Faculty

by the Gold Team

Teacher of the Year at BMS: Mr. Porter

   Mr. Porter came to teach at BMS in 2004. He had some occupations before becoming a teacher, but teaching is his first career. He decided to become a teacher because he really enjoyed school and wanted others to enjoy it like he did.

   He was teaching in his classroom when he heard them announce his name as Teacher of the Year over the loudspeaker. Mr. Porter was really surprised and didn’t know how to react, so he continued to teach.

   His favorite thing about teaching he said is, “Students are naturally inquisitive and it is very exciting to see kids become invested in their learning process. I truly enjoy helping their curiosity bloom as they strive to find answers.” What he particularly likes about civics is that it is important today’s society is that kids can see the importance of being in the government and politics. Great job, Mr. Porter!

See ya, Mr. Ferrante

   Mr. Ferrante has been at BMS as a sixth grade teacher for 37 years. When we asked him what his favorite memory of BMS was, he couldn’t pick out just one memory since there are so many. When Mr. Ferrante first arrived at BMS, the building was much smaller and only a year old. Mr. Ferrante said “Bernardsville was a wonderful town to grow up in and a wonderful town to teach in. The kids and their parents at the time were great, very thoughtful and considerate and they still are to this day.”

   Mr. Ferrante was first interested in becoming a teacher because he wanted to coach sports. He coached baseball and football at the high school, but it was teaching that he loved even more.  For the past 18 years he has taught math. However he has also taught math, social studies, reading and English.

   Mr. Ferrante’s children also went to BMS! Mr. Ferrante said “The administration and teaching staff that I worked with over the years were without a doubt the best.” Although he doesn’t know exactly how he will spend his time in retirement, he will definitely spend time with his grandchildren, his dogs, and work around the house.    

   Thanks, Mr. Ferrante, for your many years of service to our school.  You will surely be missed by all!

Good-bye Nurse Armstrong!

Q: How long have you been in BMS?
A: I’ve been at BMS for 11 years.

Q: What is your best memory of BMS?
A: I have many happy memories of BMS---great Field Days, starting the Middle School Peer Leadership Program when I first came, teaching health classes, all the students who I’ve come to know, see graduates and go to the high school, great staff who know how to teach and laugh and work hard.  We have the best students, parents, and staff here at BMS and I’m thankful I have these positive memories.

Q: Is this the best school you have worked at?
A: I’ve really loved both schools I’ve worked in for the past 29 years, but I’d have to say that retiring from BMS is a wonderful way to leave school nursing. I say that because it’s been such a rewarding experience and I’m taking such fond memories with me.

Q: How do you plan to spend your time now that you’re retiring?
A: Mr. Armstrong and I plan to spend a lot of time in Maine--- our daughter, son-in-law, and two beautiful granddaughters live there.  We also have a son and daughter-in-law in the DC area and we love to spend time exploring the area.  I went to nursing school there and love all the fun things to do in DC. I’m really looking forward to tending to our pretty garden in Maine, reading lots of good books, knitting and doing some traveling.

Q: When you first arrived here, what was your first thought of BMS?
A: BMS seemed very different from my past school--  I worked in a private girl’s high school!  I found the middle school students very energetic and very welcoming to me.  I soon realized that it was great fun being with middle school students!

Q: What do you think about the kids here in BMS?
A: I’ve always enjoyed taking care of, teaching, and having fun with the students here. I think BMS students are excited to learn and generally care about and respect others.

Q: What inspired you to become a nurse?  
A:  I’ve always wanted to become a nurse or teacher since I was little…my father was a doctor and I used to go with him when he made house-calls in the evenings (yes, doctors used to do that!)  I think he was happy that one of his 4 children wanted to be in medicine.  Being a school nurse gave me the opportunity to be both a nurse and a teacher. Even though for the past few years I’ve not been in the classroom, I try to teach something about taking care of and learning about your body every time someone comes into the health office.

Thanks Mrs. Armstrong for all of your commitment.  You will be missed!

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