June 12, 2020
 Issue: 44 
PFT Says Goodbye to Some Amazing Educators 
A message from President Perry Fuchs  
 
Good afternoon Sisters and Brothers of the Plainedge Federation of Teachers,
 
As another great school year comes to an end in Plainedge, we will be saying goodbye to five of our members who are completing their final year in education. Please take a minute to read about our retirees, as we honor them in this newsletter and wish them nothing but the best of health and happiness as they begin the next chapter of their lives! In solidarity.
Jackie Meaney
Jackie was hired as a part time Kindergarten teacher at John H. West almost 27 years ago in the summer of 1993.  As luck would have it, there was an increase in enrollment just before school began, and suddenly she was a full time teacher. The very next year Jackie was moved to fourth grade and stayed there for 4 years.  She then took a 2 year leave when her daughters were born, and upon returning in September of 2000, has been in second grade ever since.  Jackie feels very lucky to have spent her entire career within the John H. West Elementary School.
 
When asked to reflect on the most rewarding aspect about being an educator, Jackie stated, "My favorite classroom memory would have to be hatching the quail every spring.  I started doing it several years ago, and it is something my students and the whole school always anticipated with excitement."
 
In retirement, Jackie and her husband plan to do some traveling (Egypt, Tuscany and Bali are all on the short list) but may have to wait a while for this pandemic to pass.  In the meantime, she will have plenty of projects to work on at home.  Jackie also plans to read more and to take her dog on long walks in the park.
 
As Jackie moves on to travel and enjoy time with her family and dog, she departs with some final thoughts for her colleagues, especially after such a wild ride during her last year of education: " Teaching virtually is not how I thought my career would end, but I try to look at the bright side of things.  This experience brought the second grade team together in a way that I never would have imagined.   I'm so proud to be a part of this very talented group of educators.  We became stronger because we worked together and supported each other in these uncertain times."  
Debra Mitchell
Debra has worked in Plainedge for an astonishing 35 years, educating children in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. She has been privileged to work in both Schwarting and John H. West Elementary School during her long tenure as a teacher in Plainedge.
 
Debra has many fond memories of Plainedge, but according to her, some that stick out the most are, "All the students and faculty/staff that have touched my life. There are so many other memories to list, a few of my fondest memories include teaching in both the 20th and 21st centuries, and having two of my former students grow up to become my colleagues in Plainedge. In addition, I've had the pleasure of teaching the children of my former students and personally observed the impact, importance, and difference that every teacher can make in their student's education. My career as an educator is my passion and the memories will last forever."
 
When her long and distinguished career in Plainedge comes to an end, Debra plans to spend more time with loved ones. She looks forward to experiencing different cultures around the world, as well as using her new vocabulary of "want to" instead of "have to". According to Debra, "As I take a deep breath, I now start a new chapter in my life which will be a time for personal growth and a time for new adventures. As C.S. Lewis said - You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
 
As Debra moves on to enjoy free time with family and live life by her own rules, she would like to leave her colleagues with the following message, "Thank you to all my friends in Plainedge for being a part of my journey. I will miss you all..."
Stacey Simner
Stacey is thrilled to finally complete her 32 year career as an educator in the Plainedge Public Schools ! Throughout her long tenure, she has t aught 1st, 5th, Kindergarten, and 4th grade (in that order), spending her entire teaching career in the John H. West Elementary School. In addition to teaching, Stacey spent the last ten years of her career on the PFT council, first as a building rep, then faithfully serving our membership as the Secretary of our union.
 
When asked to reflect on the fondest memories of her career, Stacey said , "By far are all the memories of the students I've taught, along with my time as a union leader, and of course the greatest friends who have become part of my family!"
 
In retirement, Stacey plans to travel, work for fun, and see family in Denver, Florida and Georgia; most of all, she will enjoy not being on a time clock!
 
As Stacey embarks on the next part of her life's journey, she would like to share one final message with all her colleagues. "I 've loved learning so many new things every day, meeting new people every year and feeling like I have had such a productive career! I have always felt so supported here in Plainedge by staff, parents and loved by kids. I wish everyone a career as wonderful as mine! With love and gratitude!!!"
Elliot Schwartz
Elliot has been an English teacher in Plainedge for about twenty years. During his long career at Plainedge High School, Elliot has had the opportunity to teach many different English classes including English 9H, English 11R, English 12R, College English, A.P. English Literature, Drama, Scriptwriting, Mass Media, SAT Verbal, Public Speaking, and Creative Writing.
 
When asked to recall his favorite memories while in education, Elliot responded, "My fondest moments in the classroom have been while running "The Contest," an activity that I have been working on for the last thirty years. It involves student teams competing against each other and it features student judges/scorers. My non-classroom fondest memories all involve drama on the Plainedge stage, especially when plays I wrote were performed. I will also always treasure the time I wrote a song for the "We Make a Difference" awards which was actually sung by two talented singers for the ceremony."
As far as Elliot's plans in retirement are concerned, he had hoped to travel, but Covid19 has ended that dream, at least temporarily. He will, however, be satisfied staying home with his wonderful wife, Bonnie, and his beloved dogs. Elliot also hopes to write a lot, play synth a lot, sing a lot, and laugh a lot during all his new extra time.
 
As Elliot departs Plainedge for whatever paths lie ahead, he would like to leave his colleagues with some final thoughts: " I want to tell all of you about my love for you, my colleagues, and my adoration and admiration for the wonderful people in the English department. The English department has been there when I was happy and in pain, and I can never thank them enough. I thank you all for your patience with me and my temper, all the generosity and love you have given me. A greater group of colleagues could never be found. You are all professional, caring and have made this a great place to work. I will miss all of you a lot."
Gail Walden 
Gail is finishing up her 33rd year working in the Plainedge School District. Gail began her long and distinguished career teaching general music and 6th grade band at Packard Middle School. She then went on to teach general music, chorus, band and orchestra at Eastplain, finishing up her last years as the band director, jazz band director, marching band director and musical pit director at Plainedge High School. In addition to all her teaching positions, Gail has also had the pleasure of coaching both softball at the middle school and volleyball at the high school.
 
After spending her entire teaching career in Plainedge, Gail's fondest memories are of all the concerts and performances.  According to Gail, "No matter what their age, the students were always so excited and happy to be performing."
 
As far as Gail's plans in retirement are concerned, she is retiring at the same time as her husband, and they both love to travel and check out all the great bike trails across the US. They also plan on spending more time with her family in Florida, who she misses so much. In addition to travel, Gail is also a certified personal trainer and looks forward to spending more time helping people to live a longer and healthier life.
 
As Gail moves on to travel and enjoy time with her family, she has these words to offer to her friends and colleagues, " I always felt from the first day I taught in Plainedge that I fit in and I fell in love with teaching that very day. Plainedge has the nicest staff, administrators, students and families ever. I am blessed to have spent my career in Plainedge. Oh yeah, and Plainedge Band Rocks!"
NYSUT Values
The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) represents teachers from across New York. PFT is a proud member of NYSUT as are all of our members. What does NYSUT represent?
  • Good Jobs
  • Great Public Schools
  • Affordable, accessible and high-quality health care
  • Justice
  • and a Voice in your workplace
Home Loan Programs
Union Direct is a home loan company that works with both active and retired educational professionals. Some of the programs they provide include:
  • Reverse Mortgages for 62 Years and Older
  • 100% Financing/No Money Down for Veterans
  • Second Home/ Investment Property Financing
  • Home Renovation Financing
  • First Time Home Buyer Specialists
  • As Low as 3% Down Programs
  • Conventional & Jumbo Financing
  • Money Savings Refinance Options

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