COURTESY OF STUART RAMSON Sonia Kim, an English as a Second Language teacher at Livingston Park Elementary School in North Brunswick, participated in a Jones New York Fashion show at the Menlo Park Mall on Oct. 13 in support of teachers who spend their own money to outfit their classrooms with supplies. NORTH BRUNSWICK – Five township elementary school teachers got to strut their stuff in front of a different crowd on Oct. 13, as they participated in the Jones New York fashion show at the Menlo Park Mall in Edison.
As part of a program by the clothing company to recognize teachers for their hard work and sacrifice, Jennifer Chiaramida and Kathleen Moon of Parsons Elementary School and Erin Gallins, Sonia Kim and Martha Landy of Livingston Park Elementary School were able to model four different outfits and keep the clothing they wore for their professional and personal wardrobes. Also involved were Aurora Collins of Newark, Carla Pereira of North Arlington and Amy Ruggirello of Somerset.
“It was a terrific educational experience for me. As teachers, we are always learning, always looking for more information. For me, to see what happens behind the scenes, the time and energy it takes, was a great experience for me,” Moon said.
The teachers arrived at Macy’s at 10 a.m., immediately preparing for the 2 p.m. show. Their hair and makeup were professionally done, and a quick run through was practiced before it was time to get dressed. They had previously been chosen in June and sent in their measurements, trying on the outfits two weeks prior to the show, with the assistance of a personal dresser.
A longtime wearer of Jones New York clothing, Moon, an academic support teacher, said although she usually wears bright colors, the show gave her an opportunity to try some black and gray shades. She modeled a skirt with a shirt and a sweater, a dress and a dressy pants outfit.
“It’s like a little girl’s dream when you play dress up. In the back of my mind was always the thought, wouldn’t it be fun to be a model?” she said.
Kim also got to live out a dream she never expected. Saying she is only 5 feet tall and shops for petite clothes, she picked up some basic pieces from Jones New York, especially their pants. She wore pleated pants with a purple sweater vest, a gold jacket with black slacks and tan corduroy pants with a denim jacket.
“This brings something so popular, which is fashion, and focuses attention and directs it toward a worthy cause,” the thirdand fourth-grade (ESL) teacher said.
Each woman also received a T-shirt specially designed for the event, and was coached by celebrity style icon Lloyd Boston, who emceed the show.
“You’re walking down the runaway and see a sea of people. You’re not looking to pinpoint anyone; you’re just concentrating on walking and not tripping. I looked down and saw my former students, so that really surprised me,” said Gallins, a first- and second grade ESL teacher who showed off a leather jacket and a dress.
The fashion show was held in celebration of Shop for Education Week. Ten percent of the selling price of apparel from various Jones New York clothing lines was donated to Jones New York In the Classroom, a nonprofit organization supporting teachers and children’s education. According to the company, teachers spend an average of $1,500 of their own money each year to outfit their classrooms with basic learning supplies.
“North Brunswick supports us a lot, but there are school districts whose teachers spend a lot of money because their districts don’t support them. It’s nice to help other teachers who aren’t as fortunate as we are,” Kim said.
“Money isn’t really an object when it comes to learning, I think,” Gallins said. “This was a nice little treat for us working so hard. It saves time in the morning now because I have three outfits I can wear.”