 This winter, Brewster Teachers’ Association members came together to share a little extra warmth and care with our local senior citizens. Through a volunteer effort organized by BTA members, small winter wellness gift bags were assembled and distributed to seniors in our community as a reminder that they are valued, supported, and not forgotten, especially during the colder months. Working in partnership with the President of Southeast Seniors, BTA volunteers helped plan, organize, and prepare these wellness packages, which included thoughtful items meant to promote comfort, health, and well-being. The gift bags were distributed to senior citizens at their monthly meeting around February 14, turning the season of winter into an opportunity for kindness and connection. This initiative reflects what the BTA is all about: service, community, and caring for those around us. While our members spend their days supporting students, this project offered a meaningful way to extend that same spirit of compassion beyond the classroom and into the broader Brewster community. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the BTA members who volunteered their time and energy to make this project possible, as well as to the leadership of Southeast Seniors for their partnership in helping us reach local seniors. Small gestures can make a big difference and this was a wonderful reminder of how much impact we can have when we work together.   The Brewster Teachers’ Association has launched a new Emerging Leaders Program, an initiative focused on fostering leadership, collaboration, and professional growth among educators across the district.
The program brings together educators from different schools who have been recognized by their peers as positive influences within their professional communities. Through a series of facilitated sessions, participants have the opportunity to connect with colleagues, reflect on shared experiences, and learn more about leadership and collaboration in an educational setting. The first session was held on Thursday, January 29, and emphasized relationship-building and thoughtful dialogue, setting the tone for the program moving forward. BTA President Paul George welcomed participants and spoke about the importance of investing in people and building strong professional communities. “Strong schools are built on strong relationships,” George said. “When educators feel connected, supported, and empowered, it benefits the entire school community.” The Emerging Leaders Program reflects the BTA’s ongoing commitment to professional engagement and to supporting educators at all stages of their careers. Additional sessions will continue throughout the year. The Brewster Teachers’ Association looks forward to continuing this work and supporting opportunities that strengthen collaboration and leadership within the district.
On Friday, January 16, 2026, the Brewster Teachers’ Association proudly welcomed NYSUT President Melinda Person to the Brewster Central School District for an in-depth tour highlighting the district’s innovative programs, strong community partnerships, and the outstanding work of Brewster educators.
President Person was greeted at C.V. Starr Intermediate School by BTA President Paul George, district administrators, and members of the NYSUT team. The visit focused on several key areas aligned with NYSUT priorities, including arts pathways, student well-being through recess and play, scholarships and community fundraising, career and technical education, universal Pre-K, and student leadership. The tour began in the C.V. Starr art room, where Art Teacher and District Visual Arts Coordinator Danielle Michielini shared how Brewster’s arts pathway supports creativity, student expression, and long-term engagement in the visual arts. President Person then visited C.V. Starr’s new playground to observe and discuss the role of recess and play in supporting students’ social-emotional learning and overall well-being, an initiative NYSUT continues to elevate statewide. Conversations with teachers and administrators underscored the importance of protecting unstructured play as an essential part of the school day. Next, President Person met with Scholarship Chairperson Kathryn Marchionno to learn more about the BTA’s scholarship program and its annual 5K fundraiser. The discussion highlighted how union-led community engagement directly supports Brewster students and families. The visit continued at Brewster High School, where President Person heard directly from students and staff involved in the district’s P-TECH program. Teachers and guidance staff described how the program provides students with college credit, internships, and clear pathways to careers. Student voices were central to this portion of the visit, underscoring the real-world impact of career-readiness programs. President Person also toured Career and Technical Education offerings, including the carpentry and home improvement course taught by Brewster educators at both the middle and high school levels. The class showcases practical life skills, problem-solving, and hands-on learning that prepare students for future careers and independent living. Additional stops at Brewster High School included the Bears Essentials and Life Skills programs, which support students in developing independence and confidence, and a visit with NJROTC students to discuss leadership, citizenship, and service learning. During her visit, President Person also toured John F. Kennedy Elementary School, where discussions focused on the importance of universal Prekindergarten and its role in supporting early learning and long-term student success. Educators shared how access to high-quality Pre-K programs helps close opportunity gaps, supports social and emotional development, and sets a strong foundation for future academic growth. The conversation reinforced NYSUT’s commitment to expanding universal Pre-K and ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have equitable access to early childhood education. The tour concluded with reflections on the strength of Brewster’s programs, the dedication of its educators, and the district’s commitment to meeting students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. President Person also had the opportunity to view capital project improvements and specialized resources that further support student learning. The Brewster Teachers’ Association was proud to showcase the incredible work happening across the district and to highlight how BTA members are creating meaningful opportunities for students every day. The visit was a powerful reminder of the impact educators have when they are supported, heard, and valued. 
