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Teacher of the Month: Melissa Yekulis

This month we are excited to honor Ms. Yekulis as the Teacher of the Month.  Ms. Yekulis actually received TWO nominations this month and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to recognize her.  Congratulations Ms. Yekulis.

1.  Submitted by Tracey Hock, parent

Why does this teacher deserve to be recognized? How does this teacher make a difference in his/her student lives?

Miss Yekulis has been a tremendous blessing to our family.  One of my daughters is currently enrolled in her 3rd grade classroom and the changes I’ve seen in her this past year have been incredible.  With the consistent love and support from Miss Yekulis, Sara confidence in herself as well as academically is so much better than where it used to be.   Miss Yekulis has taken the time to get to know each child in her classroom and has the gift of wisdom to know how to advance that child beyond our expectations.  She goes beyond the call of duty everyday by making phone calls to each parent or guardian every month to provide the parents with feedback on how their child is doing as well as giving us an opportunity to discuss any concerns we may have.  She is always willing to listen and help in any way.  Her day doesn’t end at 3:10.  Many times when we’ve driven by the school after 8pm, Sara will say “look Miss Yekulis is still there!”  She is at the school many nights preparing for the next day, making phone calls to parents or preparing her nightly video for the children homework on Schoology.  Sara absolutely loves to do her homework every night.  Miss Yekulis puts together a video, which is sometimes very comical and then prepares a quiz to go along with the video.    She has also asked that each child do a “Monthly Book Report”, where they must choose a book they’ve read beyond or at their reading level, prepare a letter to the author and then prepare a “Project Presentation”, which can consist of a diorama, movie poster, commercial or video prepared on an ipad, which can be presented to the classroom.   The children also have the option of doing a monthly “Country Report” where they would research a chosen country and present this to the classroom.  She provides easy and detailed information for them to be able to do this.   She provides a warm and safe environment for the children to be at ease with presenting their projects.  She is never pushy but kindly encourages each and every child to do their personal best.  In addition to all of this, the classroom had a new student arrive after the holidays.  She is a young girl who only spoke Spanish.   Miss Yekulis prepared the students for the arrival of her and they have embraced her.  Miss Yekulis has fully engaged the children in learning Spanish.  Through grants and donations, she was able to purchase books and materials to help the young girl as well as the students, learn how to speak to one another.   She is also a facilitator for the Love and Logic Curriculum and has taught many of these classes.  She provides articles and helpful information on her weekly parent letter from Love and Logic, which has helped us on many occasions with both of our daughters.  Miss Yekulis’ impact on Sara life will forever be a blessing to us.  We can’t thank her enough for the incredible amount of time, love, support, understanding and dedication she has provided in our child life.  Thank you

2.  Submitted by Michelle Jedele, parent

Why does this teacher deserve to be recognized? How does this teacher make a difference in his/her student lives?

She puts 110% into preparing for and teaching the kids. Her dedication and caring are outstanding and we are so fortunate to have her in our child’s life.

Do you have a personal story that demonstrates this teacher character and commitment?

She has on many occasions taken the time to check in with parents to let them know how their child is doing and allows for any questions or concerns to be addressed.  She puts in countless hours to make sure the kids are getting the best education possible!

The Mirror somewhat surprised Ms. Yekulis by showing up to take pictures on Friday morning before Spring Break.  We later received an e-mail from her with the following message:
The one big thought I had was the importance of having a great team, and I have truly been blessed by that. I have a principal who loves every child that walks in the door and peers who are exceptional mentors. The special education and Title 1 staff devote every waking moment to the success and betterment of our students. The office staff and the custodians keep me laughing every day and night and bring joy to me and every child in the building. The para professionals…there are no words to express the gift they have been to my life. Every para I have worked with in that building is devoted to the children they work with, and have enriched and blessed my life with their wisdom, compassion, and kindness. They have pushed me to be the best that I can be, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. And my own parents, they are the ones that have put me on my path and pushed me to do the right thing, persevere, and also keep the greater good of my students at the forefront of my mind.I truly am blessed by all of these people, and I share this award with all of them, because they are the village that have brought me to where I am today.

by News News