Parents praise staff at Lincroft Elementary

My husband and I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Michaele McKenna and all of the teachers and staff at Lincroft Elementary School during these last days of our 13-year journey. When John started first grade, I initially wrestled with my having had private school education, only wetting my feet in public school for my last two years of high school. With Maria now finishing fifth grade, we are saddened to see their “youth” come to an end, but so very pleased with their experiences, their relationships, and their education during their years at Lincroft Elementary.

We saw the quality of education very early on – whether it was in the variety of work John was doing in school, activities he brought home, or long-term projects. It was clear, throughout his five years there, that each teacher was committed to what he was learning, and how.

Now finishing Thompson Middle School this year, many of the unique learning tools he learned provided him a strong foundation. As he is entering high school, John would like to thank Mrs. Richdale, Mrs. Barbara Varasteh, Mrs. Harriet Fortescue, Mrs. Julie Williamson, and Miss Amy Staudt – especially for hints of French in first grade (he loves French in middle school), the spaghetti party in second grade (yes, learning can be fun), Wayside reading in third grade (he has a passion for reading), smiley faces in fourth grade (he is very goal oriented), and writing stories in fifth grade (he loves writing comics).

Our daughter Maria is finishing fifth grade with college aspirations already set to becoming a grammar school teacher. While learning was always a little easier for Maria, each of her teachers kept her challenged and interested in learning, beyond the book, either cross-subject learning or a real-life connection to school projects. As she is entering middle school, Maria would like to thank Mrs. Jane Boyle, Mrs. Juanita Gilbert, Mrs. Deborah Hudzinski, Mrs. Lisa Rosado, and Miss Staudt – especially for show and tell in first grade (she loves drama and the performing arts), fun math “tools” in second grade (greater signs eat the bigger number), picture prompts in third grade (she loves writing stories), friendly fuzzies in fourth grade (she is also very goal oriented), and health tips in fifth grade (important for every preteen girl).

Everyone at Lincroft Elementary makes each child feel like they belong and like they can participate. Each class is important and fifth-grade achievement is rewarded in big and small ways, everything from providing the morning news to the fifth-grade event.

We would also like to thank Mrs. Joan Alfier, Mrs. Marilena Rebelo, Mrs. MaryEllen DellaValle, and nurse Janet Andril for all of their nurturing over the years, educational and emotional support, and for helping to keep everything on track every day. Our years at Lincroft Elementary School had their growing pains, but our experience was wonderful and will be deeply missed. As this Lincroft family moves into our next educational community, we will not forget those who genuinely helped our children grow into young adults within our community. Thank you from the Brucato family.

Suzann and Paul Brucato

Lincroft section of Middletown