Meet the Teacher: Ms. Fisher

I was born and raised on the West Side of Buffalo. I love living in our diverse neighborhood!I enjoy taking my dog for walks in the city, spending time with family and friends, traveling, going to concerts, Pilates classes and reading.

I graduated from Niagara University with a Master's degree in elementary education. I have been teaching Pre K for 15 years. Pre K was always my ideal job, and We have a fantastic Pre K curriculum and department in BPS. They make sure we have everything that we need when we need it in order to ensure that every student succeeds.

I'm so very fortunate to work at PS -61. It is truly a home here. The staff and students form very close bonds with each other. Students know how much we love them, and they continue visiting our classrooms daily until they graduate in 4th grade.

Food: sushi & Indian

Color: Purple

Hobby: Traveling

Book: The Book With No Pictures

Holiday: Christmas

Snack: Mangoes & Chocolate

Store: Home Goods

Meet the Teacher: Mrs. Roberts. A little about me: I have been teaching Pre-K at Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction for seven years. I grew up in Buffalo and attended Buffalo Public School #93. My 4th Grade Teacher was my inspiration into becoming a teacher. I never regretted my decision! I love being a teacher! Besides being a teacher, I am a wife and mother of two beautiful daughters! A few of my favorite things are: the beach, camping, coffee, tacos, family. You can contact me at vrroberts, at 716-816-3400 or on class dojo (preferred.)

Meet Mrs. McGarvey About Me: My name is Mrs. McGarvey and I have been a Pre-K teacher for nine years. I have two kids. I love spending time with my family when I am not in the classroom. I love coffee, teaching and traveling. Education: I have my Masters in Elementary Ed and Special Ed. Favorites: Color- Blue, Food- Tacos, Drink- Iced Coffee, Hobby- Hiking. Contact: I love to hear from the families throughout the year. Please contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have. Please contact me through DOJO.

Hi! My name is Mrs. Vangelista, and I am in my third year of teaching kindergarten. I have been teaching at Arthur o. Eve #61 for six years. I love teaching and working with children. Watching children learn and grow through reading and creativity is such a joy. You can reach me via phone at 716-816-3400 or on Class Dojo (preferred.)

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction #61!  My name is Mrs. Miller (Special Education Teacher).   I will have the pleasure of teaching your child this upcoming school year.  I have been working at this school for the past 19 years in various types of classrooms and grades.   It is my belief that a child's success is based on a cooperative parent/teacher relationship.  I look forward to working with you throughout the year. 

We also, will have the pleasure of working with Miss. McGruder (Teacher Aide).    Miss. McGruder has experience working with young children.   We are excited to be working together to meet all the needs of your children.

I hope you and your child enjoyed the summer and that you are ready to embark on an important time in your child's life.   As your child starts in kindergarten, one of the biggest changes that you will see in the day is that there are no more naps.  This can be a huge adjustment for students, especially those that are coming from a Pre-K program that have a built-in nap time.  As the year goes on, they will adjust.  Please make sure they are getting a good night’s rest to help transition them.    Below, you will find classroom expectations:

Classroom Rules and Expectations:

1.        Students are to come into school every day ready to learn.

2.       When in the hallway, students are walking quietly in a straight line.

3.        Eyes are watching.

4.       Ears are listening. 

5.       Voices are quiet.

6.       Bodies are calm.

CLASS DOJO

     -This will be our main form of communication.  This is where I will post updates about what is going on in the classroom.  I check DOJO throughout the day and will respond in a timely manner.  I do try to take pictures throughout the day as well. 

TAKE HOME FOLDER

   -Every night your child will bring home a take home folder.  There are two sides to the folder.

          -KEEP AT HOME-this will be work that is completed and needs to stay at home.  You can keep these things. 

         -RETURN TO SCHOOL- this will consist of things that either myself or the school needs returned to us. 

Please make sure that this folder is checked every single night and cleaned out.  We appreciate your help with this. 

Grades

   -All grades will be unweighted.  We will be using a holistic approach when grading this year.  That means we will be looking at the assignment as a whole.   This allows me to balance the various elements of an assignment once I receive my students’ work and notice any aspects that my students have struggled with.

Homework Policy

   -Students will start having homework sent home with them nightly starting in the middle of the month.  The homework that we send home will be review on what we have learned that day.  Homework needs to be sent back to school completed daily.  There will be NO homework on Friday’s.  Please try and read with your child for 20 minutes every single night.  This will really help them to become more confident readers. 

