Submitted Photo Five Forestville teachers were recognized at a recent Board of Education meeting after earning tenure with the district. Pictured from left to right: Jon Feniello, Bridget Feyes, Monique Cleary, Samantha Slate, and Stephen Travis.

FORESTVILLE — With the new school year underway, Forestville took the opportunity to recognize five of its teachers that make the district the place that it is. Recently tenured teachers Monique Cleary, Jon Feniello, Bridget Feyes, Samantha Slate, and Stephen Travis were celebrated at a recent Board of Education meeting once the school year began.

Principal Dan Grande began by introducing Feyes, a Social Studies Teacher at Forestville Middle/High School. Grande highlighted that Forestville was atop Chautauqua County in its test scores in U.S. History thanks to the work Feyes does with her students.

“Not only is she a great teacher, she’s involved in so many different facets of our school community,” Grande said, noting Feyes’ involvement with National Honor Society.

Grande said that in a short time, Feyes became “one of our veteran go-to’s” in the building, especially in the Social Studies Department.

Grande said to Feyes, “We’re absolutely thrilled to have you, and we look forward to many, many, many more years.”

Feyes responded by thanking the Board of Education for its support of the teachers in the district. She then became the first of the five tenured teachers to receive a gift from the Board.

Next was Feniello, a fellow Social Studies Teacher at Forestville Middle/High School. Grande characterized Feniello with one word: loyalty. Grande highlighted his dedication to Forestville, from teaching with a broken leg to chaperoning events and coaching various sports teams at all levels across the district.

Grande said, “Jon, for your loyalty and your dedication to our students academically, congratulations.”

Travis, a Special Education Teacher at the Middle/High School, was hired at a time when the district needed experience in the department. Instead, rather than choosing a more experienced candidate, Grande took a leap of faith in believing in all of the promises Travis made during his interview. In offering Travis the job, Grande said, “You need to deliver.”

Travis has done just that.

“Time and time again, he has proven himself,” Grande said. He highlighted how comfortable and welcoming the environment is that Travis creates for his students. Grande called Travis “one of our top Special Ed. Teachers in the entire district.”

Elementary Principal Shauna McMahon then introduced her two teachers who recently received tenure. McMahon began with Cleary, a UPK Teacher in charge of the district’s youngest students.

“She works magic every single day with our youngest learners,” McMahon said of Cleary.

McMahon said Cleary even consoles her when she sees that students are having a rough day. Cleary has the ability to bring peace to students as they navigate school for the first time.

“Monique is just incredible at what she does. She’s always eager to work with me and work with the team,” McMahon said. “She is always up for something new and fresh. She wants to continue progressing.”

Cleary was already part of the district when McMahon took over as Elementary Principal, but McMahon looks forward to working together “for so many more years.”

Finally, McMahon celebrated Slate, a Fourth Grade Teacher at Forestville Elementary School. McMahon defined Slate as a person for her to turn to for a straight answer with the big picture in mind. She also highlighted Slate’s interest in engaging students in STEM programming, and credited her for always being willing to do what needs to be done for her students.

McMahon turned to Slate and said, “You’re an excellent colleague. You’re always there for your fellow colleagues, and I just wanted to say that I appreciate that.”

The next meeting of the Forestville Board of Education is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Middle/High School Library.