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Denise has many fond memories of Plainedge, but according to her, the one that sticks out the most is when she was teaching third grade. “My class brought in paper towel rolls, empty tissue boxes, and empty milk containers to create a model of Washington DC in the classroom. Groups of children worked together to build and paint various monuments, buildings, and bodies of water. We arranged it all on the floor of the classroom and invited the principal to come by and see it. The kids had a great time learning about our nation’s capital.”

When questioned about her plans in retirement, Denise responded, “My plans during retirement include relaxing at the beach, spending time with family and friends, traveling with my husband, and volunteering at my church.”

After reflecting on her long and rewarding career in Plainedge, Denise offered, “Schwarting has been my home away from home for more than half my life, so leaving is bittersweet. I will miss seeing my colleagues each day and working with my first grade team!” 

Pat Flamio has been teaching science in the Plainedge School District for 30 years. Throughout his long tenure, Pat has worked at both the Middle and High School educating students on a wide variety of subjects including 7^th & 8th grade science, Earth Science, Chemistry, and even Biology.

For 31 years Dina has had the precious gift of her career in Plainedge, but she began her journey teaching in the city for the first 3 years. According to Dina, her experience here has truly been one of the highlights of her life. Dina has worked alongside with, and learned from, so many wonderful teachers, administrators, and support personnel, and has made many lifelong friends. She truly feels fortunate to consider them not only her colleagues, but her family as well. Dina has had the privilege of developing and channeling her creativity as a 5^th grade teacher for 25 years. However, for the past 5 years of her career, she has had a new position as a STEAM Specialist. When reflecting on her STEAM position, Dina wanted to share the following with her fellow STEAM teachers, “Thank you STEAM Team for being by my side, for being my champion and igniting a new spark in me.”

 

Dina is so proud to have been an educator as she believes this career to be one of the noblest and most impactful of professions - a profession that she cherishes more today than at any previous point in her career. She said, “It has been the hardest job that I’ve loved doing each and every day. Best of all, I’m so grateful to have had the pleasure and opportunity to teach countless students throughout my career. Generations of children, whole families, even children of former students, have all graced me with their time and affection. I have met so many wonderful and caring parents that have welcomed me into their families’ world, to share the laughs, cries, and pride that define all of our lives. Each name has been burned into my memory and each face forever enshrined in my heart.”

 

In addition to educating children, Dina has also served as a PFT leader for almost two decades, holding various positions on our leadership Council, but most importantly, she has worked tirelessly as our Elementary Vice President for the last 5 years. While thinking back on her dedicated service to our union, Dina offered, “I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to be a PFT leader and help lead our amazing union. After being a building rep in Schwarting for a decade, I have had the distinct honor of serving as PFT Elementary Vice President. This enabled me to serve on numerous committees, allowing me to collaborate with a multitude of stakeholders. I strived to help strengthen our bond with the community while always trying my best to advocate for our members.”

 

When questioned on her most cherished memories of Plainedge, Dina replied, “There is not a single part of my 31 years here at Plainedge that I will not carry with me with fond memories, filled with respect and love. I will miss all of it, every bit, but I will take comfort and profound pride in the knowledge that I can count myself among the fortunate few that have genuinely loved their job. For that, I am eternally grateful.”

 

Dina has lots of wonderful plans in retirement and is very grateful and excited for this next chapter of her life, “From Naples, Florida to Naples, Italy, travel is on the horizon while still keeping my toe dipped in the water of education! Here’s to family, friends, fun and sun! Ciao for Now!! As Dina moves on to enjoy her well-deserved retirement, she leaves us with one of her favorite quotes, “One universe, eight planets, seven continents, 195 countries, 7.5 billion people, and I had the privilege of meeting you!”

Dina has been a permanent fixture at Schwarting Elementary School since she was hired in Plainedge a little over 31 years ago. She has spent her long and distinguished career mainly teaching 2^nd grade, but has also taught kindergarten as well.

Dina has many fond memories of Plainedge, but according to her, some of the most precious are “being able to teach in the building I went to school in will always be a wonderful memory. Seeing children's faces light up and hearing them say, ‘I get it now,’ will also always be one of my favorite memories. Finally, getting a letter from a student in college that said being in my class is what inspired her to be a teacher was a very touching moment for me.”

When asked about her retirement plans, Dina responded, “First and foremost, I can’t wait to get used to sleeping later than 4:30 AM on a weekday! I'd like to finally slow down a bit and take a chance to smell the roses. I'd also like to travel with my husband, spend some quality time with my daughters, and I look forward to celebrating my daughters’ upcoming achievements. ” As Dina moves on to enjoy more time with her family, she would like to leave her colleagues with the following message, “I feel very blessed to have worked in a wonderful building with such awesome educators. I want to thank my colleagues for always being there for me! ”

Pat has been working at Schwarting for 21 years, teaching grades three, four, and five. Although Pat loved teaching all subjects, math was definitely her favorite, as she spent many years as the Math Olympiads team leader.  She embraced technology and often taught classes for our amazing Teacher Center. In addition, Pat served on various curriculum teams and was on EALT for many years. Beyond her teaching duties, she co-chaired the We Make a Difference Ceremony for a few years and was even the board observer for the PFT. 

Barbara is retiring after finishing an astonishing 39 years in education, of which 37 were spent teaching children in Plainedge. She was initially hired to teach kindergarten at Eastplain, but was transferred to John H. West the very next year. West has since remained her home away from home for the last 36 years of her career. Barbara began with 1^st grade at West, but since then she has taught 3^rd grade, 4^th grade, and most recently has been privileged to work with children as an AIS provider. In addition to being an educator, Barbara is also the most senior member of our PFT Council, serving our union well for over two decades as the building representative from West.

It might be hard to believe, but Maryann has been working as a teaching assistant for the Special Education department in Plainedge HS for the last 35 years. She has been responsible for helping to educate students on a very wide variety of subjects, but her main area has been Global Studies. When asked to share some of her best memories from her many years in the HS, Maryann responded, “My fondest memories are the times when my students came back to thank me for all that I had done for them. It made me extremely happy that I was able to make a difference in their lives.”

Rachelle has just completed her 18^th year as an educator in the Plainedge School District. Throughout her career, she has taught an extremely wide variety of subjects, including the CHAMPS program at John H. West, Life Skills at the Middle School and 15:1:1 classes at the Middle School. In addition to teaching at the Middle School, Rachelle is very proud to share that she has also worked at all three of our elementary schools during her almost two-decade career in Plainedge. 

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