Buckley, Aery receive February MVP Award

Congratulations to the February recipients of the Most Valuable Patriot (MVP) award, school resource officer Nicole Buckley, and art teacher Jon Aery!

Nicole Buckley, School Resource Officer

School Resource Officer Nicole Buckley is in her third year with the district, where her efforts to build community at the elementary school have earned her a Most Valuable Patriot award.

Buckley was nominated by a colleague who highlighted her commitment to student engagement.

"One thing that has always remained true is Buckley's dedication to BPES," the nomination stated. "She is constantly finding ways to bridge gaps for students and make school a fun and safe place for them. Whether it's an ice cream social, a game of kickball, or a police RC motorcycle escort, she is always finding a way to make students happy."

As part of her job, Buckley manages a "Junior Deputy" program where students can use "Patriot Bucks," a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) incentive, to spend a day shadowing her. Participants receive a T-shirt and can choose from activities that include riding a miniature motorcycle or riding in the SRO patrol car to learn about traffic laws and vehicle operations. The experience often includes a walk-through at the high school or a trip to Dunkin’.

Buckley said she was honored and surprised to be nominated for the award.

“I love getting to engage with students during everyday activities and connecting with them in their most comfortable spaces, stepping into the classroom and working on work with them, or joining them in the lunchroom," Buckley said. "It truly brightens my day.”

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Jon Aery, art teacher

A 1999 Broadalbin-Perth graduate, Jon Aery has served as an art teacher at his alma mater for 22 years. Since 2019, Aery has also taught computer science and robotics to elementary students through Project Lead the Way. He also leads scenery and set design for elementary and district-wide drama productions.

A parent nominated Aery, noting his ability to spark career interests in his students.

"Mr. Aery's enthusiasm for art and computer science is infectious," the parent wrote. "Mr. Aery has been such an inspiration that my son is now exploring careers that bridge the gap between technology and art. It is rare to see a student so excited to connect what they learn in the classroom to their future."

Aery said he is grateful for the nomination and remains motivated by his students’ desire to build and innovate.

"Kids coming in with a thirst to create is why I'm here and why I get up in the morning, to give kids the opportunity to see what they can do with that passion," Aery said. "In school, I had many experiences with teachers at B-P who helped me figure out that there is something special about creating. That made me want to come back here and teach.”

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Each month, two district employees are recognized through Broadalbin-Perth's MVP program. Each winner receives a B-P Yeti mug. Nominations can come from any member of the school community and all nominations should be submitted online. The deadline to nominate a B-P employee for the next MVP award is Monday, March 2.