By Linda Conner Lambeck

WESTPORT–In August of 1997, Ellen Hardy was sitting in the personnel office of Westport Public Schools with her fingers crossed for a job as a music teacher, she told a full audience at a school board meeting held last week to honor district retirees.

The resume she handed to then-personnel director Nancy Bonvini included stints across Alaska, California, New Hampshire and Maine.

“If I give you this job, will you promise to stay,” Hardy recalls being asked.

Some 29 years later, there Hardy was, describing her tenure as a Westport elementary orchestra teacher as “dying and going to heaven.”

“To have a community that supported the arts the way that this community does … It’s been marvelous” said Hardy, a bouquet of flowers resting on the podium before her.

The flowers came from a bucket Greens Farms School Principal Brian Brynes brought to the meeting to honor eight retirees from his school this year.

They were among 19 district retirees overall.

Assistant Superintendent John Bayers said that collectively, the 19 retirees–teachers, paraprofessionals, a custodian, an occupational therapist and an administrative assistant–represent 399 years of service to the district.

This year, in addition to flowers and accolades, each retiree is being given the opportunity to select a book that will become part of the library in the school where they worked with a book plate marking their service.

Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice told the retirees that their influence will live on through the students whose opening chapters they helped write.

Greens Farms School

As for Hardy, Byrne said she not only taught student music, but discipline, perseverance, collaboration and confidence. Other Greens Farms School retirees include:

● Kaye Johnson, a special education paraprofessional in the district for five years. Johnson was described as someone who was flexible, compassionate and consistent. Someone able to meet children where they were at.

● Elaine Perlman, a special education paraprofessional for 21 years, was called wonderfully authentic, willing to do whatever was needed to help students succeed.

She told it like it is but had the biggest heart you will ever encounter, Byrnes said.

Perlman called serving the district one of the most meaningful chapters of her life.

● Anne Parise, a special education paraprofessional for 27 years, was credited with fostering community and having the ability to bring people together to shape a culture of support.

● Jessica Olson, who retired at the start of the school year as a kindergarten teacher after 27 years in the district, is now a children’s librarian at Westport Public Library. Brynes said her presence is still deeply felt at the school.

● Lisa Doran, a literacy coach for seven years with the district, is credited with helping kids learn to read remotely during COVID, and having a genuine passion for helping teachers, students and families.

● Gina Forberg, a physical education teacher for 30 years taught in all five elementary schools. She helped students across the district understand that success is about inclusion, effort, practice and knowing that everyone belongs in the game.

● Karen Frawley, a teacher with the district for 31 years, has been at Greens Farms since the school reopened in 1995. Her last assignment was as a third grade teacher. She always held high expectations and challenged to do their best, the board was told.

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Staples had four retirees. They include:

● Dana Gilland, a social studies teacher for 20 years, who traveled the world and never taught the same lesson twice, said Staples Principal Stafford Thomas. She taught U.S. History, Middle East History and a wide range of electives.

“She helped students try to make sense of the world around them.” Thomas said.

● Horacio Ballestreros, a world language teacher for 31 years taught Spanish. Ballestreros was described as unique and friendly, and in his retirement, Thomas said, plans to split his time between Mexico, Connecticut and his wife’s hometown in the northern part of China.

● Maureen Cadden, a physical education teacher for the district for 25 years, had her students out as often as the weather would allow. Thomas said. “Her Phys ed classes are always on the tennis course,” he added.

● Liz Shaffer, a paraeducator for 19 years, was based at Staples but serviced the district’s K-12 music and art departments. She was responsible for all the graphic design posters for the departments and fielded calls from parents about tickets. “She was always steady as it goes,” Thomas said.

COLEYTOWN MIDDLE

Coleytown Middle had two retirees:

●Joanne Fasciolo had a 26-year career in Westport, most recently as fifth grade math teacher. She was described as someone who, through patience, helped students develop confidence in the subject.

● Cheryl Hersh, with the district for 27 years, was a paraeducator who struck the perfect balance between being kind and firm, the board was told.

COLEYTOWN ELEMENTARY

Coleytown Elementary had one retiree, Miguel Valentin, a custodian in the district for eight years. Coleytown Principal Safiya Key said they became fast friends when she became principal in the fall of 2024. He gave her the scoop on just about everything and took tremendous pride in his work, she said.

SAUGATUCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

There was one retiree from Saugautuck, Carmela Cerulo, an administrative assistant with the district for 18 years. When Elizabeth Messler became principal of the school 12 years ago, she said Cerulo helped her learn the ropes.

“That made a real difference every day,” said Messler. “She cared deeply for staff … and families.”

STEPPING STONES PRESCHOOL

The district’s preschool program is losing Christina Brooks after 15 years as an Occupational Therapist. In her time in Westport, Brooks served several schools, primarily working with the district’s youngest learners.

“She is known for her collaborative spirit and contributions beyond her caseloads,” the board was told.

KINGS HIGHWAY SCHOOL

At Kings Highway, Patricia Hines is retiring after four years as a reading teacher. Principal Tracey Carbone said though her tenure was short it felt she has always been part of the school’s community, helping with state initiatives, the school’s intervention team, and with after school events.

BEDFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Bedford’s retiree is Helena Paiva, a special education paraprofessional with the district for 29 years. She was called a steading presence known for her resourcefulness, compassion and unwavering commitment to students.

Through tears, Paiva said she had the perfect job, working with amazing people. “It was nothing short of wonderful,” Paiva said.

Linda Conner Lambeck

^{_{Linda Conner Lambeck covers education for Westport Journal. She was a reporter for more than four decades at the Connecticut Post and other Hearst publications. She has covered education throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties. She is a proud member of the Education Writers Association.}}