John F. Kennedy Elementary School Rallies Around Teacher

Like the other schools in Brewster Central School District, John F. Kennedy Elementary School (JFK) celebrated different themes for Spirit Week. JFK celebrated with Tie-Dye Day and Pajama Day, Picture Day and School Spirit Day. But the most meaningful day of all, at least to teacher Megan Gersch, was Superhero Day.

While students dressed up as first responders and their favorite caped crusaders, teachers, staff and administrators dressed in pink to rally around their very own superhero: Megan Gersch. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, Gersch recently found out that the cancer has returned and she received treatment for it during Spirit Week.

“As I was sitting in my infusion chair, I began to see a flood of photos on my Facebook account,” Gersch said. “All of my coworkers were wearing pink and holding up a sign that said ‘In this school, nobody fights alone.’”

Teachers wore t-shirts reading “Team Mighty Megz” and “Because friends don’t let friends fight cancer alone.” They wore pink sweaters, masks and scarves. They posed in pairs, in groups and by themselves — and even got a retiree to send in a photo — to make it clear that they were thinking of her and that they will always be in her corner.

“To say I am touched is an absolute understatement,” Gersch said. “These are the times that Brewster shines. When someone is in a dark time, the district always pulls together and spreads love and light. The BCSD Community has wrapped its arms around me and supported me through it all. It has taken loads of stress and worry off of my shoulders.”

Join us in sending Mrs. Gersch big Brewster bear hugs. She is definitely our superhero.