Posted:
Thursday, June 26, 2025
A Message from Linda Waldbaum Newsletter Editor
Good Afternoon Sisters and Brothers of the Plainedge Federation of Teachers,
As we complete another academic school year, the PFT would like to take this opportunity to honor our retiring educators. These dedicated professionals have spent decades shaping minds and inspiring a love of learning. Their contributions have made a significant impact on students, colleagues, and the Plainedge community as a whole. Congratulations to our eight retirees; we wish you well on the next chapter of your life’s journey. In solidarity!
Cathleen Bobelis
After an inspiring 30 years of service, Cathleen Bobelis is retiring from her beloved role as an educator at Plainedge Middle School. Starting her journey with the district in September 1995, she has touched countless lives with her dedication, passion, and expertise. Cathleen’s primary role has been teaching social studies; however, she has also taught STEAM and some technology classes.
From the early days working at the high school to the vibrant years spent at Plainedge Middle School, Cathleen has always embraced the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. “My fondest memories of Plainedge would have to be working at Packard Middle School,” she shared. “The staff worked so well together and was like family.” Her connection with her colleagues and students reflects the true heart of her teaching philosophy - building a sense of community and mutual support.
Throughout her career, Cathleen has witnessed the growth and transformation of many students, and it’s clear her influence will remain long after her retirement. "Leaving teaching is truly bittersweet," she reflects. "I look forward to a new chapter, but I will miss the students and being in the classroom." While she hasn’t yet solidified long-term retirement plans, she hopes to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation and travel in the coming years.
As we celebrate her retirement, we congratulate Cathleen for her years of commitment and service. Her passion for teaching, her strong relationships with colleagues, and her dedication to her students have left a lasting mark on the school community. We wish her all the best in her next adventure. Enjoy the next chapter, Cathleen! You have earned it!
Christine Colvin
After 24 years of dedicated service, Christine Colvin is bidding farewell to her teaching career at Eastplain Elementary School. Throughout her tenure, Christine has touched the lives of countless young learners in her beloved kindergarten classroom, where she has made an indelible mark on generations of students.
Before her long tenure in Plainedge, Christine began her teaching career in the New York City Public School system, where she taught first and fourth grades for six years. However, her heart was always set on Plainedge, where she not only worked but also raised her own children. "It has been an honor and a privilege to work in the district where I lived and raised my four children," she shared. "All of them have attended John H. West, Plainedge Middle School, and Plainedge High School."
Over the years, Christine has created countless memories - some of her favorites being the laughter and joy shared during field days, end-of-year celebrations, and the excitement of commemorating the 100th-day-of-school. But what she treasures most are the relationships she has built. "The best part is the amazing coworkers and lifelong friends I have made in Plainedge," she reflected. Her impact extends beyond the classroom, as she has touched the hearts of both students and colleagues alike, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie that will be remembered for years to come.
As she embarks on the next chapter of her life, Christine looks forward to some well-deserved relaxation but also plans to stay connected to the education field as a substitute teacher. Above all, she is excited to spend more time with her two beautiful granddaughters, enjoying every moment with her growing family.
Congratulations, Christine, on a remarkable career! Your love for teaching, your dedication to your students, and your commitment to the Plainedge community have left an everlasting legacy. We wish you all the best in your retirement!
Jacqueline Delaney
Jacqueline Delaney has devoted 28 years to the field of education. Twenty-five of those years were spent serving the Plainedge School District, where she leaves behind a legacy of dedication, passion, and service. Jacqueline has taught Spanish to countless 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and introduced high school students to Spanish 1. In addition, she taught Italian at different points in her career and was deeply involved with the International Club, where she helped broaden students’ horizons and fostered a love for languages and cultures.
Jacqueline’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. Reflecting on her time at Plainedge, she recalls the many team-building events that strengthened the bonds between colleagues: “From department breakfasts to bowling nights, escape rooms, and holiday events throughout the building, it has been a wonderful way of sharing some laughs and spending time with friends and colleagues.” The strong sense of community and collaboration within her department is something she treasures deeply. “We all work well together, and I am grateful for their support and friendship.” What truly stands out, though, is Jacqueline’s deep commitment to her students. She fondly recalls the joy of watching her students grow not only academically but also as individuals. “I’ve truly enjoyed my career as a teacher, and I know I will miss it,” she said. Her influence is reflected in the many students who have gone on to become teachers themselves—something she considers “the best gift of all. Her contributions to the Plainedge community are countless, and the positive impact she’s made on the lives of her students, colleagues, and families will be felt for years to come.
