Scarsdale Honors Four Retiring Teachers

It was a bittersweet moment during the meeting on Tuesday night for the four long-time school district staff members retiring, all whom were honored for their service.

With tears, laughter and hugs, Kathleen Groak, a nurse at , Leslie Linville, a part-time occupational therapist at Heathcote School, Amy Ogden, an LRC teacher at , and Barbara Rose, an ESL teacher at Fox Meadow School had their official retirements accepted by the BOE.

Linville, who worked in the Scarsdale School District for 15 years, and three years at Heathcote, was a "perfect fit for Heathcote," Principal Maria R. Stile said. "Ms. Linville is a true professional."

Groak had been the school nurse at Heathcote since 1998, and attended to sick children and staff members. 

"She has attended to both body and soul," the principal said. Her level-headed and calm approach to emergencies "always saved the day."

"Thank you for taking such good care us at Heathcote," she said.

Principal Duncan Wilson gave a humorous presentation about his two red-headed teachers retiring, asking the BOE to look into the "epidemic" at Fox Meadow–the loss of redheads.

Wilson said the two had a combined service of 53 years to the district.

"Barbara and Amy spent three decades making sure that no Fox Meadow child was left behind," he said.

"I, we, are forever in your debt," Wilson said.

The last day for the four, soon-to-be retirees is July 1.