Pam Carbone

Patricia Clausi

Many events took place in the year 1973. In world news: The Vietnam peace negotiations were making progress and the World Trade Center officially opened. In the world of mathematics and education: Schoolhouse Rock debuts on ABC television, teaching children the fundamentals of grammar, arithmetic, history, and science. Also in the world of mathematics, two mathematicians discover a useful algorithm for solving the "traveling salesman problem" – a problem I know our guest of honor has worked on herself. And in the field of education, there was the start of Patricia Clausi’s teaching career. Now, 37 years later, we recognize Ms. Patricia Clausi for her commitment to Scotia-Glenville. Teachers, administrators, and, most of all, students have been the beneficiaries of Ms. Clausi’s dedication to education.

Ms. Clausi started her teaching career at Our Lady of Angels in Albany. From there, she moved on to teaching in the Albany Public School System, followed by a brief stint at Shenendehowa, and finally arriving to Scotia-Glenville in 1987. During Ms. Clausi’s time in our district, she has been very involved in the total school community and beyond. Tricia took part in a variety of training sessions in an effort to grow in her profession and to give back to others in the school community. A few of the programs Ms. Clausi took part in were: Training as a Family Mathematics Coordinator, Member of an alliance to involve more girls in mathematics and science, and training in a Discrete Mathematics program.

Ms. Clausi trained at the University of Massachusetts as a Family Math Coordinator. She acquired knowledge from the training that allowed her the ability to conduct Family Math seminars at the Junior High with the help of Mrs. Anne Sterman. Tricia and Anne provided these seminars for several years for members of the Scotia community. Ms. Clausi also served as a member of the New York State Alliance for Girls and Women in Technology. The alliance was convened by Governor Mario Cuomo in an effort to expand opportunities for girls and women in the fields of mathematics and science. Ms. Clausi also attended the Rutgers University Leadership Program in Discrete Mathematics, hence her involvement with the “traveling salesman problem”. Tricia again gave back to the school community by running in-service courses for teachers in grades 5–8. In addition to the programs mentioned, Ms. Clausi spent a year working for Capital Region BOCES as a Technical Assistance Coordinator where she worked for the statewide gender equity center. Tricia ran staff development workshops for school districts that were in non-compliance with Title IX.

As a member of the junior high and middle school, Ms. Clausi introduced the “Pi-Day” celebration to the entire building. The intention of the celebration is to make students aware of the significance and beauty of Pi, and mathematics in general. Ms. Clausi also spent time as the vice-president of the Junior High PTA, where she helped coordinate theme days such as Diversity Awareness and Career Awareness Days. Tricia chaperoned various functions, attended countless school events, and was available to students on a daily basis. When Ms. Clausi moved to the high school, she continued her involvement in the school community, much like she did at the junior high and middle school. At the high school, Tricia worked on the 9^th

Grade Transition Team, a team devoted to helping students transition successfully from the middle school. Tricia used her knowledge of middle school students to inform high school teachers and administrators how best to meet the needs of incoming 9^th graders. Ms. Clausi helped organize the 9^th grade Barbeque for students to come and socialize and meet many of their teachers in a different setting. To say Ms. Clausi was “involved” in the total school community would be an understatement to the 10^th degree! Any adult in the profession of teaching who does not understand the importance of getting involved should spend a few minutes talking with Tricia, as I am sure she would help them see the significance of getting involved in the school community.

Patricia Clausi has made a name for herself as a master teacher. Students and faculty respect her as an educator and for her commitment and dedication to all students. As a master teacher, Tricia has set the standard at Scotia-Glenville for professionalism and expertise in a profession that has seen immense changes in the last four decades. Throughout all the changes, Ms. Clausi was consistently excellent in her teaching and consistently involved with the students of Scotia-Glenville.

The word “dedicated” does not begin to describe this educator. Tonight we honor in her retirement Ms. Patricia Clausi, a professional who has shown to all of us the meaning of being a wonderful teacher, consummate professional, and a tremendous friend. We wish her the very best retirement has to offer: sleeping in, no more lesson planning, no more grading papers till midnight, and most of all SUNDAYS.