 The Brewster Teachers’ Association (BTA) is proud to announce the successful completion of its annual Coat Drive, collecting over 200 coats to support families in need throughout the local community.
This year, the BTA partnered with the Brewster Rotary Club, joining forces to expand outreach and ensure that warm winter gear reached as many households as possible. Thanks to the generosity of BTA members, school staff, and community donors, dozens of children and adults will receive needed outerwear as the temperatures drop. “Supporting our students and families is at the heart of what we do,” said BTA President Paul George. “This partnership with the Rotary Club allowed us to make an even greater impact. We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making the coat drive a success.” The collected coats will be distributed through community networks identified by the Rotary Club and local service organizations, ensuring that every donation goes directly to families who need them most. The BTA looks forward to continuing its tradition of service and collaboration with the Brewster community. On Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Brewster Teachers’ Association (BTA) hosted its inaugural Grin ‘N Bear It 5K Walk/Run at Electrazone Field in Brewster, and it was a huge success! With approximately 130 participants, numerous volunteers, and generous local sponsors, this first-ever event brought together the Brewster community for a morning of fun, fitness, and fundraising. All proceeds from the 5K are being used to support the BTA Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to Brewster High School seniors pursuing post-secondary education. The scholarship program helps our students, our future leaders, take their next steps with confidence and community support. The idea for the Grin ‘N Bear It 5K came from BTA Scholarship Chairperson and 4th grade Special Education teacher, Kathryn Marchionno, and BTA President Paul George, who wanted to kick off the school year with a community event that gives back. “Anyone can sign up,” said George before the race. “You don’t have to run, you can walk or even bear crawl!” “You don’t even have to walk, run, or crawl,” added Marchionno with a smile. “You can just donate!” The event featured a lively warm-up led by Krista Ferrara of Fit Body by Krista, and participants enjoyed a scenic route through Brewster, all while raising money for a great cause. Every runner received a t-shirt, a swag bag, and a finishing medal, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. The BTA is deeply grateful for the incredible community support from sponsors, including Stone Home Inspectors, Bill Henry’s Tree Service, Depot Wines & Liquors, Lia Honda of Brewster, Guardian Pet Services, Fit Body by Krista, Junk King, and NYSUT Runs. Scholarship chair Marchionno also brought her creative energy to social media, launching the event’s Instagram handle @grinnbearit5k to share updates and highlights. “This event truly embodied what the BTA stands for: community, collaboration, and commitment to our students,” said George. “We’re thrilled with the turnout and can’t wait to make this an annual tradition.” Congratulations to everyone who helped make the first Grin ‘N Bear It 5K such a memorable and meaningful success! Together, we ran, walked, and grinned ‘n bore it, all for our students. We invite you to join Team BTA for this year’s Relay for Life. This year, Brewster Relay has partnered with Patterson and we are now Relay for Life of Eastern Putnam NY, hosted by Brewster Central School District. Relay for Life is June 8, 2024, from 3:00 pm -10:00 pm. You can join Team BTA or make a donation by clicking here. We are looking forward to creating an event to remember and would love for you to be part of this experience. If you have any questions, please contact Team Captains, Allison Mooney and Jackie Fego at [email protected] or [email protected].  The Brewster Teachers’ Association recently conducted a food drive to benefit the Putnam Community Action Project and the Bears Essentials program. This initiative aimed to support families in need within the local community by collecting essential food items. The generosity and compassion shown by the members of the association resulted in nearly 200 pounds of donations, making a significant impact on those facing food insecurity.  The Brewster Teachers’ Association Public Relations Co-Chairs, Sara Goetschkes and Allison Mooney, are pleased to announce that this year’s coat drive was a huge success! Paul George, BTA President, would like to thank all its members for their generosity in having over 150 coats donated from all four schools. For the third year in a row, the BTA partnered with the Brewster Rotary Club to help people in need in the community.  |
EditorBrewster Teachers' Association Archives
February 2026
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