Staff Spotlight: Ms. Vukmire

*Student Monitor*

By: BHS Staff Profiles 

January 13, 2023

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Ms. Melanie Vukmire. Being a Brooklyn High School alum, she has numerous roots connected to Brooklyn outside of her job. After working at the Cleveland Clinic, she returned to this school district as a student monitor and has been working here for the past 15 years. Some hobbies that she likes to do in her free time is work the sports games for the high school, knit, garden, and yard work. A fun fact about her is that she has a lead foot while driving.

Q: What inspired you to work with students who have disabilities?

A: “It really wasn’t my intention, actually. I was asked to do it once, and I didn’t do it because I figured it would take someone special with a lot of patience to work with them. But then, I eventually did it, and I loved it!”

Q: What is your funniest teaching moment?

A: “I was with Mrs. Meeks, and we were putting a book together. We had all of this confetti, so I just took the whole box and dumped it over her head!”

Q: What are some of your favorite activities to do with your students? 

A: Last year, I was working in the high school, and the kids put on the Groovy Granola Cafe, where they would make breakfast for the teachers and deliver it to them. That was very fun for them; they really enjoyed that.” 

Q: How do you feel when you reflect on the growth of your students?

A: “It’s incredible! To see a light bulb go off in their head and see them grow is just an amazing feeling.”

Q: What accommodations do you offer for your students?

A: “I’m always there to listen.”

Q: How do you go about spreading kindness and positivity? 

A: “That’s a big thing for me. I always try to smile at everyone and do things as simple as saying, ‘Good morning!’. I try to give people lots of compliments because a kind word truly goes a long way.” 

Q: If you could have one wish granted by a genie, what would it be?

A: “For everyone in my family and my boys to be successful. I would also get rid of hate.” 

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: “Top Gun Maverick: I watched it several times over the Summer. It is really good.”

Q: What is your #1 pet peeve?

A: “Unkindness and disrespect!”

Q: Orange juice or apple juice?

A: “Neither…Iced tea!”

Thank you for being so kind and for allowing us to interview you. You truly are a remarkable woman with kindness and patience, and your students are blessed to have you in their lives. We wish you the best throughout the year.