“My [routine] is not always the same, but it always starts with getting up and having a cup of coffee,” explained Math Teacher Linda Russo. Joining the Poly Prep community in 2007, Russo gave insight into her life outside the classroom. With over 30 years of experience as a math teacher, Russo explained that she has her weekend routine down and organizes it to reset and relax. “If I do grading, I do it on Saturdays… I try hard not to grade on a Sunday,” said Russo. Following her essential cup of coffee, she explained that she “walks the dog and we [as a family] all go to church.” Russo puts effort into her Sundays to put aside her work life and enjoys hobbies such as bird watching, canoeing, and cooking.
Last weekend, Russo took up another field of interest: chemistry and winemaking. “We checked our wine; I was doing a lot of chemistry,” Russo explained. Another field of interest for Russo during her Sundays is hiking. “We went up to the Catskills.”
Russo stated, “My favorite thing about weekends is spending time with my family and dog, Ace.” Along with taking adventures, Russo explained that “cooking and eating meals together” are a big part of their quality time. Recently, Russo was able to try new recipes, such as stuffed mushrooms and homemade pizza. “I enjoy it when my son and husband make homemade sausage,” Russo said. In the upcoming week, Russo and her family plan on having a barbeque with baby back ribs and pork shoulder. She said she looks forward to “spending all day in the backyard.”
In addition to doing many activities and going on adventures, Russo and her family love spending quality time together watching sports. Russo said, “Depending on if there are sports, [we] might be watching football on TV, or baseball on TV, or NASCAR.” Russo enjoys watching both professional baseball and supporting the Poly Prep baseball team.
To end the weekend, Russo said, “I check Veracross and ask myself what day is tomorrow?” Russo gets to spend the whole weekend relaxing, and then, on Sunday night, she takes the time to prepare for the week.“Fingers crossed, I hope it’s not Day 1!” Russo sharing her Sunday rituals helps students get a glimpse of who Linda Russo is and not just who Mrs. Russo is.