SCHENECTADY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

108 Education Drive Schenectady, New York 12303-1238 Phone (518) 370-8100 Fax (518) 370-8173 www.schenectady.k12.ny.us

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BOARD OF EDUCATION BOARD OF EDUCATION
Catherine A. Lewis, President Ann M. Reilly,Vice President Andrew T. Chestnut John Foley Ronald C. Lindsay Cheryl ! Nechamen ! !

Over 150 Years of Excellence in Education

SUPERINTENDENTS OFFICE

Yates Arts in Education Magnet School!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Laurence T. Spring Superintendent Robert Flanders, Principal
725 Salina Street Schenectady, New York 12308 Phone (518) 370-8320 Fax (518) 881-3862 www.schenectady.k12.ny.us
Patricia Paser Assistant to the Superintendent

May 2, 2013 To Whom It May Concern: I have had the honor of working with Ms. Mertzeis since she began as our music teacher at Yates. Day in and day out, she proves to work miracles with the students of Schenectady City School District. She is simply not your typical music teacher. As a music educator, she goes above and beyond to engage every student from the highly motivated to the most challenging. When questioning my own students about their school life, they often share with me that music class is one of their favorite things about school. This year, one parent shared with me that her child aspires to be a music teacher because of Ms. Mertzeis. She makes learning about music exciting while teaching children important skills and concepts that they are able to carry over to the regular classroom. One example is that students are able to read and write music, then apply the concepts and knowledge in math class when we discuss fractions. She is a consistent a positive role model and has an outstanding relationship with all students. Speaking of Ms. Mertzeis gives me the same chills and goose bumps I get when I see her work with children. Each Monday afternoon, she holds a chorus rehearsal with students from grades four, five, and six. It is an incredibly large group. Her skills, management, and enthusiasm shine throughout the auditorium as she works with students. Everything from her tone, to her professionalism, her incredible management skills, to her song choice are unique. I am constantly in awe of the work she does and the progress she makes with our students. Ms. Mertzeis is an outstanding example of a teacher as part of a learning community. She works well with all faculty and staff. She is active in committees such as PBIS going out of her way to plan and help run school wide events such as our Annual Safety Night. Currently, she is working cooperatively with colleagues afterschool to direct a school musical, The Talking Eggs. Though these are just a few of the things she does, her hard work and efforts are without a doubt, noteworthy! Teaching for some, is a job. For others, teaching is a profession that they love. For Ms. Merzeis, it is obvious that teaching is her love. More so, the love of learning and love for music she has is demonstrated through her students and their passion for the same. I am grateful to work with Ms. Mertzeis and even more privileged to recommend her for a position in your district. She is justly deserving! Sincerely, Melissa Hindes

..A national award winning district

Fourth Grade

..A national award winning district