June 2011

Where has the time gone? In many respects, it seems like yesterday that I entered Maplewood School as the superintendent/principal. That was twenty years ago. Now I am retiring and Maplewood School, as we know it, will close at the end of this month after serving this community for 114 years.

The question is often asked, “What makes a good school?” For me, a good school is a reflection of the people within it; the teachers, students, staff, and parents working together to create a wonderful learning environment. Maplewood School has been special for so many reasons, but especially for the quality education that the children received from the dedicated faculty and staff. A true learning community has existed within the school building and throughout the neighborhood. Children have felt safe within her walls. The academic standards were designed so that all children could take pride in their own accomplishments and as such, graduates of Maplewood have been widely recognized.

On Sunday, June 12, 2011, at 6:00 p.m., I want to invite you to come and celebrate the 114 years of Maplewood School. The school was first known as Town of Colonie Common School No. 22, then Maplewood-Colonie Common School District, and finally Maplewood Elementary School. Let us take you on a “walk down memory lane” to reminisce about the history and heritage of Maplewood School.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the fabric of Maplewood. Thank you to all of our dedicated teachers, past and present, who have helped our students reach their potential and our wonderful support staff, who have always given of themselves above and beyond what was expected. Our parents have also been a source of support for their children as well as our faculty and staff. Through the work of the Maplewood PTA, the children of Maplewood benefited greatly because of their support. As is often quoted, “it takes a village to raise a child.” There is no doubt that this quote applies to the Maplewood community; from the Maplewood Fire Department and Women’s Auxillary; Spiak’s Restaurant, the Purple Pub, St. Basil’s Church and CYO program, and the American Legion. Thank you to this community for supporting their children and helping them to grow to become the citizens of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

It has been a privilege for me to be the leader of this school. My job was made easier by my colleagues and teachers at Maplewood. Without their dedication and love, Maplewood would not be the “good school” that it is.
The students of Maplewood are a resilient group. As they end their time at Maplewood, I want to wish them well as they transition to Latham Ridge and Boght Hills. As was evidenced by the Open Houses on May 31st, and Spring Fling and June Jamboree to be held on June 10th, both Mr. Martin and Mrs. Greiner are ready and willing to see that this transition is as smooth as possible.

From this point onward I will always carry a piece of Maplewood in my heart. I hope that you will do the same.

ALMA MATER

Now and for always,
We give our hearts to you.
And as the years go by,
We will be true.
We’ll always hold you near,
Sure as the stars above.
Now and for all the years,
Our MAPLEWOOD.