In retirement, Jacqueline looks forward to spending more time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and enjoying some well-deserved travel.
Jacqueline, your dedication to your craft and the lasting relationships you’ve built will be remembered by all who have had the privilege of working with you. Congratulations on your retirement! You leave behind an incredible legacy, and we wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter of your life!
Claudia LaPlante
Claudia LaPlante’s 22-year career in the Plainedge School District has been defined by her unwavering dedication to her students, her leadership within the World Languages Department, and her passion for teaching Spanish. For over two decades, Claudia has been a key figure at Plainedge High School, not only teaching but also serving as the department coordinator, shaping the future of countless students who walked through her classroom doors.
When reflecting on her time at Plainedge, Claudia recalls the most meaningful aspect of her career: the people. “The wonderful colleagues and students who I have met along the way” are her fondest memories. Throughout her years of service, Claudia’s ability to foster relationships and create a positive, engaging learning environment has left a lasting impact on all who’ve had the privilege of working with her.
Claudia’s accomplishments are also underscored by her academic pursuits, having earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from St. John’s University. Her work in education and her study, Teachers’ Perceptions of Chronically Absent Students, Programs and Interventions: A Mixed Method Study, reflect her commitment to improving the educational experience for students both in and out of the classroom.
As she prepares to retire, Claudia has some exciting plans ahead. While she’s considering adjunct work in teacher education, one thing is certain: “NOT GET UP AT 5 AM” is high on her list of priorities. After years of early mornings and long days, Claudia is ready to embrace the flexibility that retirement will bring.
In her farewell message to her colleagues, Claudia shares a powerful reminder: “Always try to remember your worth and that your job is a noble one and that every day you make a difference in the lives of your colleagues and students.”
Claudia, your contributions to the Plainedge community have been extraordinary. Your leadership, your care for your students, and your lasting friendships will be missed. Congratulations on your retirement, and may this next chapter bring you all the joy and rest you deserve!
Frances Milella
After 29 years of dedicated service, Fran Milella is retiring from the Plainedge School District, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, creativity, and impact in the classroom. For nearly three decades, Fran has taught Family and Consumer Science and Health at Sylvia Packard and Plainedge Middle School. She’s inspired countless students with lessons that went beyond the textbook, equipping them with practical skills in cooking, sewing, and personal responsibility.
When asked about her fondest memories, Fran reflected on the moments that truly made her career special. “When students told me they made the recipe we did in school at home for their family,” she shared, “or when students from years ago tell me they still have their sewing project on their bed.” These moments highlight not just her role as a teacher, but as someone who gave students the tools to take pride in their work and carry those skills with them long after they left the classroom. She also recalls the "organized chaos" during food labs, followed by the peaceful moments when students sat down to enjoy what they created.
Another highlight of Fran’s career has been the appreciation expressed by students’ families. “The kind notes from parents thanking me for teaching their children how to clean up after themselves in the kitchen, and how to sew on their own buttons” are memories she holds dear. These small but important lessons are exactly what made Fran’s teaching so impactful—she instilled independence and self-reliance in her students, qualities they’ll carry with them throughout life.
As Fran embarks on her retirement, she looks forward to spending more time with her six beautiful grandchildren and visiting her sister in Florida. She’s also planning to finally tackle cleaning out her basement, a task she’s put off for years. “Now I have no excuse!” she laughed.
In her heartfelt farewell to her colleagues, Fran expressed her gratitude: “Thank you, Plainedge family, for being by my side in the good times and the bad. Working alongside all of you has been the greatest joy of my career. Middle school has been a second home, and a source of lifelong friendships and great memories.”
Fran, your warmth, dedication, and lasting influence on the Plainedge community will never be forgotten. Congratulations on your retirement! May this next chapter bring you as much joy and fulfillment as you’ve given to your students and colleagues over the years!
Karen Patterson
After more than four decades of dedicated service in education, Karen Patterson is closing one chapter and beginning a new one focused on well-deserved rest, self-care, and reflection. Having started her educational journey in 1983 teaching English as a Second Language (now English as a New Language), Karen joined the Plainedge School District in 1989.
She has taught ESL across every grade level, K-12, and even extended her expertise to adults at SUNY Farmingdale. Her work has taken her to every school in Plainedge, including those that are no longer standing. “To be able to teach a subject that can literally change a person’s life has been very rewarding,” Karen reflects. “My students have come from all over the world and have taught me more than I have taught them. Every day I learned something new, and I will cherish all the memories I have of them.”