On behalf of the Board and all who had the opportunity to work with you, we say Thank you, Ms. Patricia Clausi and Congratulations on a job well done!...and Mr. McCarthy would like you to consider this your Final Evaluation.

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Gary Normington

Bill Hallenbeck

Bill Hallenbeck was hired in 1979 as a fifth grade teacher at the Mohawk Elementary School in the Village of Scotia, by Fred Gula. It was Fred’s first year as the Mohawk School’s Principal. Indeed Fred was a half time Principal and the half time Phys. Ed teacher at the time, but he obviously was also an outstanding judge of teacher candidates.

Bill taught fifth grade at Mohawk except for the 1979-80 school year when he taught fourth and fifth grades. When Mohawk closed in 1981, Bill moved to Glendaal Elementary School to again teach fifth grade. Sure enough, Fred Gula was the new Glendaal Principal, and Fred always had the reputation of surrounding himself with high quality teachers.

From 1982 to 1989 Bill taught 3^rd grade at Glendaal, until Glen-Worden Elementary School reopened. Fred Gula was asked to reopen Glen-Worden and you guessed it, Bill Hallenbeck was one of the Glendaal teachers that Fred wanted with him at Glen-Worden.

Bill continued teaching third grade at Glen-Worden, first with Cary Hanley until her retirement, and now with Debbie Mancini.

One indicator of the quality of Bill Hallenbeck’s teaching is that one of his former students now teaches Kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary School in Scotia, Winnie Valachovic.

Bill’s caring ways and quick wit have endeared him to generations of Scotia students. He is always teaching with a quip or a story from his own experiences to liven up a lesson. Students have loved his sense of humor and entertaining stories. Mr. Hallenbeck is the teacher who would bring the TV into the room, if students had finished all of their work, so they could watch the World Series. He brought real situations into his lessons, so that students could relate what they were learning to real life. Few of his students will ever forget to “Measure twice and cut only once” from his math lessons.

Through the many years and scores of students, Bill has employed some dependable teaching techniques. All of his students fondly remember “Squiggle Art” (Bill is Scotia’s version of Uncle Jim Fisk on the Freddie Freihofer Show), his Mr. Arithmetic records (now tapes), and Mr. Hallenbeck kicking the football high in the air and owing an ice cream to the students who caught it. He could be single handedly responsible for the success of Stewart’s Ice Cream Corporation. Although Bill would stay open to new and effective teaching strategies and materials, he has always used the activities that kids have enjoyed the most. Mr. Hallenbeck always found a way for each student to be successful in his class and to be recognized for it.

Throughout every school year, Bill will read to his students. They sit transfixed while he introduces them to the Rats of Nimh or other quality children’s literature. This can be many students’ first exposure to chapter books, and Bill Hallenbeck would whet their appetites, often instilling the life-long love of literature.

Bill advocates for his students and wants only the very best for them. This was also how he treated his colleagues. Bill spent many years as the SGTA Building Rep at Glen-Worden, so that teachers could have the best working conditions, so that their students could learn best.

Throughout Bill’s years of caring and quality teaching, his students have flourished under his support and encouragement. He’s helped hundred’s of students grow in their learning and their self confidence. He has had a powerful impact upon all aspects of his student’s lives. They remember their year with him fondly.

Bill will retire to spend more time with his beautiful grandsons (William and Wesley), enjoy the family camp on Lake George, and maybe (just maybe) have some extra time on the golf course where he excels also. We wish Bill the very best in his retirement with many thanks for teaching the hundreds of students that he’s taught so well.

Congratulations, Bill!

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Colleen Benedetto

Lorelei Heidenstrom

Lorelei Heidenstrom joined the Scotia Glenville district in 1997 as an elementary string teacher. After having taught for many years on Long Island, she decided to move upstate to be closer to her family. At that time, the total enrollment in Scotia for the string program in grades four through twelve was twenty students. Lorelei recruited, encouraged, and nurtured fourth and fifth grade string students, and has continued to do so. As a result, thirteen years later, the string music program now boasts an enrollment of approximately 180 students. Elementary students throughout the district know “Miss H,” and are eager to attend their weekly lessons. Although her schedule has her in the district for only two days, she often pops in outside of her scheduled days to return string instruments that she has repaired at home or to touch base with staff, students and/or parents that she does not have time to do during her lesson-packed days in the district. Miss Heidenstrom can be regularly seen in the middle school orchestra rehearsals, when she comes in and plays with her former students. She is a much loved regular chaperone for the annual high school performing group trip.

