Last week the Marlboro School Board caught up with honoring their Students of the Month after winter weather caused delays in honoring several students.

Middle School
Teacher Hayden Carlin named Jenna Atkins the Middle School Student of the Month for January. Carlin said due to the pandemic student reactions to a simple hello have been muted but when this is said to Jenna, “we are rewarded with a beaming smile, a cheerful response and an inquiry of how our own day is going.”

Carlin said Jenna’s optimistic outlook is due to her sociable personality and her family upbringing. He said words like hard working, positive, diligent and respectful are just a few that describe her.

Carlin read comments from fellow teacher Erin Nagel, saying that Jenna, “consistently applies herself with the effort necessary to achieve the learning goals in my science honors class. Her willingness to do the work and check for understanding is why she’s so successful.”

Mr. Ventriglia described Jenna, “as one of the most conscientious, responsible and personable students that I have. She takes pride in her work and always participates in class discussions. Jenna has a bright future ahead of her.”

Jonas Mackey-Potts was named the Marlboro Middle School student of the Month for March by his teachers Nicole Kellogg and Kelly Sutter.

Kellogg said, “Jonas embodies what it truly means to be a Student of the Month.”

Colleague Mr. Trapani wrote that Jonas, “is an excellent science and math student. He is constantly asking and answering questions to help quench his thirst for knowledge.”

Jonas’ teachers have noted that he has a 99% average in Math but still works on the bonus and extra credit questions.

“He performs exceptionally well on all of his exams, completes all of his assignments thoroughly and is one of the nicest and most polite students we’ve ever had the pleasure to teach. Jonas we notice what you do very day and it matters. Keep on being the inquisitive scientist that you are,” Kellogg said.

Kelly Sutter said Jonas is kind hearted, focused and hard working; “just a few ways to describe what a great student he is. Jonas is consistently putting the effort in to earn top grades and always lends a helping hand to those who need it. Being polite and respectful is just a part of who he is and how he treats others.”

Elementary School
Elementary music teacher Susan Johnston named Todd Appler Jr. as the January Student of the Month.

“I’ve seen him strive and grow, not only in finding his own singing voice but also with his what we call music math. He’s been able to really apply outside areas and I’ve been able to see his writing grow in music. I’m excited to see where his future goes, especially in music.”

Ms. Johnston also nominated Tanner Uphoff as the Marlboro Student of the Month but for March. She said Tanner shows, “a pursuit of excellence both in and out of the classroom time and time again. He has shown drive, kindness, respect and responsibility.”

Johnston said Tanner has worked diligently in Chorus to memorize several songs.

“Each time he is requested to make a musical change, such as dynamics or bring out a specific consonant sound, he does it right away and with accuracy,”she said, adding that he always greets her with a smile and a hello, and leaves with, “I hope you have a good rest of your day.”

Johnston noted that in General Music he shows tremendous growth, “in both his rhythmic and note reading skills. He wholeheartedly immerses himself within the material and he is a leader and shows his peers what it means to be a Marlboro Duke.”

High School

World Language Department Chairwoman Tamara Natoli named Katerina Calderone as the Marlboro Student of the Month for March. Calderone is one of two student representatives who bring student perspectives to the Board of Education.

“Katerina is also involved in Yearbook, National Honor Society, Art Club and the Spanish National Honor Society; an all around great student,” Natoli said.

Natoli noted that Calderone is not solely concerned about grades, “but in how to become the best student that she can be.”

Natoli said she has discussed with Calderone her interest in becoming a teacher, “and I truly believe Katerina will be an excellent educator if she decides to do that.”

Spanish teacher Mary Ann Russo submitted comments about Calderone.

“Katerina has made me a better teacher simply because she is an inquisitive, dedicated student and is truly interested in what is being taught and why,” she wrote. “I know that I can count on her to follow through with the task at hand and to do so with energy and responsibility,” Russo noted.

Superintendent Michael Brooks summed up his feelings about these honorees.

“I heard some words from one of our teachers and it hit me; it matters, this is what it is to be a Duke, they have beaming smiles, they are excellent in science and math, they go above and beyond, they’re dedicated, they are in the pipeline to become a teacher, they know music math, they pursue excellence and help others, don’t shy away from difficulty, resilient and diligent,” he said. “These are fantastic characteristics of fantastic people. These are the things that our world needs so please, please keep being those people, we really need it today.” He closed by thanking all of the families for supporting their children, “and for sending us such fantastic students every single day and thank you for being such great Dukes.”