Musketeer Monday Part Three: Bridget McKosky

Welcome to Musketeer Monday, a weekly series in which we feature students and staff around the Central Islip School District. If you’re interested in nominating a fellow Musketeer, please click the link below to submit your nomination:

Musketeer Monday Form

Musketeer Monday Part One: Bridget McKosky, Special Education Teacher, Alfano Elementary School

Q: School / Grade / Subject(s) Taught / Area of Work
A: Alfano Elementary School / Grade 2 / Special Education

Q: How many years of experience in education / teaching / current field do you have?
A: 7 years in Special Education.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education (or your current field)?
A: I have always wanted to be a teacher. In middle school, I even asked for an overhead projector for Christmas and played “school” every single day. I love being a vital part of each student’s success. When I began my student teaching at Central Islip, I fell in love with Special Education. I enjoy learning about my students and using their interests to motivate them during lessons.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of this school/district community?
A: I absolutely love Central Islip and its community. I love being part of each student’s family and forming strong bonds and relationships. It truly feels like a family for every student in my class. The sense of pride we all share is incredible, and attending events with students and their families is such a beautiful experience. I love my students, administrators, and coworkers—this district truly feels like home.

Q: What do you consider the most rewarding part of your job?
A: The most rewarding part of my job is watching students become independent. In Special Education, success looks different for every student. Whether it’s navigating the school independently or learning how to read, being part of those meaningful milestones that shape their lives is incredibly rewarding.

Q: What’s a memorable moment you’ve had with students or colleagues?
A: Every day brings memorable moments, but one I will never forget is looping with my first-grade class into second grade. On the first day of school, watching students walk in, see their friends who had become family, and realize I was their teacher again was so special. It truly felt like a family reunion and was an unforgettable moment.

Q: Please list a teacher or staff member that has made a positive impact on you in this district and explain why.
A: Kelly Dresch has made a tremendous impact on me. She has been my teaching assistant for my entire career so far, and we clicked from the very beginning. She is one of the most important people in my life. Watching her support our students so beautifully is one of the highlights of my day, and her support extends both inside and outside the classroom. We have grown from coworkers into true friends.

Q: What’s your favorite event or tradition in our schools?
A: My favorite event is Homecoming. I love bringing my children to the Homecoming parade and showing them why this community is so special. Seeing my “school babies” alongside my own children is incredibly meaningful. Representing Central Islip is something I will always do with pride and enthusiasm.

Q: Where did you grow up / go to school?
A: I grew up in Bayport–Blue Point and attended college at West Virginia University and St. Joseph’s College.

Q: Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show? Tell us about them!
A: I love watching sports—especially Knicks games and Yankees games.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or motto you live by?
A: I always remind myself to “treat everyone the way you want your children to be treated.” A favorite quote of mine is, “The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.” — Marcus Aurelius.

Q: What are some activities you do in your spare time outside of school?
A: I love spending time with my husband and our three beautiful children. We enjoy going for walks, visiting the park and the beach, baking together, and spending quality time as a family.

Q: If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be?
A: Jalen Brunson—and I’d bring Dr. Dungee with me!

Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list (travel, skill, experience)?
A: I’ve always wanted to travel to Japan with my husband and children.