Farewell Friends
Faculty and staff leaving Altamont Elementary School
Farewell Mrs. Oliver
After 27 years of caring for our students like they were her own, Mrs. Oliver is retiring from her position as School Nurse at Altamont Elementary School. She has searched for nits, taken temperatures, healed head and belly aches, and gathered gifts and food for families. Kathy Oliver has supported our students, staff, and community in so many ways over the years. When I think of what makes this school a special place, it is people like Kathy Oliver who come to mind. She has been a friend, colleague and leader in our school and district and her presence will be missed. I know you join us in wishing her well in retirement and hoping this next stage is filled with good health, happiness and many joyful family moments. Thank you for everything, Kathy Oliver!!
Farewell Mrs. Sanger
Katie Sanger is also retiring at the end of this school year. She has been a teacher and math specialist at Altamont for 17 years. As a teacher, she helped to train staff on elements of The Responsive Classroom. This work helped all teachers to create more supportive classroom environments. As a Math Specialist, she coached staff and helped us to adapt programs and curriculum to the needs of our students. Developing mathematical concepts for children has been a focus of Katie's since she began her work as a specialist at Altamont. Her work with teachers and students will pay dividends for years to come at our school. We wish Mrs. Sanger well in retirement, and I suspect her work with mathematics, students and staff is not over. Thank you, Katie Sanger, for all you've done for us at Altamont Elementary. We will miss you!!!
Farewell Mr. Mickey Papa
We say goodbye to our Head Custodian, Mr. Papa at the end of this school year. For 10 years, Mr. Papa has been there to clean-up the mistakes and messes made by 300 students and staff members. He has supported our students by helping them to do "jobs" at school and by participating in school-wide events, such as Kindergarten Nursery Rhyme Time. He portrays a perfect "Old King Cole:)" He has been the right hand for all our PTA events and at every last minute request, you can sense his bright smile through that ZZ TOP Beard:-) Enjoy retirement, Mr. Papa, and no more calls for a "Clean-Up in Room..."
Farewell Mrs. Michelle Rispole & Mrs. Tricia Leavens
Mrs. Rispole, our Language Arts Coordinator and reading teacher is transferring to Pine Bush Elementary School next school year. Michelle has supported our students and staff over the years, and her influence will be missed. This was a difficult choice for her to make, but Pine Bush allows for a shorter commute and more time with family. It is a brave thing to make a change, and I know the Pine Bush staff will appreciate all the gifts and talents that Michelle will bring to their staff.
After coming to Altamont and "Saving-The-Day" for our large Kindergarten classes, Mrs. Leavens will be transferring to Westmere Elementary to teach Kindergarten next year. This past year, Mrs. Leavens transitioned to a new state, new school and new classroom. Because of her efforts and abilities, all of our Kindergarten students enjoyed a happier school year with more contact time between adults and children. Every school in the Guilderland School District is a wonderful place to work. I am happy for Tricia to continue her work in our district, and I bet our paths will cross again. Best of luck, Mrs. Leavens, and enjoy your new students and friends at Wonderful Westmere:)