When I retired in June, I thought I was ready to write this thank you; however, it took until the second week of July to simply get my room in order (a task Mr. Miller thought impossible), and as summer continued, I began looking forward to a fall trip.

Now I am back and I have had time to reflect on the stimulating and supportive community members who have touched my life these past 14 years. I want to sincerely thank you. For me this job was like a promotional review of a much-anticipated movie: full of nonstop action, well-developed characters, and memorable moments when heroes rise from veiled avenues to leave their mark on a day, a week, or a year.

The commitment so many of you graciously offered your child and other children to ensure a project was completed — a treat was brought to school, a weekly assignment reviewed, and needed materials showed up like magic — barely touches the genuine interest, support, love and understanding all of you have offered in making my sixth grade teaching assignment so enjoyable.

I have been fortunate to be a part of your community and appreciate the mutual love shared by so many of you. As your children continue through the grades, I hope you will remain a presence, maybe not as visible, but certainly as important as the first day you left your child in my care at Islander. I will miss you.

Deborah Shagena

Islander Middle School, Rm. 106