When not doing student-related things, Lorelei has many loves. She is a die-hard Jets fan. Politics are her strong interest, as well. If one has any question about the latest developments in local, state, or federal government, Lorelei will undoubtedly be able to answer it, and, may even have an opinion to give, as well! The love and nurturing that she has given to Scotia string students she also gives to her family. On her “off” days from work, she is caregiver, housekeeper, cook, and chauffeur for her elderly parents. She often plays chauffeur, counselor, and loving aunt to her nieces, as well.

Congratulations, Lorelei, and we wish you the very best for a wonderful retirement!

Ben Conlon

Marcia Powers

“My main objective in teaching is the welfare of the students and the amount of learning that the student is able to obtain to the best of his ability. Attitudes, feelings, values, and appreciation are learned. Every experience involves a constellation of such learnings.

As a teacher, I hope to incorporate these learnings into experiences that are useful and important to the student. Understanding and appreciation of efforts by the teacher are important for the intellectual growth of a child. This is an important goal to achieve and I hope to successfully attain it.”

These words were written by our honored retiree Mrs. Marcia Powers on her application as she furthered her professional interest in securing a teaching position with our district. They are also words that in reflection of her dedicated service to our district were truly the foundation of her teaching career.

Mrs. Powers actually started her experience in education as an elementary student attending Mohawk Elementary School. She is a Scotia-Glenville graduate experiencing her first taste of becoming a classroom teacher by participating in our career experience program in her senior year. During her senior year, she worked with Barbara Walter’s first grade classroom at Lincoln School.

From this experience, Mrs. Powers then went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree at SUC Oswego and completed her Master’s degree in Reading at SUNY Albany. Her first assignment was as a long term substitute in first grade in February 1977. In May, she received her probationary appointment and in the fall of that year, was assigned to a second grade classroom. Mrs. Powers received her tenure appointment in May of 1980.

Mrs. Powers always enjoyed the challenge of teaching children with diverse needs and age ranges. Over her tenure, she made several grade level changes and in addition to the first and second grades, taught at the third and fourth grade levels as well. In each of these experiences, she continued in her endeavor to assure her philosophy of teaching focused on the needs of the many children that crossed her classroom’s threshold and had the wonderful experience of having her as their teacher. Her acceptance of where her children were at and energy in helping them to strive to reach their potential was always paramount in the many successes that they would realize throughout their school experiences. Recently a first grade student of hers from many classes back had contacted Mrs. Powers through Facebook to share her appreciation for working with her outside the school day and year to teach her how to read and what it still means to her today as an adult. This is truly one of the finest accolades that any teacher could ever receive.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Power’s caring and dedication evidenced itself through her involvement in our school and community endeavors. She was always involved in many of our district activities, serving on our district curriculum committees, piloting new materials and resources, participating in our PTA and school functions, helping to spearhead programs such as the Ingenuity Challenge 300 back in the early 90’s where our district had the second highest ranking of student participation and they received many awards and prizes, as well as serving on our staff’s social committee. Mrs. Powers mentored several student teachers and always welcomed the opportunity to work with our staff and parents in bringing programs and resources into our educational program.

Mrs. Powers continued to expand her own professional expertise by continuing to participate in our district’s in-service programs as well as recent trainings. Her experiences in cooperative learning, childhood development trainings, responsive classroom philosophy and strategies, writing, learning centers, the arts and math were a catalyst for bringing the best of instructional practices to her instructional style. She looked forward to each year with a renewed enthusiasm and relished the opportunity to incorporate these best practices in her overall educational plan.

Mrs. Powers also worked with her colleagues in serving as an officer in the SGTA for many years. Her efforts as Second Vice-President were recognized as the “behind the scenes” type of person – who handled the membership enrollments, VOTE-COPE campaigns and many of the other details associated with the position.

