Long Valley Teacher Wants To See Old Students Before Retirement

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Over the course of 18 years, lots of 5- and 6-year-olds have come through MaryJo Griese's kindergarten class. This year, however, the last group of students will pass through Mrs. Griese's classroom as she prepares to retire.

Before she puts away her grade book for good, Mrs. Griese would like to catch up with her former students at her retirement party. All are welcome to reunite with Mrs. Griese at Rock Spring Park on June 23, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

"This meet and greet was MaryJo's idea instead of a traditional party, it was set up by her kindergarten coworkers," her husband, Peter Griese, told Patch.

Her dedication to her student's doesn't end when they leave her room: Mrs. Griese has attended the Middle School and West Morris graduations every year just to see "her kids," Mr. Griese said.

Long Valley isn't the only town Mrs. Griese taught in over her career. She started her career at a parochial school in her hometown of Jersey City, before teaching for three years in Guttenberg.

Have questions about the retirement get together? Please email Melissa Morante at mmorante@wtschools.org. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Image via Shutterstock, Peter Griese