Jackie Magiera, Chestnut Ridge Elementary School
By: Kevin Doran
Updated: March 6, 2012
Our News 8 Golden Apple Award winner looks at her job as a way of saying thank you to a school that's given her family so much. We are honored to surprise Jackie Magiera at Chestnut Ridge Elementary School.
Jackie Magiera is a very grateful Kindergarten Teacher. She's also very humble. The Nicolazzo Family nominated Mrs. Magiera for a News 8 Golden Apple Award.
Both of their boys, Stephen and Matthew had her for Kindergarten. Matthew, now a second grader, says "She was always fun and nice."
Stephen is in fifth grade. He calls Mrs. Magiera his hero. "Because if I never had her for kindergarten I never would have liked school."
Jackie Magiera does all kinds of things to make lessons come alive for her kindergartners. Principal Karen Jensen says she is also good at giving attention to moms and dads when they send their kids off to school for the first time. "She cares deeply for her students and does a great job with welcoming students and parents to their first experience in public school."
Jackie says parents are part of the team. "We really are that's how I look at it. Our kids came through Chestnut Ridge and that's how I felt about our teachers and you just kinda give back."
Yep! Jackie's three boys all attended Chestnut Ridge. She didn't have them in class. "No! Oh goodness, they get enough of mom at home. They didn't need me here too. But they came through and it was a wonderful experience. So really you just pay it forward and pay it back."
Mrs. Magiera loves Chestnut Ridge Elementary School. "I do, it's our home. It's our home base."
Jackie Magiera is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner. If you scroll down you can read the letter we received nominating her.
