Friday, June 22, will mark the end of a wonderful teaching career for me in Jericho. During these years, the overwhelming support I received from the parents helped to make my career a most rewarding one, both professionally and personally. As parents, you sent to my classroom students with a zest for living and learning that encouraged me to strive for excellence. The open communication we shared as a "family" benefited our community, but our children stood to gain the most. Furthermore, your faith and trust in the teacher as a professional accorded me the academic freedom to experiment with new ideas and introduce new curriculum areas into the classroom.

These experiences encouraged me to embark on a new endeavor. I will be attending Adelphi as a full-time graduate student in social work. With my MSW, I hope to work with learning disabled children who have emotional needs.

How I wish I could say "Thank You" and Good-bye" in person to all of you for providing me the opportunities to enjoy 35 memorable years in a profession whose rewards surpassed its liabilities. Fortunately, I will leave with not just memories for as the French scholar Alfred De Vigny, has stated, "Any man who has been a teacher retains something of his student within him."