IPAD

 -Students will be bringing their iPad to and from school daily.  Students need to come to school with a fully charged iPad.  Students NEED their iPad every day.  They will be using them throughout the day for both CORE 5, Lexi, and Mobby Max. 

We are so excited for this school year.  We are going to have so much fun!  We can’t wait to see all the amazing things that your child will accomplish! 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me by text at 716-574-0944, Class Dojo, or by email at lmmiller with any questions or concerns that you may have.   I will get back to you in a timely manner.   

Sincerely,

Mrs. Miller

Miss. McGruder

 Hello! My name is Dana Simson. I've worked as a BPS kindergarten teacher for the past 11 years and am looking forward to my third year at Arthur O. Eve! Kindergarten is such an exciting year designed to promote and enhance growth and development. Students will participate in a variety of hands-on and interactive experiences that incorporate all academic areas. These skills will become the building blocks for your child’s future success in both school and life! You can reach me via phone at 716-816-3400 or on Class Dojo.

Hello, my name is Jennifer Pritchard. I am a first-grade teacher at AOE. I teach ELA to both my homeroom and Mrs. Balzer’s homeroom. This is my sixteenth year with Buffalo Public Schools. I love teaching! When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my family!

Contact me at jpritchard, or on ClassDoJo.

My name is Lisa Balzer and I teach First Grade at AOE. I have many years of experience teaching first grade. My mission is to instill a love for learning in all my students. I believe all children can learn and should be given the opportunity to develop in ways that recognize their individuality.

Contact Me:

Mrs. Lisa Balzer

716-816-3400 lmbalzer

Grade 1 Room 204

All About Me:

This is my 20th year as a teacher (and my 19th year at School 61). The faculty and students at this school have truly become part of my family. Speaking of family, my actual family is filled with teachers- my husband is a high school history teacher, my oldest son is a high school special education teacher, my daughter is a building sub here at School 61, and my youngest son is currently in college to become a physical education teacher.

Important:

*Classroom 3 (basement)

*BDF: Sneakers for P.E.

*Extra clothes for locker

*Grading will be on participation, classwork, and homework completion.

Meet the⭑TEACHER✶Hi there! My name is Ms. Kwiatek

Contact Me:

Message: Class Dojo

E-mail: ckwiatek

Expectations:

*Daily communication through take home folder, needs to be signed!!!!

• Homework is completed on time

•Daily Reading is required

• Expectations are high and

rigorous!

⚫ BDF Sneakers for GYM

• Extra clothes for locker

Hi! I'm Ms. K!

I have been teaching for 18

years, I have been at A.O.E

for most of them. I love to

read, be outdoors, bike ride,

and spend time with my 3

children. I also love the

Buffalo Bills!!!! Lets GO

BUFFALO!!

My name is Kitrina Graves and I have been teaching my whole career here at Arthur O. Eve #61. This will be my 20th year teaching. I have previously taught fourth and third grades, along with second grade. This has given me great insight in knowing what your student will need to succeed in the future. I only teach Math and Science.

My preferred type of communication is Class Dojo. Please message me. I check it multiple times during the day. I will also be sharing on Class Story the nightly homework. I do not check messages on Dojo after 3:00pm. If you are not on Dojo, you can email me at kgraves or call to leave a message for me in the office.

A fun fact about me is that I am a HUGE animal lover. One day I hope to open an animal sanctuary to be surrounded by animals!

A fun fact about me is that I am a HUGE animal lover. One day I hope to open an animal sanctuary to be surrounded by animals!

Hello Arthur O. Eve School Community,

My name is Mallory Koch, and I am so excited to be joining the Arthur O. Eve team this school year. I have been teaching in Buffalo Public Schools for 11 years, spending most of my time teaching first grade at Hillery Park Elementary.

I believe strongly in working together to best support students and I am looking forward to learning from all of you, collaborating and being part of the A.O.E community.

Outside of school, my husband and I live in Lancaster with our two daughters, Harper (7) and Hadley (3). We enjoy spending time together as a family, exploring new places and making memories.

I am truly excited for this next chapter and the opportunity to become part of the Arthur O. Eve community. I look forward to meeting everyone and working together throughout the year!

Best,

Mallory Koch

MEET THE...teacher!

Welcome back! I am Ms. Bryant and I am so excited to be your child's 3rd Grade Math teacher and cannot wait to dive into an amazing year of learning!

