Teacher Of The Week: Ms. Gina LoCurto

SAYVILLE, NY — Everybody has a favorite teacher — maybe it's a teacher who went out of their way to make one student's day or a teacher who brightens up a classroom, whether virtually or in-person, every day.

One teacher who deserves a shout-out is Ms. Gina LoCurto, a kindergarten teacher at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School in Sayville. She was nominated by Connie Dinkel.

Here's what Dinkel had to say about Ms. LoCurto:

My children both attend Lincoln Avenue Elementary School in Sayville. My daughter is in 2nd grade and my son is in Kindergarten. I can't say enough about any of the teachers and staff in this school, but I would specifically like like mention my son's Kindergarten teacher. As this is his first school year, naturally we were concerned about how it would go with all of the Covid restrictions and guidelines. We were so very fortunate to have him be placed with Mrs. Gina LoCurto. I'm not sure an article could adequately cover what this woman has done over the past 7 months. She has embraced the new way of teaching and has not only risen to the occasion but has surpassed my expectations of this year. During a quarantine period of her own she taught the class while at home so that they would not miss a beat. She has adapted typical class events that would encourage family involvement and has found a way to include us even though we can't be there with the kids. These 5 and 6-year-olds are not only loving school they are thriving. Mrs. LoCurto has taken a time where first time school parents were already nervous about sending our babies to a strange place and transformed it into a safe haven. A place where my son wakes up each day excited to see what the day holds. Thank you Mrs. Locurto for rising above, loving our babies and shining during these sometimes dark days. To all of the Sayville school teachers, we thank you!

Congratulations to Ms. LoCurto! Thank you for all that you do!

Do you have a special teacher you think deserves a shout-out for Teacher of the Week? Email priscila.korb@patch.com to nominate your favorite teacher.