Our Kindergarten Educators
Gina Bonanno
Gina Bonanno just moved to Long Island from Connecticut, where she was a first grade teacher in the New Haven Public Schools for three years. She lives in Seaford, and is excited to be teaching General Studies in our kindergarten.
What brought you to Mercaz Academy?
I left Connecticut to be near my fiance, and I was delighted to find Mercaz Academy when I relocated to Seaford. I’m enjoying settling into my new job and my new home, making connections and building relationships.
Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher?
Always! I hold a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.S. in Reading, and I am passionate about teaching my students to love reading as much as I do.
What was your favorite book as a kindergarten student?
I remember my mother reading me The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn. It’s a very sweet book about separating from your parents to go to school, and I found it very reassuring.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy playing with my dog and spending time with friends and family, and I’m also planning my wedding!
Dalia Ozarko
After 33 years at our school, Morah Dalia still recognizes all of her former students, no matter how long it’s been since she’s seen them. She was born in Israel and lives in Plainview, where she raised two children–both of whom are graduates of the school from its time prior to Mercaz. Morah Dalia teaches religious studies in our kindergarten.
Did you always want to be a teacher?
Can you believe that my original degree was in accounting? Many years ago, when my children attended the school, I did a lot of volunteer work here. I was always working at the school, helping out with whatever was needed, and eventually, the kindergarten teacher asked me to work with her as an assistant. That was the perfect opportunity for me to do something I really love.
How do you bring Israel into your classroom?
My accent ensures that Israel enters every classroom with me! I teach Torah, kriyah u’ketivah (Hebrew reading and writing) and all about the Jewish holidays…but always as an Israeli, with Israeli traditions, songs, and stories. The school itself is very Zionist and observes Israeli holidays like Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) and Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Reunification Day), and that makes it very easy.
Do you ever use your accounting skills?
Actually, for many years, I taught math in small groups in grades one through three, so yes, it still comes in handy!