Feature Stories
Three teachers, one opening day
How they set the groundwork for another successful school year
Meet the teachers
Kamor Olayokun (‘Mr. O’), 3rd-grade self-contained special education, PS 78, Staten Island
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Jonathan Fickies
Revving up with a run. I woke up at a quarter to five. I like to do a morning run to get my day going so I’m active and prepared for the first day. The whole time I was focused on what I should expect. I think of it as a sports team — I would be the coach and they would be my players — and that’s what I thought about during my run. Read more >>
Margentina Floratos, 6th- and 7th-grade social studies, Spring Creek Community School, Brooklyn
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Dave Sanders
Pastries for everyone. I got up at 5 a.m. and got ready for work. I made Greek desserts to welcome our new staff. I think it’s important to not only have a warm welcome for students, but teachers as well. And sugary delights during the day give us a high energy level! So I carted in my trays of cookies. Read more >>
Monique Jackson-Dickens (‘Mrs. J-D’), 11th- and 12th-grade math, HS for Law, Advocacy and Community Justice, Manhattan
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Maria Bastone
First-day jitters. I started my day at 4:30 a.m. I really couldn’t sleep; I was restless and stressed, thinking about wanting to make sure my classroom was just right for my students. I’m a sixth-year teacher and tenured, and I still feel like that on the first day. Read more >>