Freeport teachers honored for inspiring young scientists

Two science teachers in the Freeport School District have been named Outstanding Science Teachers by the Science Teachers Association of New York State.

Freeport was the only district in Nassau County whose teachers were honored. Peter Capaccio and Donna Rusinek were presented with the awards at a ceremony at the Coral House in Baldwin on May 16.

Capaccio, an eighth-grade earth science teacher at J.W. Dodd Middle School, won the Intermediate Science Award. He came to the Freeport district in 2004, and has consistently guided his students to excel in earth science Regents exams, Advanced Placement tests and U.S. Physics and Chemistry Olympiad exams. Capaccio instills a genuine passion for science in his students, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the subject.

He also has a passion for meteorology, and has set up a weather station on the school’s roof, which has given students and community members access real-time weather data. The initiative aims to cultivate students’ interest in meteorology and encourage them to explore weather forecasting independently.

Capaccio attributed his career choice to the teachers who inspired him during his own schooling. Their enthusiasm and dedication left a lasting impact, he said, motivating him to share his love for science with the next generation. Witnessing students’ curiosity and the development of their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, he added, brings him immense joy and fuels his passion for teaching.

“I’m very enthusiastic about meteorology, and I strive to ignite a similar enthusiasm in the students,” Capaccio said. “Some of them have shown a keen interest in observing the changing numbers and conditions, and they enjoy making predictions and forecasts on their own. It’s gratifying to see them develop their forecasting skills and gain confidence in their abilities. By allowing them to forecast independently, they no longer solely rely on the news, and it gives them a sense of accomplishment. They can say, ‘I don’t have to watch the news — I can do it myself.’”

Capaccio’s commitment to excellence is evident in his honors-level classes, where he guides eighth-grade students through a Regents-level material typically taken on by high school sophomores.

Rusinek, the science and English as a New Language teacher at the Archer Street School, was honored with the Elementary Science Award. She came to Freeport in 2002, and for the past 12 years has also served as the science facilitator for the elementary school. In that role, she is responsible for developing a comprehensive science curriculum and designing meaningful laboratory experiences that enhance student understanding of, and spark their passion for, science. Rusinek firmly believes that studying science contributes to a student’s rapid acquisition of any new language.

She said was pleasantly surprised by the recognition. “I put a lot of time and effort into teaching science, and making sure that the teachers in my school have been able to have all the materials they need, and help with lessons,” Rusinek said. “So I do try to … ensure that the students have a good experience learning science.”

She attributed her achievement to her years of dedication and the effort she puts into teaching. Originally from Bayside, Queens, Rusinek earned undergraduate and master’s degrees at Queens College. Having had a limited science education, she emphasizes the importance of equipping her students with a solid foundation in science, ensuring that they have the opportunities she lacked.

Early in her career, she said, she discovered that children naturally gravitate toward science. She found that the subject matter was as an effective way to engage students in reading and learning, especially those who initially lacked interest. Through hands-on activities such as planting, live animal interactions, and running a STEM club, Rusinek encourages students to explore and learn through tactile experiences.

At the awards ceremony, Freeport Superintendent Kishore Kuncham commended Capaccio and Rusinek for their ability to ignite a passion for science in their students. He highlighted the importance of their contributions in preparing students for the challenges of more advanced science at Freeport High School.

“Congratulations to these outstanding educators,” Kuncham said, “for inspiring a love of science in our students, and encouraging them to succeed so that they will be prepared when they enter Freeport High School and experience the rigorous science curriculum and opportunities available in the fields of science.”