Beyond the classroom, Karen has been a constant in the lives of colleagues across the district. Her sense of humor, compassion, and perspective have touched many. “Plainedge has been a second family for me,” she says. “It’s going to be tough to say goodbye, so I won’t!”
Karen leaves with valuable words of wisdom for the next generation of educators: “Always have a plan - no two days in the classroom are the same.” And perhaps her most enduring piece of advice: “Teaching is the best career - enjoy every minute.”
As she looks ahead, Karen plans to take care of “ME,” a well-earned focus after years of putting students and schools first. Though she may be retiring from the classroom, the impact she has made will echo for years to come in the lives of her students, colleagues, and the wider Plainedge community.
Congratulations, Karen, and thank you for everything!
Lisa Renee Prochilo
After more than 25 years of nurturing young minds, Lisa Prochilo is retiring from her role at Eastplain Elementary School. Over the years, Lisa has made a lasting impact as both a second and first grade teacher. Before securing her full-time position, she also served as a substitute teacher across all the district’s buildings, gaining valuable experience and forging connections that would last throughout her career.
One of Lisa’s fondest memories at Eastplain is the annual hatching of chicks as part of the life cycle unit in science. “Hatching chicks when studying life cycles in the science curriculum was always such a special experience,” she recalls. Watching her students witness the miracle of new life firsthand was not only a fun educational moment but also one that allowed her to foster a sense of wonder and curiosity in her students that is rare and precious.
As Lisa embarks on this new chapter of her life, she plans to move back to South Dakota to be closer to her youngest daughter and two grandchildren. However, she’ll continue to keep ties with Long Island, splitting her time between New York and South Dakota to visit her oldest daughter and four grandchildren. Family is at the heart of Lisa’s plans, and she looks forward to creating more cherished memories with them in this exciting new phase of life.
Reflecting on her career, Lisa expresses deep gratitude for the people who have been a part of her journey. “Many thanks to all the people who supported me as a colleague and became my friends over the years,” she shares.
Lisa, your dedication to your students and your role as a beloved colleague will be deeply missed at Eastplain. Congratulations on your retirement! May this next chapter bring you as much joy and fulfillment as your teaching career has brought to so many. Wishing you all the best as you spend time with your family and embrace the next adventure!
Debra Rampmaier-Verdon
After an incredible 34 years in the Plainedge School District, Debbie Rampmaier-Verdon is retiring from a career that has touched the lives of countless students, parents, and colleagues. Debbie spent the majority of her career teaching first grade at Eastplain Elementary, after starting her journey with two years in Kindergarten. In that time, she also spent one year teaching at Schwarting Elementary, but it’s the 33 years spent in Eastplain that shaped her career and created many cherished memories.
Reflecting on her years in Plainedge, Debbie fondly remembers the amazing colleagues she worked alongside and the friendships that blossomed over time. "Working with amazing colleagues, building lifelong friendships, and being so lucky to teach first grade for most of my career" are memories she holds close. Her joy in teaching young learners was evident in her passion for watching her students grow. "I really enjoyed working with these young students, watching them blossom throughout the school year into lifelong learners." For Debbie, the heart of teaching was in those small, day-to-day moments: her “daily chats with my students, learning what is special to them and hearing all about their adventures.” Those conversations, as simple as they were, played a major role in the connection she built with each child and the impact she had on their lives.
In retirement, Debbie is looking forward to new adventures. She and her husband plan to travel extensively, with plenty of time for exploration and relaxation. Debbie is also excited about the opportunity to volunteer and take daily walks throughout Long Island. Yoga classes are on her agenda too, offering her the chance to unwind and focus on self-care after decades of devoted service to children.
As she says goodbye to her teaching career, Debbie also expresses gratitude for the support she received as a member of the Plainedge Federation of Teachers. "I feel privileged to be a member of the PFT. The support and guidance I have received is truly invaluable, helping me grow personally and professionally." She’ll miss her colleagues and the community that has supported her throughout her career, but her message is one of encouragement and camaraderie: “Continue to support one another and you will always be able to accomplish great things with your students.”
Debbie, your dedication to teaching, your commitment to the PFT, your ability to inspire young minds, and the relationships you’ve built throughout your career have made a lasting impact on the Plainedge community. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! May this next chapter be filled with new adventures, peace, and joy as you enjoy all the things you've looked forward to!
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