As the school year begins, you’ll notice some new faces around Dyker Heights. Though they may look unfamiliar, Poly Prep Country Day School’s 2024 recruits are ready for a great year.
This year, while we welcome some wonderful new faculty members, we’re pleased to report that Poly has experienced the least amount of teacher departures in over a decade, as noted by Ms. Bates. Upper School Division Coordinator Ari Memoli remarked, “I guess what that means is folks had a pretty good first year.” Memoli herself joined the Poly community just one year ago. She serves as an example of Poly’s commitment to hiring innovative and forward-thinking staff.
New English Teacher Emn Haddad-Friedman appreciates the academic and intellectual freedom here at Poly. After 17 years of teaching, Haddad-Friedman is ready for change. “I’ve never taught in an independent school before, so it [feels] like an exciting adventure,” she said. Speaking of adventure, Poly’s curricular independence allows Haddad-Friedman to bring literature she’s passionate about into the classroom. “I’m really excited to teach the Broken Earth Trilogy, which is my elective; it’s one of my favorite trilogies. And I’m excited to teach something I love,” she explained. “I hope that students will check out my elective. Try it out if you’re into sci-fi fantasy! That’s sort of my jam.”
Poly Middle and Upper School Alumna and new addition to the History Department Saranicole Marino returns to her old stomping grounds after a career in employment law. According to the Poly Prep website, she received her Juris Doctor from George Washington University. Returning to one’s alma mater in a professional capacity would usually cause some cognitive dissonance, but Poly has facilitated the transition and Marino feels at home again. “Everyone is really invested in making sure that we have a strong community at Poly. That’s really what makes Poly feel like home again,” she elaborated.
Marino’s return has led her to reflect on her time here at Poly: “Enjoy your time as a Poly student and [do] not get bogged down in the work and everyday stresses that come with being a successful student,” she advised. “Poly provides a lot of opportunities for people to learn that you don’t find anywhere else, and I didn’t find anywhere else, even in college and law school. Take advantage of everything Poly has to offer and enjoy it.”
Along with Haddad-Friedman and Marino, four new additions to the 2024 Upper School faculty were unavailable for an interview: New English Teacher Sarah Barlow, New Art Teacher Andre Batista, New Science Teacher Ben Hoser, and New English Teacher Jean Bernieri. According to the Poly Prep website, Bernieri graduated in 1984 and has come full circle 40 years later. If the last name Bernieri sounds familiar, that’s because Jean Bernieri is an alumna and married to beloved History Teacher Harold Bernieri. Poly has aimed to carefully select new faculty members who will contribute to Poly’s growing community and enrich the learning experience.