Her special interests in working with children and young adults continued into her community endeavors. She had past experience as a Sunday school teacher in her church. For several years, she participated in the area’s Fresh Air Children’s program, bringing students from the city into our area for their summer recess, as well as serving as a mentor to young mothers through a Teen-Mom mentoring program in our communities.

Mrs. Powers is well known for her skills in the culinary arts and at one time had an interest in pursuing interests as a caterer. Our staff always looked forward to her bringing in her special treats to share or the care package of coffee rolls that were provided for our staff as they left for the Camp Chingachgook overnights.

We hope that her retirement finds many opportunities to enjoy her special interests and time with her family and friends and wish her well. It is not often that we have this opportunity to recognize someone who we have nurtured as a Scotia-Glenville student and continued to be a part in realizing her entire professional goals and established career as a teacher at Sacandaga School and the Scotia-Glenville School District. Our sincerest of best wishes in retirement!

Congratulations!

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Leslie Smith

Terry Rodrigues

Terry Rodrigues was hired by Fred Gula, the Principal at Glendaal Elementary School, in 1988 as a part time social worker. She moved with Fred and others to Glen-Worden, when it reopened in 1989. Remember Fred’s surrounding himself with high quality teachers? Since that time, Terry has supported dozens of students and their families at Glen-Worden. Terry does not like the limelight and will purposely avoid it. Tonight’s recognition is somewhat uncomfortable for her, because she prefers to recognize others for what they do.

Over her many years at Glen-Worden, Terry has worked to support students in a variety of ways. For those students who are not successful at completing their homework, Terry helped to organize the Glen-Worden Homework Club. In addition to coordinating various staff members to help at Homework Club, Terry worked with local senior citizens to become routine mentors for students. She also collaborated in identifying High School students to come to help after their school day was finished. Homework Club students enjoyed their helpers of all ages thanks to Ms. Rodrigues.

This kind of out of the box thinking is reflective of many of Terry’s other significant accomplishments. Terry worked with 5^th grade teachers and parents to organize a Saturday in March where our 5^th graders cooked breakfast for dozens of people at the City Mission of Schenectady. Although it was extra effort and out of the box thinking, Terry knew that our students need to get to know others in neighboring communities. Our students could learn volumes about and from those less fortunate, by giving of their time and selves. Besides learning that those who eat at the City Mission are real people who have had a bit of bad luck, our students learn how wonderful it feels to give to others. This past March was the eighth time students cooked breakfast at the City Mission. Many 5^th graders and their families have gone on to continue giving of their time and selves at other holidays and it’s even developed into their own family tradition.

Terry’s work with senior citizens goes beyond Homework Club. For a couple of years, Terry has facilitated and collaborated to provide Senior Citizen Knitting Instructors for a number of our students. Seniors and students will get together on a weekly basis to learn how to knit and, of course, chat about things in general while doing so. Multiple friendships have been forged as a result.

Terry was instrumental in bringing the READiscovery program to Glen-Worden. Developed by a local senior citizen, the program brings seniors together with students around quality children’s books, and accompanying projects. Over the last five years or so, dozens of students have learned to love books and reading through this project.

You can get see the consistent themes behind Terry’s extra efforts and projects. She brings our students together with others of different ages and backgrounds to develop the lifelong skills of giving, reading, and learning.

Ms. Rodrigues also models what she preaches. After 9/11, she went to New York City and volunteered countless hours and days to help survivors recover. She also coordinated a stuffed animal drive at Glen-Worden for our students and families to send to NYC, to help others.

Terry recently became a 46’er, which was a goal of hers. If you’re not sure what that is, she’s climbed all of the 46 High Peak Mountains over 4000 feet in elevation in the Adirondacks.

Terry will be enjoying her time in retirement with her family and friends, as well as continuing to help others via her private practice.

Congratulations, Terry, and best wishes for a happy retirement!

