✨ Spotlight on Excellence ✨
Employee of the Week
At 82nd Street Academics, we believe in celebrating the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff. Each week, we recognize an Employee of the Week who goes above and beyond to make a positive impact on our students, families, and team.
This recognition highlights individuals who exemplify our values, show outstanding commitment, and contribute to creating a supportive and enriching environment. Join us in celebrating their achievements and dedication!
Check back each week to see who’s making a difference! 🎉
🌟Dylan Perera and Emil Balic 🌟
(PS 280)
This week, we’re thrilled to celebrate Dylan Perera and Emil Balic, two incredible team members whose hard work, dedication, and heart have made a lasting impact at 82nd Street Academics.
Dylan Perera, our 4th Grade Lead Coach, has consistently brought structure, creativity, and care to the classroom. From supporting Homework Help to using his artistic talents to make Art class exciting and engaging, Dylan has gone above and beyond for his students.
Over the years, he has worked closely with both 4th and 5th grade groups, watching them grow and advance with pride. Having been with us for over five years, Dylan’s departure is bittersweet as he prepares to return to school and reach the final stretch toward graduation. We’ll miss his helping hand, team spirit, and the joy he brought to students and staff alike. We wish him all the best on this next chapter, your 82nd Street family is cheering you on, Dylan.
Emil Balic, our 5th Grade Lead Coach, has done a phenomenal job creating a safe, supportive, and dynamic learning environment for his students. Whether it’s finding new ways to make math and literacy engaging or simply being a positive presence in the classroom, Emil has shown incredible commitment and care. Though he has only been with us for about a year, his impact has been powerful. As the school year and his time with us comes to a close, we’re proud to share that Emil is graduating this year. Congratulations, Mr. B. We are excited to see all the amazing things ahead for you.
Please join us in thanking Dylan and Emil for everything they’ve done. You’ve made a difference in the lives of your students and teammates, and your legacy will live on here at 82nd Street Academics.🌟
🌟Sandra Jimenez 🌟
(Main Site Early Childhood TA)
From May 19th to May 23rd
We are thrilled to announce that Sandra Jimenez, Teaching Assistant from the Early Childhood Program, has been selected as our Employee of the Week! Sandra has been an invaluable member of our team, bringing a friendly, caring, and nurturing presence to the classroom. She plays a key role in supporting the children in our 3K program, always ensuring that each child feels valued and encouraged.
Sandra’s dedication to her professional growth is equally inspiring. She is currently enrolled at LaGuardia Community College, working hard to further her education in Early Childhood Development. We are so proud of her commitment to both her students and her own growth as an educator.
Congratulations, Sandra, on this well-deserved recognition! Your passion for teaching and the positive impact you make on the lives of the children and families in our program does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all that you do! 🌟
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🌟Mr. Admir 🌟
(Afterschool Ren 1)
From May 12th to May 16th
We’re thrilled to recognize Mr. Admir as our Employee of the Week! Mr. Admir has consistently gone above and beyond in his role, stepping up when the program needed support the most. His dedication, initiative, and strong sense of ownership have made a significant and positive impact on our team.
Whether it was ensuring that every need was met, offering a helping hand, or showing flexibility during challenging times, Mr. Admir's leadership and commitment to the success of the program have been truly invaluable. His reliability, positive attitude, and tireless effort set an incredible example for everyone.
Thank you, Mr. Admir, for your outstanding contributions and for embodying the spirit of teamwork and excellence. We appreciate everything you do!
🌟Ms. Dee 🌟
(Afterschool Ren 2)
From April 14th to April 18th, 2025
We are excited to recognize Ms. Dee as our Staff of the Week! She consistently impresses us with her exceptional lesson plans, which are meticulously crafted to foster a safe and nurturing environment for her students.
Ms. Dee’s engaging lessons capture her students' attention and encourage their active participation, making learning both fun and effective. Her reliability and flexibility make her an invaluable asset to our team, and she always goes above and beyond to instill a sense of responsibility and accountability in her students.
We are deeply grateful for her unwavering dedication and the positive impact she has on our learning community.
Thank you, Ms. Dee, for all that you do!
🌟Sheila Arevalo 🌟
(Afterschool Hunters Point)
From April 7th to April 11th, 2025
Sheila Arevalo has truly earned the spotlight as our Employee of the Week. Her dedication, professionalism, and heart for service have made a meaningful impact across our entire program. Whether it’s supporting teachers in the classroom, stepping in to assist students with compassion, or helping behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly, Sheila consistently shows up with a can-do attitude and a warm smile.
She’s the kind of team member who anticipates needs, offers help without hesitation, and inspires others through her actions. Her calm demeanor and collaborative spirit create a positive ripple effect that lifts those around her. Sheila doesn’t just do her job—she goes the extra mile to ensure that every child, family, and coworker feels seen, supported, and valued.
