Grade 1

Welcome to the Flamingo Class! 

My name is Laura Gavilanes and I love teaching 1st grade at MTES! My goal is to provide a warm and nurturing environment where your child can learn, make mistakes, be challenged, and thrive. First grade is a year of such growth, both academically and emotionally, and I am looking forward to working with your children.  

I began teaching in 2001 and spent almost 15 years teaching in Bergen County. I hold both a BA and MA Ed and am certified to teach K-8 in NJ.  After my third child was born, my family and I decided to relocate to Mendham Township and I left teaching to raise my children, all of whom are now students in the Mendham Township District. In 2021, I joined the MTES staff and have worked in a variety of roles. I love being part of the 1st grade team!

While not in the classroom, I can be found on the sidelines watching Twin Boro football, CM lacrosse and CM softball, coaching Twin Boro Cheerleading, meeting with my monthly book club, or traveling with my husband and three children. I love being part of the Mendham Township Community!

I have been teaching for about eight years and am very excited to begin working with the first grade team this year.  In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, hiking and snowboarding. Any sort of outdoor activities! 

Welcome to Miss Mastrogiannakos's First Grade Butterfly Class!

My name is Eugenia Mastrogiannakos and I have been teaching at Mendham Township Elementary since 2006. I have taught Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Social Science and a Master's Degree in Reading and Literacy Education. I actively enhance my teaching skills by attending workshops both within and outside the school district.

My goal is to provide a safe and nurturing classroom environment in which your child can succeed. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see my students academic, emotional, and social progress over the course of the school year!

I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child!

Welcome to the  Bee class! My name is Kelly Merlino and I am so excited to work with your child this year! I have taught school for 14 years. I have taught 6th grade,4th grade,3rd grade, kindergarten and now first grade. I taught in NYC and have been teaching at Mendham Township Elementary School since 2018. I continually pursue the advancement of my personal and professional knowledge in the field of education by regularly attending workshops and seminars. 

I work very closely with the First Grade team and love sharing and hearing new ideas my team has to share! 

My goals for my students is for them to love to learn and to be excited by learning new things while doing so in a positive, happy and nurturing environment. 

I live on Lake Mohawk with my three sons . I love to spend time with my family, walking with my dog, cooking, reading and traveling.  

Degrees: Bachelor's in Sociology from St. John's University. Master's Degree in Elementary Education from City University of New York.