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Margaret Smith

Linda Rose

Linda Rose began her career in Oswego, where she grew up, until Fred Gula hired her in 1979 to teach 4^th grade at the Mohawk Elementary School, even though she had a broken leg! Fred had the ability to find the very best teacher candidates. When the Mohawk School closed, Linda moved to Lincoln Elementary School to teach sixth grade in 1981. The following year, Linda moved to Glendaal to teach first grade with Fred Gula again as her Principal. At Glendaal, Linda taught second grade, a first and second grade combination class, and returned to teaching first grade in 1985. She next moved to Glen-Worden to teach first grade when Fred Gula reopened Glen-Worden in 1989. Remember Fred liked to surround himself with high quality teachers. Linda taught first grade at Glen-Worden until 2000 when she wanted to teach fifth grade, which she’s been teaching ever since.

The number of different schools and grades that Linda Rose has taught is a reflection of her desire for a challenge. Linda is always challenging herself to find creative ways to teach her students and to keep her teaching fresh.

Linda’s consistent message to students is for them to believe in themselves. She has imparted this to hundred’s of students. In everyway and anyway possible, Linda will identify for students how smart they are and how valuable they are. Countless students began to believe in themselves due to Mrs. Rose’s faith in them and tireless efforts to help them see themselves as being smart.

Linda has no limits when it comes to giving of herself for her students. She spends way too many evenings in school preparing her creative lessons for students. She’s always developing interesting projects for her students to demonstrate their learning in various and different ways. An example of this is her students’ ABC books on their Latin American countries.

Linda Rose never quits. Her fifth graders are still recounting their recent trip to Boston and the Freedom Trail. They are working on their ABC books, while they are practicing for the fifth grade play. She’s finishing organizing the Glen-Worden Talent Show, and coordinating the Student Council’s Appreciation Day for the Custodians. She’s amazing, isn’t she?

Her passions are teaching and her students. All of her students feel it and benefit from it. She won’t stop until they’ve gotten her very best and know that they have her support in being their very best.

Linda loves to organize. She is always looking for ways to recognize others for their achievements and successes. Mrs. Rose and her co-composer, Mrs. Belfance, have composed dozens of songs for multiple colleagues for their birthdays, retirements, and other milestones.

Linda has extremely strong leadership skills. She’s been the assistant principal, when the principal was out of the building. Linda Rose is constantly challenging herself to do things better. She also challenges those that she works with to become better at supporting each other and teaching our students. Her consistent bottom line is “how can we become better teachers for our students?”

She’s coordinated our Student Council for many years, worked on our School Theme Committee, participated on the Language Arts Committee, and consistently supported her colleagues in all of their efforts and events.

Linda will be enjoying her retirement by traveling with friends and entertaining on her historic Saratoga front porch. Perhaps she’ll also substitute teach, because it’s so hard to leave behind. She’s been so very valuable to each school that she taught in, and to the hundreds of students that she supported in seeing their own value. We can’t thank her enough.

Congratulations, Linda, and best wishes in your future!

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John Yagielski

Sharon Dereski

Sharon Dereski has provided service to the former junior high and middle

school students for many years. She started as a school lunch monitor in 1991 and in 1997 she became a teaching assistant. Sharon has supervised study halls and four-square during lunch recreation time. Sharon was granted tenure as a teaching assistant in 2008. She was a recipient of the Founders Day Award and students nominated her again, even after she received this prestigious award. Recently, Sharon created an after school Four Square program for eighth grade students who were not chosen for athletic teams. She wanted to encourage them physically and socially. She has served as an informal mentor to numerous students over the years. Students knew that Sharon had high expectations for their academics and behavior. She would touch base with students daily to check up on them and encourage them to do their best. Students knew how much she cared about them and rose to the challenge. In addition, as her teaching assistant position expanded, she became an assistant in the computer lab with Connie Large. Sharon took this role very seriously and learned quickly how to assist students and problem-solve computer and printer problems as they occurred.

As Sharon’s responsibilities shifted at the middle school, she became very involved with G.I.V.E. and was instrumental in starting up our garden. During the summer, she volunteers her time to supervise students who assist in caring for the plants and weeding the garden. We would see her harvesting the food with students, weighing the produce and then getting it ready for our local food pantry.

One teacher, Mrs. Ayers, fondly remembers teaching Sharon’s son Dan in her first year of teaching. She remembers Sharon’s laughter in the hallways and she appreciated Sharon’s warm welcome during her first year of teaching. Sharon’s laughter continues to ring through the halls of the middle school and words can’t express how much we will miss hearing it next year.