We are beyond grateful to have Sheila as part of our 82nd Street Academics family. Her work ethic and kind heart truly make her one of a kind! 💛
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🌟 Ashley 🌟
Lead Teacher, 1st Grade (Afterschool Main Site)
From March 31st, 2025 to April 4th, 2025
We are excited to celebrate Ashley as our Employee of the Week! Ashley has been with us for nearly two years, and during that time, she has consistently gone above and beyond to create engaging, thoughtful lesson plans that inspire her students.
Her dedication to celebrating every milestone her students achieve is truly remarkable, and she ensures that each day is filled with a balance of fun and learning. Ashley’s focus on creating an inclusive and exciting learning environment has made her a beloved teacher among both her students and colleagues.
We are so grateful for Ashley’s hard work, passion, and commitment to the success and well-being of her students! Keep shining, Ashley! 🌟
🌟 Joana Ramos 🌟
PS280 - 4th Grade Lead Teacher
From March 24th, 2025 to March 28th, 2025
We are thrilled to recognize Ms. Joana Ramos as our Employee of the Week for her outstanding dedication to her 4th grade class and their families! 🍎✨
Ms. Joana consistently creates engaging and meaningful projects that captivate her students' interest, making learning both fun and impactful. Beyond the classroom, she goes the extra mile by sharing these wonderful accomplishments with families on ClassDojo, ensuring they feel connected to their children’s after-school journey. 💻📚
Her caring and nurturing attitude fosters a positive classroom environment where every student feels safe, valued, and supported. Her commitment to inclusivity and encouragement makes her truly deserving of this recognition!
Thank you, Ms. Joana, for all that you do! 🎉👏💛
🌟 Ms Daniela
Renaissance 2 - Kindergarten lead teacher
From March 17th, 2025 to March 21st, 2025
At Renaissance Charter School 2, we are thrilled to celebrate our Staff of the Week, Ms. Daniela! As a dedicated kindergarten lead teacher, she brings passion, commitment, and warmth to her classroom every day.
Ms. Daniela goes above and beyond to ensure her students thrive, arriving early to create a welcoming and engaging learning environment. Her unwavering dedication extends beyond her students—she fosters strong relationships with colleagues and the entire school community, always offering support and encouragement.
Her positivity, teamwork, and love for teaching make her an invaluable part of our school family. Thank you, Ms. Daniela, for your hard work and the incredible impact you make! 💙✨
🌟 Helen Zumaeta
Renaissance 1 - Education Specialist
From March 10th, 2025 to March 14th, 2025
We are excited to celebrate Helen Zumaeta as our Employee of the Week! Calling Helen an 82nd Street Academics veteran doesn't do her justice. She is so much more than that: a mother, fiancé, educator, friend, and most of all, one of a kind.
Helen has worked an astounding 24 years at our partner school, TRCS1, utilizing her Master’s of Education in Spanish to ensure the Spanish language is never forgotten by heritage speakers. This role has allowed her to create lifelong bonds with countless students, transforming teacher-student relationships into family connections.
Teachers like Helen stand out, which led to her becoming the Education Specialist at the 82nd Street Academics program at TRCS1 in 2021. Helen expertly bridges the gap between the host school and our program, strengthening our long-standing partnership.
Thank you, Helen, for your dedication and everything you do! 🌟💛
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🌟 Aisha Raffo / HPCMS - 6th Grade Lead Teacher
From March 3rd, 2025 to March 7th, 2025
If you’ve ever stepped into Aisha’s classroom, you know it’s not just a place of learning—it’s a world of creativity, curiosity, and excitement! 🎨🔬📚 As a 6th-grade lead teacher at HPCMS, Aisha brings Spanish, Arts & Crafts, and Science Madness to life with her boundless energy and passion. She doesn’t just teach—she inspires, making sure every student feels empowered and excited to learn. 💡💛
Whether she’s leading a hands-on experiment, creating colorful masterpieces, or making Spanish fun and interactive, Aisha goes above and beyond to make learning an unforgettable adventure! Her dedication, enthusiasm, and love for her students shine through in everything she does. 🌟
Thank you, Aisha, for making HPCMS a brighter, more joyful place for our students every single day! Let’s give her a huge round of applause! 👏👏👏
🌟 Roberto Morales / Custodian
From February 24, 2025 to February 28th, 2025
Roberto plays a vital role in keeping our school clean, safe, and welcoming for students, staff, and families. His hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to maintaining our learning environment never go unnoticed. Whether it's ensuring classrooms are spotless or going the extra mile to help wherever needed, Roberto always gives his best.
Thank you, Roberto, for your dedication and effort! Your contributions make a difference every day.
🎉 Join us in celebrating Roberto for his outstanding work! 🎉
