Didn't want to any more time to pass without saying congratulations and Godspeed to 16 staff members of the Hamden public schools who have retired. Their dedication to students and the school system is to be admired and respected. I am leaving special recognition notes to the people I knew personally, and I apologize for not knowing the rest of you.
Going by school, here's who you won't see next year:
West Woods School: Principal Barbara Nana, a very special person who has been with the system for 35 years. I will miss your smiling face and your willingness to spread the good news of West Woods School. Michelle Coogan, who has been the principal at Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School, is taking her place. Also, kindergarten teacher Betsy Barker.
Spring Glen School: Cynthia Hecht, grade 2.
Dunbar Hill School: Sharon Houck, grade 1. (Thanks for teaching my nephew.)
Shepherd Glen School: Judy Feather, clerk.
Hamden Middle School: Elissa Lupi, social studies teacher, who also taught plenty of kids about caring for the Earth and about recycling; Carolyn Wayne, Spanish teacher.
Hamden High School: Patricia Taylor, English teacher; Margaret McHale, special education teacher; Lorraine Stevens, Spanish teacher; Nancy Graham, chemistry teacher; Peter Laffin, physical education teacher and an outstanding veteran; Valarie Canalori, a very special English teacher. Enjoy life!; John Farley, science teacher, you went out on a high note with that great award you received; Lenora Henderson, English teacher, always an understanding and friendly face to me and many others. The district will miss you dearly.
And last but not least, my friend, Jane Glynn, office manager of Hamden High School. Jane was a second mother to many, many students over the years, taking her duties as office manager to a much higher level than the job description ever required. Besides being tough on students when necessary, thus gaining their respect, she listened to them and guided them to stay on the right path. Her rewards were 1,000-fold, as they continued to stay in touch with her over the years. Her office was decorated with thank-you notes and pictures of student's babies, etc. (She also started the Dream Girls prom gown program for girls who couldn't afford gowns on their own.) Jane was the administrative assistant to the late Superintendent of Schools Alida Begina, a position that was a stepping stone to the office manager's job. Jane worked closely with Principal Gary Highsmith and also was the district's transportation coordinator, a very challenging and frustrating job, I'm sure.
While current and future students will miss Jane's tutelage and caring, her time at Hamden High has made her realize that, in the next chapter of her life, she wants to work with young people, helping them to attain success in their lives.
My best wishes to all retirees.