way of making learning math fun. He used real-world scenarios that connected to what we were learning. He was always smiling and positive. Every day he stood outside his door wishing everyone who passed a “Good Morning.” He had a great sense of humor and made you want to push yourself to do your best.
2. What would the students be surprised to find out about you? What is one of your hidden talents?
I have been playing the piano since I was five years old and was very involved in music in school. I played flute in band, bass piano in jazz band, played and sang in talent shows and was the accompaniment for the middle school chorus. I had the privilege of playing a piano duet with my daughter at a recital.
3. What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
A good day at school is when students feel comfortable enough in my classroom to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or questions about what we are reading or discussing. In doing so, I know I have created a safe environment for students to learn and share in.
4. What kinds of questions do you suggest that I ask my child(ren) on a daily basis after a day at school?
As a parent, the key for me to get my own kids to talk about school was to dig deeper into their responses or ask questions in a different way if their response was just one word. I also found that asking and talking with my kids in the car or on a walk gave them the space to open up about their day. Some questions I would start with are, “Did you learn something new or different today that you didn’t know about or found interesting? Are you interested in finding out more about this? What was your favorite part about today or what frustrated you today and why?”
5. What are the best resources that we should consider using to support our child in the classroom?
The key to supporting your child in the classroom is communication. If you have any questions or concerns, always reach out to the teacher. Checking your child’s planner daily or Schoology is a great way to see what work he/she has coming up and if they are struggling in any classes.
6. If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
Some of the best field trips I have taken students on are within the United States. There is a lot of history to learn about, museums, zoos, and memorials to see while having fun. Some of my favorite trips with students have been to Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC and NYC and where I would like to take future students too. We have different types of experiences, see different cultures, and create friendships beyond the classroom. Every trip is unique with different students and families.
7. What is your “trapped on a desert island” book?
I love reading historical fiction books. I find it fascinating to read about history and other cultures. I have learned about past events and places in the United States and around the world that I would have never experienced or known about if not through a book. I would be sure to grab a book by Kristin Hannah; she is one of my favorite authors.
Ms. Kristen Montgomery Breh
Berlin High School
English Language Arts Teacher
1. What is your favorite memory from school?
I don’t have many. School was tough for me. I felt invisible and didn’t find relevance in what I was learning. Now, those memories motivate me to help kids have – what I hope is – a better experience.
2. What would the students be surprised to find out about you? What is one of your hidden talents?
I can dance – practically any kind. I danced for ten years in my youth – all different genres, but ballet and pointe were my favorites.
3. What makes a ‘good day’ at school?
A good day is when I know a student is pushing themselves to try something new as a reader/writer/thinker, that they trust me and feel safe enough to allow me to stretch them. A good day is when a former student says hi. A good day is when a parent reaches out with a question or just to check in or say thanks. A good day is when the learning feels meaningful.
4. What kinds of questions do you suggest that I ask my child(ren) on a daily basis after a day at school?
It doesn’t necessarily matter which questions you ask so much as the genuine interest and persistence in showing that you genuinely care, as well as the patience to push through the teenage apathy and independence. I struggle with my own kids too, but the more you make it a part of the conversation you share, the easier it is for them to open up and talk about all the things that go on during their day.
5. What are the best resources that we should consider using to support our child in the classroom?
Read together. Anything and everything. Just read.
6. If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
The islands of Hawai’i – the natural beauty and grandeur of the mountains, shorelines, and volcanoes are unimaginably sublime.
7. What is your “trapped on a desert island” book?
This question is torture. I’m a big book nerd and read about 100 books per year – print, electronic, and audio – I love them all. The Help would be my choice. Aibileen is my favorite character: “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”
Ms. Barbara Staples
BCSD Transportation Department
Bus Driver
1. What is your favorite memory from school?
Playing soccer.
2. What would the students be surprised to find out about you? What is one of your hidden talents?
I used to make chocolates and candies. A hidden talent of mine is my homemade chocolate chip cookies.
3. What makes a ‘good day’ on your bus?
When all of the students are behaving by meeting the expectations on the school bus and I don’t have to tell anyone to stay in their seat.
4. What do you love most about being a part of the BCSD Transportation Department?
The people-I like people and I am a social bug.
5. If you could take the students on a field trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
Disney World!
6. What is your “trapped on a desert island” book?
The Notebook