On June 11, 2024, the last day of classes, some students couldn’t leave without one final visit to Ms. McAndrew. Since November, 2021, Isabella McAndrew has been an ELA teacher at Peekskill High School, and she has left quite a mark on her students. She says, “I loved being able to laugh and smile with my students every day knowing I can be a positive influence in their lives in and out of school.”

This influence was easy to see. Students would flock to Ms. McAndrew’s 2:45pm “Call Back” each day to make up missing work, get the extra help, or to share their problems and seek advice. One ninth-grade student said, “Ms. McAndrew believed in me when nobody else did.” This was a sentiment shared by others who were able to hold onto hope and try their best even when they felt challenged with “all that work.” Furthermore, some would even laugh and cry with Ms. McAndrew. Juan Peguero said, “She understands us and can relate to what we’re going through since she’s close to our age.” In a note, Camila Cedeño shared, “I feel safe and happy, like I can be myself in your class.”

McAndrew and her fiancé will be moving to Rhode Island where she will be closer to family and where she again will be a ninth-grade English teacher. Although she’s excited to return home and to engage in new opportunities, McAndrew says, “I’ll miss Peekskill and my students every day.”

For sure, Ms. McAndrew will be missed and remembered.