Birchwood Intermediate School

Ilisa Guittard has been a teacher at the Birchwood Intermediate School in the South Huntington School District for 24 years. This is Ilisa’s second year teaching the PSEG Long Island Safety Sleuth lessons to her dual language students and she finds it to be perfect for her 5th grade group! “Observing them watch the video and in turn having it open up discussion inside the classroom, is so important. The kids are gaining life skills through these lessons that will expand beyond 5th grade, and when doing the lessons in tandem with the poster projects, it really sinks into their head and aids them in spreading the word”. Additionally, Ilisa finds the crossover into science is so important with the curriculum and the NYS science test coming up in the Spring! 

Ilisa believes in highlighting her student’s personal strengths within the Safety Sleuth lessons, specifically with the project posters. “Our art teacher Ms. LoPinto allows them time during her art period to complete their projects. These kids are 10 years old, and with that I stress their individuality. Sometimes they might feel insecure about their work, but THIS program offers equal opportunity for ALL learning types. The poster project allows the children creativity and an even playing field, especially with newcomers and Spanish speaking only students”.  

We are so excited to have Ilisa and her students back this year and cannot wait to see what they create!