None of us can forget how strong and courageous Sharon was as her son faced his battle with cancer. Sharon was like a rock as she endured this incredibly difficult situation and we all admired her for it.

“Live, Love and Laugh” describes Sharon Dereski so perfectly. Sharon is planning a trip overseas in the fall with a few of her friends. We wish her the best of health, loads of laughter and much love and happiness in her retirement.

Congratulations, Sharon!

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Pam Carbone

Margaret Doret

Margaret (Peg) Doret worked as a motivated library clerk for almost 20 years in our school district. Peg always used every opportunity to connect resources to our students. Her time management skills were exceptional and she had a great rapport with all library volunteers and peers. Peg always went above and beyond the expected criteria for excellence. She adjusted her schedule and limited employment hours to meet the individual needs of our library media program and always took the time to know our readers personally when they stopped by her office. Peg shared her enthusiasm for learning administrative responsibilities in a way that motivates anyone around her to do their personal best.

Peg was a valuable asset to both the Glen-Worden and the Middle School library media centers. Although she worked quietly behind the scenes and her hours were minimal, Peg impacted library instruction in a maximum way by working quickly and efficiently to make certain the librarian could put student achievement first. She is committed to best practice, demonstrated strong skills for technology, and always adapted to the modernization of our media centers. Peg focused on maintaining an amazing team partnership with the library media specialists and department staff. Peg supported our library media center and strengthened both the learner and classroom teacher experience by providing resources quickly and accurately. Peg was always willing to learn new ways to improve delivery and accuracy of library materials in addition to being very accurate with cataloging with digital records and communicating her process to the library media specialist.

Peg’s personal demeanor and flexibility coupled with her natural abilities as an independent and productive worker make her a powerful force that has benefited our school and community beyond the walls of our library programs.

Congratulations, Peg, and we wish you the best for a happy, and healthy retirement!

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Gary Normington

Sharon Kristel

In this day and age of mobility and job changes, finding a person employed for many years by the same employer is unique. Sharon Kristel, a typist employed by the Scotia-Glenville School District, worked in our Library Media Department on a full time basis for the past 27 years, in addition to subbing for 9 years in the district’s secretarial pool.   This evening, we pause to honor Sharon’s commitment to the students and staff of Scotia-Glenville Central School District as a typist for the High School Library Media Center and as a typist for the entire Library Media Department.

Over the course of her career, Sharon easily adapted to the new technologies that were introduced in the work place.  From electric typewriters to laptops and financial ledgers to Finance Manager, Sharon’s keen intellect allowed her to quickly assimilate the latest technologies for efficient office management. She utilized excellent problem solving skills to analyze and create solutions for technology challenges.

Two hallmarks of Sharon’s work ethic are the attention that she gave to work flow details and the stewardship that she provided for district resources. Sharon received the respect of members in the department and her colleagues within our organization for her ability to manage projects, data, and systems.  For years, she translated the difficult details of the library automation system to the library media specialists and the library clerks.  She meticulously followed data trails and created high standards for data entry and analysis that created a consistent catalog of resources for students to use.  Secondly, Sharon worked with the library media specialists to spend funds to the penny for quality instructional products. If resource arrived in any form other than stellar, she contacted the publishers for replacements.  When orders were cancelled or out of stock, Sharon also worked in a professional

manner to contact the publishers and request alternative titles.  She used her excellent communication skills to create working relationships with publisher representatives and technical support staff.

One might ask, “How does a person in this position affect student achievement?”  In her quiet, unassuming manner, Sharon processed over 30,000 instructional resources for our students to check out of the high school library, managed the minutia of over 70,000 database records allowed our students to search, locate, and borrow these resources, and attended to financial details so that the library media specialists could focus solely on instruction and curriculum.

With her family living in our school district, Sharon’s commitment will continue through the interests of her grandchildren.  Cassie currently attends Glendaal Elementary School, as will Keeley and Kellan.  We wish her time to enjoy life and travel, and we sincerely thank her for the integrity of her work for the students and staff of Scotia-Glenville School District.  

Congratulations, Sharon, and best wishes in your future!!

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