Melissa Kordish, Calkins Road Middle Scool

Melissa Kordish is a Social Studies Teacher who challenges her students. But that's why they love her at Calkins Road Middle School in Pittsford.  That's also why Melissa is a News 8 Golden Apple Award Winner.

Melissa Kordish engages her students.  She says she has too because she teaches Social Studies.  "For these kids Social Studies is pretty boring cause they can't relate to it.  So we gotta try to make it fun and exciting and bring in current events and make it something they can relate to their own lives."

Principal Scott Reinhart says Ms. Kordish pushes kids to be thinkers, to really use their minds.  "One of the things that typifies her is her relationship with kids.  And also the fact that she has a way of making their brains hurt. But in a good way."

One student who loves the challenge is Helen Kaufman.  Ms. Kordish makes "her" brain hurt.  "Yeah, it is a hard class but I learn a lot."  Helen asked us to come to Calkins Road school to surprise her favorite teacher.

Melissa says, "I have the best job in the world.  I love my job.  Some days I walk out of here and shake my head and can't believe I get paid to do what I do.  It's awesome."

Melissa Kordish is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner.  You can read Helen's letter nominating her below.

Dear Channel 8,

I would like to nominate Melissa Kordish for the Golden Apple Award.  She has a special way to make Social Studies really fun to learn and enjoy.  I now benefit from Social Studies a lot more and it's making a huge difference in my grades from last year. She has a great kid-like personality that connects with the students to make learning more fun.  We play review games to help study the material we're working on and it doesn't even feel like studying because it's so much fun!  Everyday I am excited to go to her class to learn something new.

Sincerely,

Helen Kaufman, Calkins Road Middle School