Congrats To Joy FM’s Teachers Of The Month March, April + May 2014!

Big congratulations to our three Teachers Of The Month for March, April and May 2014!

March 2014: John Witkowski, 4th Grade teacher at Buffalo United Charter School

One of Mr. Witkowski's students, Jalen, nominated him for Teacher Of The Month. Here's what he had to say:

Here is the reason that I have decided to nominate Mr. Witkowski as 96.1 Joy FM Teacher Of The Month. Mr. Witkowski is a 4th grade teacher at Buffalo United Charter School. He has taught for 10 + years in the inner city. The reason I like going to school is because I look forward learning something new from him. He makes learning fun and rewarding. He always welcomes me with a warm smile and brightens the day. He makes learning fun by sharing a story and making us laugh. He picks interesting novels for us to read that help me make good decisions in life. Not only is he a teacher, he is like a father to his students. He gives great advice and makes sure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and promotes the idea of college to ALL of his students.

April 2014: Danielle Alterio, 8th Grade English teacher at Starpoint Middle School

Katie Dineen nominated Mrs. Altiero on behalf of her daughter, Katie, and here is what she had to say:

Mrs. Alterio deserves to be named as Teacher Of The Month because no matter what the circumstance is, she is always smiling. She is never upset or angry at anyone, and she is so sweet. She is always there for the students and has a a special connection with them that no other teacher has. She is the reason Starpoint Middle School is one of the BEST schools in Niagara County. She is the reason kids love English. With teachers like her, my daughter loves going to school, and English is her favorite subject. Mrs. Alterio should definitely be the Teacher Of The Month!

May 2014: Robert Costello, 8th Grade Special Ed. teacher at Stanley G. Falk School

Mr. Costello was nominated by his principal, and here is what she had to say:

Robert Costello has been a teacher of at-risk youth for many years at the Falk School Cambridge location in Kenmore. Robert is referred to as "Saint Costello" by parents and staff alike. His firm, fair and consistent. approach to teaching has earned him accolades such as the Star Award. He selfishly gives of his own time after school hours to take students on field trips to places like the SPCA, Niagara Falls and local stores to teach his students how to shop. Other after school activities have included digital photography, art and baking lessons. It should be noted that he not only includes his 6 homeroom students in the activities, but he offers these weekly opportunities to former students who have earned this privilege. When you walk into his classroom, you can feel the positive energy. He uses his classroom kitchen and nearby garden -- right outside his door -- to teach students how to grow vegetables and then use them in a variety of recipes. Every year, his students sponsor a "cafe" and invite staff from the building to their room to be treated to a host of wonderful breakfast options -- including unbelievable Belgian waffles and omelets made to order. His students run the entire operation from hostess to cook and waiter/waitresses. Rob never asks for a penny to make good things happen for his students. He is very deserving of this recognition, and I know many parents would join me in applauding him for a job well done.

As a small token of our appreciation, each teacher received a $50 SpOt Coffee gift card and a pretty sweet Brother MFC-J430w InkJet All-In-One Wireless Printer/Scanner/Copier/Fax Machine, courtesy of Rapid Refill, for the classroom! Their classes were also treated to a pizza party, delivered by Southgate Pizza.

Thanks to all teachers who work so hard every day! Teacher Of The Month will resume in the fall -- so have a wonderful summer vacation!