North Bergen S.T.E.A.M. Academy

Welcome to the North Bergen S.T.E.A.M. Academy at Kennedy School.

 

 

Meet the S.T.E.A. M.  5 & 6  Academy Teachers

 

5th - 6th Grade Science

My name is Ms. Diaz and I graduated from Montclair State University. I am fluent in Spanish and have taught in diverse classrooms, including bilingual and inclusive classrooms. I address my class as Team Diaz, as I view us as a strong unit. I am incredibly grateful to have built strong and rewarding bonds with my students thus far. A key aspect of my pedagogy is that students are actively engaged in the learning process. Along this journey, I hope to enable your child to believe in themselves and fall in love with learning! (Ms. Diaz Teacher page)

5th - 6th Grade Social Studies

Hi everyone! My name is Mrs. LeJeune and I teach S.T.E.A.M. 5 ELA and Social Studies! I am so thrilled to be part of the S.T.E.A.M. Academy! 

A little bit about me! I grew up in North Bergen and attended Horace Mann School. I graduated from North Bergen High School- Class of 2000! My incredible teachers in North Bergen inspired me to become a teacher. 

I started my career at Horace Mann School as a 6th-grade teacher. Then a wonderful opportunity arose where I became the gifted and talented P.E.A.K. teacher for grades 5 & 6. We did amazing things both inside and outside of the classroom. We explored various habitats such as Sandy Hook Beach, where we went fish seining and hiked trails at Scherman Hoffman Sanctuary, where we learned about forests, deer, and bears. We competed in multiple competitions such as Crime Scene Investigations, Academic Bowl, STEM challenges, Forensics, and Battle of the Books- where we remain #1 champs! 

I have a deep passion for teaching, and I want to share my love of learning with you! Welcome to the S.T.E.AM. Academy and congratulations! (Ms. LeJeune Teacher Page)

 

5th - 6th Grade ELA

 

Hello! My name is Mrs. Turdiu, and I’ll be your ELA teacher this year. I bring 12 years of teaching experience within the North Bergen School District and hold both a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Comparative Literature. I’m married to a high school math teacher, and we have a 15-year-old son.

This year, I’ll be leading the ELA component of the STEAM program. Our focus will be on integrating language arts with science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to create a dynamic and interdisciplinary learning experience. We’ll explore creative projects, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in collaborative activities that bridge different subject areas.

I’m passionate about teaching and dedicated to inspiring young minds to become creative thinkers and independent learners. I’m excited to meet you and your families and look forward to getting to know each of you better.

 

 

5th - 6th Grade Mathematics

My name is Dr. Ricco and have been a teacher in the North Bergen school district since 2001.  I graduated from New York’s Queens College with a degree in English and Urban Studies.  After a successful tenure in the corporate world, through stints in fashion, legal, and entertainment, I found my calling as an elementary teacher in the early 2000’s.  I received a Master’s degree in the Science of Education, graduating at the top of my class.  I am a member of New Jersey STEM Pathways Network, Liberty STEM Ecosystem, and sit on the STEM Early Childhood committee. I have collaborated with STEAMTANK, the partnership between the Department of Education and the US Army for STEAM education. In addition, I was the math lead teacher for my grade level for the past five years and am a designated math teacher for the Hudson County Curriculum Consortium. I have taught statistics at Saint Peter’s University as an adjunct professor.  I am also the author of a children’s math story. (Dr. Ricco Teacher Page)

 

STEAM 7 & 8 Teacher information, coming soon.