“What I love most about teaching is that moment when students break through some barrier that had previously prevented them from achieving their goals. For example, when a student struggles with a certain type of writing skill, and then, through perseverance, masters that skill. Seeing academic progress is not only the most important part of my job, but what I love the most.” – Dr. Nicholas Pellegrino
Class: AP US History, AP Government & Politics
About/Description:
- “Students can and should expect a lot of me. First, to challenge them. Second, to impart my own knowledge and skill set onto them, whether that be content related or skills-oriented. Finally, they can expect to have a sympathetic ear when they run into difficulties. My classes are not easy, but I try to offer as much support for students who need it.”
CAPTION: “The Pellegrino Family”
FUN FACTS:
- “In high school, I was a terrible student. As a jock, I had a policy of never doing homework. I always paid attention in class, but my grades suffered because I received zeros on homework all four years. It was a foolish policy, but I learned from my mistakes. It just took four years.”
“I try to challenge my students to reach beyond their comfort zone. I encourage experimentation and original work. I like to do projects that give a lot of choice and can be made personal. I also like to try new things, so I don’t always do the same stuff every year. Overall, students can expect a relaxing, yet challenging atmosphere that allows for self expression, improvement, and socialization. Some of the best friendships I ever saw were made in our art rooms!” – Mrs. Donna Beekman
Class: “I have taught almost every art course we offer over the past 21 years, but this year (2024-25), I taught AP Studio Art Drawing & Painting, AP Studio Art – 2D Design, AP Studio Art – 3D Design, Digital Art & Design 1 and Honors, Advanced Digital Art & Animation and Honors, 3-Dimensional Design (Sculpture) and Honors, Art Experience, Studio Art 1, Drawing/Painting/Mixed Media 1 Honors, Drawing/Painting/Mixed Media 2 Honors.”
About/Description:
- “I love getting to work with so many different art styles, but my favorite part of the job is the kids: meeting different types of students and seeing what they create!”
- “Regardless of what class you take with me (what I teach changes every year based on enrollment), I like to keep the room relaxing but fun. We play music, and you can listen on headphones, too. The room is a studio environment, so you are given responsibility to take care of it but also have the freedom to move around and use whatever is available to you for your projects.”
CAPTION: “The girl in the photo with me at the Bloomingdale’s mural is my daughter, Maya. It was a temporary mural for their 150th anniversary.”
FUN FACTS:
- “I have traveled the world a lot, including Africa, and I did my Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in England, where I lived in the walls surrounding the Canterbury Cathedral. It was the view out my back window.”
- “I also have an identical twin sister (well, we think so anyway. I actually don’t know if we are identical or not).”
“The most rewarding part of my career has been teaching my students about the world and watching them try to change it.” – Mrs. Cynthia Affinito
Class: AP World History (for 32 years)
Words of Wisdom for Future Students:
- “You might not change the world, but if you change one person’s life, you change their world. It’s a good start.”
CAPTION: “The Field of Dreams in Iowa. We road-trip all around the U.S. every summer. My favorite thing to do is to spend time traveling with my family. ”
FUN FACTS:
- When asked what Affinito will miss the most about the NVOT community, she answered, “Seeing my friends every day.”
- Affinito’s favorite memory in the classroom has been “all the field trips that I have taken over the years to the United Nations, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other fun places.”
- Regarding her retirement plans, Affinito said, “I started a business called Historical Speakers for Seniors a year and a half ago, and I plan to continue growing it.”