Third grade math brings many new concepts, including place value, addition/subtraction, multiplication/division, fractions, time, measurement, money, geometry, and multi-step word problems.

Some skills may be challenging, but we can and will persevere!

Our goal is to turn "I can't" into "I CAN!"

Pencil us in for another awesome year here at A.O.E.!

A litle about me: I am a mom of two-an 8-year-old boy and a 10-month-old baby girl.

I love traveling, spending time with family and friends, shopping, camping, kickball, and, of course, teaching!

ARTHUR

School's Three Big Butterflies:

Promoting Literacy throughout the curriculum to enrich student learning

Problem-solving and critical thinking through the Arts

+ Data Driven Instruction to improve student achievement

This year, students will take the NYS Math and ELA Assessments, so regular attendance and punctuality are extremely important for keeping up with instruction and classwork.

Math grades will include tests, quizzes, homework/participation, classwork, and projects. Math homework packets will be sent home on Thursdays and are due the following Friday.

Please remember thatunexcused absences may result in missed work not being eligible for make-up credit.

ClassDojo is the fastest and most reliable way to reach me. I look forward to working together to help your child succeed!

Hello, my name is Ms. Rosa. I am a special education teacher and I have been teaching for 22 years. This year I am a teacher in a 4th grade self-contained classroom. Before I became a teacher, I worked in the mental health field as a caseworker and later as a supervising counselor. It is during this time that I worked in a school setting providing services to students, their families, and the school community. I loved working in the classroom and watching children learn and grow as unique individuals. I made the decision to change careers and went back to school to become a teacher and haven't looked back.

Hello! My name is Mrs. Barrett. I teach third grade ELA and social studies.

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to me through:

Email: kfitzgerald

Class DOJO (***Preferred method)

My name is Ms. McLaughlin, and I am excited to be teaching Third Grade ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science this year in at AOE.

This is my 10th year with Buffalo Public Schools and my third year at AOE. I enjoy creating an engaging and supportive classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn.

I believe all students can learn and grow when they are supported, encouraged, and challenged. My goal is to help students build confidence, strengthen their skills, and develop a love of learning.

Contact Me:
Ms. Elisabeth McLaughlin
Grade 3, Room 202
Phone: 716-816-3400
Email: eamclaughlin

I look forward to partnering with students and families for a successful and rewarding school year!

Hello!

My name is Laci Zywar, I am the math and social studies second grade teacher here at School 61 Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction. I am so excited to be part of this school.This is my first year at this school, and my fourth year in the Buffalo Public School District. This is my eighth-year teaching overall. I am so excited to get to know your children and help them grow.

You can contact me by calling the school at (8716)816-3400, Dojo, or email at lzywar.k. 

Hello! I am Mrs. Fischer and I teach 4th grade. I have been teaching for 21 years, and all of those years have been at #61!

My husband teaches future nurses at a local college and I have a 14 year old daughter who loves to read, just like me!

Expectations:

Homework is assigned Tuesday-Thursday

Daily reading is a must!

Reminders:

Classroom 212 (2nd floor)

Gym class (sneakers) BDF Days

Connect with me on Class DOJO!

I am very excited to work with your children this year and foster a rigorous and nurturing academic environment for them to learn and grow in.

Fourth grade is a very important year for your children. In April, there is the New York State English Language Arts assessment, followed by the New York State Math Assessment. During May and June we will be giving New York State Science Assessment. It is our goal that your child will be prepared for these exams and confident in their abilities.

In preparing for these tests, we ask for your help. Please encourage your child to read to you nightly for at least 30 minutes.Homework is very important also. Students will receive spelling, math, and ELA homework on a regular basis. We will be using a daily planner that will communicate assignments and messages home. Students will have a take home folder that should be checked every night for school handouts as well as assignments. It should be completed to the best ability and turned in on time. Homework is not a punishment, but an aide in your child’s learning.

We will be using Class Dojo as a positive behavior reinforcement system in the classroom and will be sending information regarding it in the beginning of the year.

Our approach to grading is comprised of 3 categories: classwork, tests, and projects. Students will mark in their planners when tests are approaching.

For this year, your child will need these supplies:

2 Composition or spiral notebooks

2 Folders

Pencils

One package of loose-leaf paper

Crayons or colored pencils

Erasers

1 boxes of tissue

A healthy snack to share

Ms. Gilmartin

4th Grade ELA and Social Studies

Email: jagilmartin1

Class Dojo is the best form of communication.

