WOODBURY — Many Woodbury Middle School students never thought they would see their favorite science teacher, Josh Kornblut, ever again.
But then, some walked into their freshman integrated science class, and their favorite science teacher was now teaching the course.
Freshman Lila Farrelly is thankful to have her middle school teacher again for her first year of high school.
“I felt really happy when I found out that I had Mr. K as a teacher again,” Farrelly said. “He is such a good teacher. He was always helping me with my work and hopefully he can help me again this year.”
Kornblut started his teaching career in 2018 at WMS, but he had aspirations of teaching at the high school level.
“While I loved teaching at the middle school, I’ve always wanted to teach high school,” Kornblut said, “Two years ago was when I started looking into the possibility of moving up to Nonnewaug because I didn’t want to leave Region 14.”
Junior Grace Rubacha had Kornblut as her eighth-grade science teacher. Her love of science came from his class.
“I really love science and biology,” said Rubacha. “Mr. K helped spark my passion and interest in science when I was in eighth grade. I think his way of teaching really encourages students to enjoy science.”
Kornblut is no stranger to NHS; alongside science teacher Toby Denman, he’s been coaching the high school’s JV boys soccer team for six years.
Jeff Bernardi, a senior and one of the soccer captains, has been with Kornblut since his time in middle school.
“I have loved Mr. Kornblut ever since middle school,” Bernardi said. “He’s been my favorite coach. He makes sure everyone is included, he really steps up when he is needed, and has some great pre-game talks.”
Denman, the varsity coach, is elated to have his assistant coach move up to the high school.
“It’s nice to have someone carry the pinnies down once in a while besides me,” Denman said. “Just logistically like if we have an early dismissal for a game, [it’s nice] having someone to assist with equipment and the bus instead of him saying, ‘I might have to meet you guys up there.’”
Along with moving up to NHS, Kornblut has also taken over Student Council.
“I found out about [Student Council] in mid-August,” Kornblut said. “It sounded like a fun activity to be a part of and somewhere where I can really make a difference in the school. Coming to a new school, I thought that would be a really good opportunity for me.”
While only teaching at the high school for only two months, Kornblut already has ideas for the future.
“I’m certified to teach biology, so that’s something I would like to do,” said Kornblut. “In the future, I would love to get a marine biology course.”
Not only is Denman thrilled about having his assistant coach move up to the high school, he’s also confident in Kornblut’s teaching skills.
“I know that he’s super excited to be here,” Denman said. “He’s an enthusiastic teacher and coach. I am confident that he is able to do a really good job in the classroom and I’m not surprised that he has stepped up to take on student council and he’s done a good job with it.”
