Congratulations to Countrywood’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Rena Sanicola!  Mrs. Sanicola has been an educator here in South Huntington since 1998. She has been at Countrywood Primary Center for more than 26 years teaching first and second grades. Mrs. Sanicola is known as Countrywood’s “early bird.”  Principal Mitch Levy says she is always the first one at school and “you can pretty much set your clock to it.” Getting to school extra early every day is just one example of Mrs. Sanicola’s dedication to her students and the families of South Huntington. Her colleagues say she individually supports each of her students to meet their personal goals and to see in themselves their own unique strengths and skills. But she also holds them accountable in a loving, caring, and nurturing way.

It’s no surprise that for this early bird, the start of the school day is her favorite part. She’s at the classroom door ready to greet each one of her students, and she’s using that time to assess their body language, emotions and overall well being. “This brief moment tells me so many things and I have a short amount of time to intercept and turn it around, if needed. If they look tired, are upset because it was a rough morning at home, if they are hungry, or anything else that is lacking, I try to help them with the issue or let them talk about it. I try to encourage them and remind them that they are loved and valued,” explained Mrs. Sanicola.

This Countrywood stand-out credits her own first grade teacher in Lindenhurst, Mrs. Parisi, with sparking her love of teaching by making school feel like a nurturing and safe place. Then, volunteering in high school to teach Spanish to elementary school students secured her plans to become an educator, but well-meaning family members had other advice. “When I started college I denied myself what I really wanted to do and began as a liberal arts and then business major. I listened to family members and friends who told me I would make more money and get a job more easily with a business degree,” said Mrs. Sanicola. But the call to be a teacher was too strong and she soon switched to education. “I’m very glad I made that decision to this day.”  Mrs. Sanicola graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. She received her Master’s Degree in Education from Dowling College. 

Spending time with five and six year olds every day teaches you a lot of important life lessons:  it’s okay to act silly and not be so serious all the time, don’t hold grudges, be brave out in the world, and have fun using your imagination. Wrap up all those lessons as an adult using your imagination and you get a children’s book! Mrs. Sanicola has just published a children’s book called “Nicolina’s Gift,” which is based on her experiences with all her first graders. Her 22 year old daughter, Sabrina, did the book’s digital illustrations. It’s about a young girl who learns how to regulate her disappointments and frustrations when things don’t always go her way and starts to understand the importance of community, her role in it, and to be happy with her classmates.  The book is available right now on Amazon. This author is also a musician whose creative side also comes out playing guitar and singing with the Countrywood Teacher Band.

Mrs. Sanicola considers being named Countrywood’s Teacher of the Year to be one of the highlights of her career. She wants to thank all the parents of her students over the years for trusting her to give their children a great first grade experience that establishes a love of school, and self confidence that will remain with them for many years. She loves it when former students come back to visit her. “I am amongst extremely talented teachers who go the extra distance for their students every day,” said Mrs. Sanicola. “I am inspired by the genuine love and creativity around me. I am honored to be named Teacher of the Year in a building filled with so much talent and unwavering dedication.” 

Countrywood’s assistant principal, Mrs. Kellie Njenga (left), and principal Mr. Mitch Levy (right) join in congratulating the primary school’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Rena Sanicola!