I am a 4th grade teacher at The Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction #61. I have taught all of the core subjects and will be focusing on Math, Science, ELA & Math RTI, as well as NYS Test Prep. This year is a very important year for our students as the tackle the New York State Tests as well as plan their school choices for 5th grade. We have a fun, challenging year ahead filled with new curriculum, and academic opportunities. Our main mode of communication will be through Class Dojo. We appreciate your ongoing support throughout the year.

Mr. Robson

Email:nrobson

Class Dojo is the best form of communication.

Henri Star Muhammad has been teaching Violin in Buffalo Public Schools for 26 years, and begins his 10th year at the Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction 61.

The AOE program has grown from exclusively offering Violin, to now a full string orchestra including Violin, Viola, Cello, and String Bass; making the Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction one of the only early childhood center string programs in Western New York.

As a nationally recognized professional violinist and educator Mr. Muhammad has made his life's work sharing the gift of the Violin and Classical Music.

hmuhammad

Connor Graham is excited to join the School 61 community as the Theatre teacher. A graduate of the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from the University at Buffalo, a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre from The Ohio State University, and an Advanced Certificate in Educational Theatre from Adelphi University. Mr. Graham later returned to his BPS alma mater, where he taught theatre for four years and directed a variety of productions.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Graham works professionally as an actor, director, and magician throughout Western New York. He enjoys bringing his experiences as a performing artist into the classroom to help students build creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.

Mr. Graham believes every student has the ability to grow as a performer and creative thinker, regardless of previous experience. He is passionate about creating a classroom where students feel welcomed, challenged, and encouraged to take creative risks while supporting one another.

Outside of school, Mr. Graham enjoys watching plays and movies, taking walks outside, and spending time with his family. He looks forward to getting to know the students, families, and staff at School 61 and becoming a part of the school community.

My Name is Natasha Perkins and I am the Dance Teacher for AOE. I am also a Professional Dancer, Choreographer and Community Artists. My career has led me to dance and train in places such as New York City, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Alaska and many more. Currently I perform with two companies in Buffalo, New York.

When I'm not in rehearsals, I work with Buffalo Niagara Film, Sheas Performing Arts, Ujima Theater, Coordinate Festivals and go to school part-time.

I believe "The true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more professional dancers or artists. {It's} to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds and who can lead productive lives."

nrperkins

About Me:
Greetings! I am currently in my 16th year of teaching music and my 13th year in the city of Buffalo. I earned my BA from Fredonia and my MA from UB. My primary instrument is the guitar! I love being a Music Teacher and believe that the arts play a critical role in ensuring that our students reach their highest potential.

Contact: 716-816-3400

mwarren

Fun Facts:

I have two children with my wife. I enjoy running and playing guitar in my free time. My favorite food is tacos. My favorite color is red.

Hello PARENTS/GUARDIANS!!!!

Let me first say thank you for all your hard work...I know without YOU we couldn't succeed.

I am excited to welcome back ALL the students to the ART ROOM!!!

My name is Tracy Rose and I am the Arts Coordinator for AOE. I’m the person to contact regarding Arts Integration, field trips, fundraisers and the school musical. I am also the school’s Guardian of Equity.

This is my 25th year in the Buffalo Public Schools. I’m an art teacher with experience and training in Arts Integration and Culturally Relevant Instruction. I love working at AOE!

Outside of school, I am the volunteer Social Media Manager, and often Artistic Director, for Starry Night Theatre, Inc. My family includes my husband, two daughters, and three dogs.

You can reach me at trose

Hello! Reading and writing are 'big deal' skills that are not automatic for anyone. As 61's Literacy Coach, I'm responsible for upholding a vibrant and engaging literacy culture that embraces research-based best practices, supporting all students as they learn to read- how they learn to read. Part of my responsibility is continually analyzing data to inform instruction and intervention across all grade levels- so your child gets the differentiated instruction they need to transition smoothly from 'learning to read' to 'reading to learn', and enjoy it! Please join me in this mission- one way to start is by visiting my Coach page for at-home literacy tips and resources. See you soon!

MEET YOUR TEACHER!

Mrs. Fischer

Hello! I am so excited to be entering my 17th year teaching, and my fifth year as a GT teacher at #61. This year I’m looking forward to some exciting projects with our K-4 GT students as well as continuing to teach Type 1 classes to all students at A.O.E.

