As well, four others received tenure
The majority of the 90 minute Board of Education meeting on May 23 was spent honoring six long-time Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District employees who are retiring at the end of the current school year.
In addition, the district’s administration and Board of Education honored four ‘new’ teachers in the district, giving them tenure.
“This is an amazing evening in Highland Falls,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Sheboy said. “We have a dual celebration of both the beginning and ending of careers with our school district.”
There were quite a few standing ovations during the event, as well as significant periods of applause. When all the honoring, and photo taking was done, there was also cake.
Those honored were:
Retiring
Peter Nobile – Nobile began in the HF-FMCSD in 1987 as a long-term English substitute teacher. Two years later he took a permanent position, and will now retire after a total of 32 years. “Pete spent his entire career challenging our students to think deeply about literature and language, working to impart culture and an appreciation of it to thousands of students,” Sheboy said. He also served as a softball coach in the district, and, as a musician, provided “amazing support” to the music department and spring musical productions. “Thank you for helping our students to become better versions of themselves,” Sheboy closed.
Gennaro Falco – Falco served the district as a custodian from 2002-2019, and “was known for taking intense pride in the work he performed,” the superintendent said. “Under a powerful exterior, sits a man who cares deeply about his work, and, more importantly, about the children of the district.” Falco was thanked for his dedicated service and pride in the HF-FMCSD schools.
Henry Smith – Smith was hired as a science teacher at the Highland Falls Middle School in 2004, having worked previously in New York City as a kindergarten to eighth grade science teacher. He taught both science and special education in both the HFMS and O’Neill High School. “Henry’s experience as a research scientist, and as a photographer, provides him with a different lens on which to view the world and his students,” Sheboy said. “He is passionate about his students and from his initial time in the district strove to assist all students in becoming life long learners.” Smith served as an Odyssey of the Mind coach, as well as advisor for the Science Buddies Club.
Susan Slapp – Slapp, a registered nurse, joined the HF-FMCSD in 1996 as a part-time nurse at the Fort Montgomery Elementary School. “Her goal was to build bonds between herself and the children she served,” Sheboy said, “and over the past 23 years she has continually done that, building and nurturing the nurse/child relationship.” Slapp served on several committees within the district during her employment, the superintendent added, and always acted in a professional manner that even took her out of the building one day when a school crossing guard was hit by a car in 2003.
Moira Liardi – Liardi has served as the senior payroll clerk for the past 22 years, “directly serving every employee who has walked through our doors,” the superintendent said. “A kind and gentle person, she works to solve problems that are often frustrating and confusing,” he added, in areas from pay to insurance to retirement. “On behalf of the district, I thank you for lending your expertise and your gentle kindness to the service of the children.”
Joan McWilliams – McWilliams came to the HF-FMCSD in 2000, first as a special education teacher and then as a prekindergarten, AIS and eventually kindergarten teacher. Sheboy said McWilliams has “created opportunities for children to flourish while discovering the world around them, both inside the classroom and outside.” She served as a mentor to other district teachers through the years. “She has, over her tenure in the district, exhibited a love of teaching,” Sheboy said.
Received Tenure
Jessica Sousa – A Fort Montgomery Elementary School special education teacher, Sousa “exudes enthusiasm toward her students and exhibits care and sensitivity,” Sheboy said.
Marshal Malik – A school psychologist, Malik “contributes to the social and emotional growth of students, and demonstrates professionalism and integrity,” the superintendent said.
Alexandra Gonzalez – A coach and teacher, Gonzalez “demonstrates enthusiasm and flexibility with her students, via creative teaching and dynamic coaching, all with an ever-present smile,” Sheboy said.
Daniella Tuffy – A math teacher at the Highland Falls Intermediate School, Tuffy has ‘demonstrated the highest teaching standards, and her passion and commitment to students is evident every day,” the superintendent said.