About me: I live in Buffalo with my husband and our two sons, Oliver and Henry. My boys go to BPS schools (7th and 3rd grade) during the day and and we spend most of our evenings on the soccer field. We love all of our Buffalo Sports teams, especially the Buffalo Bills!

What I teach:

Gifted and Talented.

I see all identified GT students 4 times a 6 day cycle. I also get to work with all grade levels (K-4) once a month. In GT we focus on creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Contact Me!

Mrs. Kristen Fischer

A.O.E. #61

716-816-3400

kfischer2

Class Dojo

I like: Singing

• The Bills

• Cooking

• Traveling

• Teaching

• The Beach

I am excited to start a new school year full of activity and learning with your child(ren)! This will be my 16th year teaching P.E. and my 12th school year at Arthur O. Eve. I am excited to have this opportunity to get to know your child(ren) and help them achieve their best in Physical Education!

Sneaker Policy:

As a reminder, it is very important to make sure your child is wearing sneakers whenever they have Physical Education. As per BPS, students who do not wear sneakers will have to sit out of PE due to safety concerns.

Contact Me:

(716)816-3400

rdanvir

When does my child have PE with Coach Danvir?

Kdg-Mrs. Vangelista: B,D,F

Kdg-Ms. Simson: A,C,E

Kdg-Mrs. Gentzler: B,D,F

1st-Mrs. Pritchard: A,C,E

2nd-Ms. Graves: A,C,E

2nd-Ms. Zwyer: B,D,F

3rd- Mrs. Barrett: A,C,E

3rd- Mrs. Bryant: B,D,F

4th- Mrs. Gilmartin & Mrs. Fischer: B,D,F

4th-Mr. Robson- A,C,E

Hello everyone, I am Mr. Webster. I am in my 27th year as a Physical Education teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools and my fourth at School #61. During my teaching career I have had the opportunity to be a lead instructor for the Buffalo Public Schools for the SPARK, Yoga4Classrooms and C.A.T.C.H. curriculums. I look forward to implementing these instruction strategies at Arthur O. Eve.

Contact Me:

(716)816-3400

mwebster

Hello! My name is Mrs. Lisa Harris and I’m the ENL teacher at Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction #61. I’m dedicated to the support and development of our MLL/ELL. I currently hold a professional NYS-certification in TESOL education for students in grades K-12. . I have been working in this role for nine years, in Buffalo schools for 14 years and in the early childhood field for 28 years. Although I started my education career focused on early childhood with an undergraduate degree from SUNY at Buffalo, I discovered an additional passion with an emphasis on TESOL.

Most of my time is spent caring for family and friends including my 4 adult children and my 6 grandchildren. Any excess time is spent fellowshiping and volunteering at my church.

Fun Fact! My hidden talent and favorite hobby is event planning and decorating.

Below you will find a link to my google classroom where you can click on various objects and symbols in the slide to access additional links to fun and valuable ENL resources.

Contact me at lbaldwin

Hello Friends, My name is John Grannell. I am a reading specialist at BPS# 61. This school year marks my 20th year working in the Buffalo Public Schools. As a reading specialist, my primary focus is to work with small groups during our Response to Intervention (RTI) block. I also have the opportunity to work with the entire student body, and to work closely with parents and staff to develop strategic lessons that enrich the reading curriculum. I am fortunate to work with a professional and highly skilled staff who are always eager to learn the newest literacy trends to add to their repertoire of teaching strategies.

You can reach me via phone

716-816-3400

or email

jgrannell

My name is Marissa Carroll, a speech teacher at AOE! As an SLP, I aim to provide your child with the necessary skills for achieving effective communication throughout their daily life.

I can be reached at mlhayes or by phone at 716-816-3400 ext. 1019.

Karen Miller MS,ccc,SLP

Hello, my name is Mrs. Karen Miller and I am the Speech and Language Pathologist here at Arthur O. Eve school#61. I am here to provide remediation for all types of speech production and language based disorders.

My contact information is: kemiller or you can reach me at 716-816-3400 ext. 1019

I am the full-time social worker here at BPS 61. I have been with BPS for 11 years and love working with elementary school kids. I have been a social worker for 31 years. I have been married for 28 years and have two daughters, Emma (25) and Anna (22). I also have my two dogs, who are my babies, Tinker Belle and Vienna. In my spare time, I like to travel and read. As a member of the Student Support Team, I look forward to partnering with our families in helping our students succeed. Our team provides tailored interventions to meet each student's unique needs. My direct extension is 716-816-3902.