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New Trier News

The student news site of New Trier High School

New Trier News

The student news site of New Trier High School

New Trier News

NT bids farewell to retiring staff

As the school year comes to a close, many faculty members are bidding farewell to New Trier. 17 members of the New Trier staff are retiring, with each individual leaving their unique mark on the school.

For Tony Harper, a member of the science department, one of his fondest memories includes standing before the school board with colleague Timothy Kajfez in an attempt to add the Integrated Principals of History and Science to the school’s curriculum. “We were overwhelmed by their support,” Harper explained.

Much like Harper, many of the retirees’ careers have spanned decades, allowing them to see New Trier’s growth and change. “The students and faculty have become more diverse,” said Harper who became a permanent member of the staff in 1979.

Mitch Jones, a member of the social studies department, agreed about the increase of diversity but also noted that textbooks have become more visual than text based.  “When I first started here (in 1978) students were more comfortable with larger amounts of reading and more texts.  However, we are able to do so much more with the internet which has added a nice dimension.”

Dane Camp of the math department also felt technology represented the biggest change in the school. When Camp first arrived in 1994 there were just a few phones and desktop computers, while now, “We all have phones and tablet computers.”

Although there have been some significant changes to New Trier as the years have passed, one quality of the school that never falters is the staff’s hard work and passion.

Carol Bobrow of the dance department explained her appreciation for the 20 years she’s spent at New Trier. “I know this sounds corny,” she said, “but this has been the job from heaven.  I adore being able to teach kids every day.”

The retiring staff also shared what they will miss most about their job. Jones explained that he will always value his interactions with both students and colleagues. “It is a very exciting and interesting job when dealing with young people who are full of enthusiasm and curiosity,” he said. “I work with smart and amusing and knowledgeable individuals who are a pleasure to be around.”

Harper added that he was impressed by both the community and students. “The phenomenal community support is unbelievable,” he said, “The energy, creativity, and enthusiasm from the students is amazing; it has kept me young.”

Other members of the staff departing this year include three members of the Plant Operations: Alvaro Burbano, Enis Jamerson, and Dalkeith Kirkkland.

Those leaving from the Northfield campus include Donna Cascarano of Business Services, Laurel Burman of special education, and Judith Gordon of the language department.

After 25 years with post high school counseling, New Trier also bids farewell to Charlotte Rubin. Kathy Pilat and Cathy D’Agostino have each spent 18 years with New Trier with Pilat leaving the art department and D’Agostino leaving the English department.

Finally, James Hutten and Margaret Wurzburg are both retiring from the science department, as are two members of the library staff: assistant Judith Goveia and librarian Keta McCarthy.

Although all of the departing staff members will surely be missed, we are all grateful for their contributions to the school.

As the school year comes to a close, many faculty members are bidding farewell to New Trier. 17 members of the New Trier staff are retiring, with each individual leaving their unique mark on the school.

For Tony Harper, a member of the science department, one of his fondest memories includes standing before the school board with colleague Timothy Kajfez in an attempt to add the Integrated Principals of History and Science to the school’s curriculum. “We were overwhelmed by their support,” Harper explained.

Much like Harper, many of the retirees’ careers have spanned decades, allowing them to see New Trier’s growth and change. “The students and faculty have become more diverse,” said Harper who became a permanent member of the staff in 1979.

Mitch Jones, a member of the social studies department, agreed about the increase of diversity but also noted that textbooks have become more visual than text based.  “When I first started here (in 1978) students were more comfortable with larger amounts of reading and more texts.  However, we are able to do so much more with the internet which has added a nice dimension.”

Dane Camp of the math department also felt technology represented the biggest change in the school. When Camp first arrived in 1994 there were just a few phones and desktop computers, while now, “We all have phones and tablet computers.”

Although there have been some significant changes to New Trier as the years have passed, one quality of the school that never falters is the staff’s hard work and passion.

Carol Bobrow of the dance department explained her appreciation for the 20 years she’s spent at New Trier. “I know this sounds corny,” she said, “but this has been the job from heaven.  I adore being able to teach kids every day.”

The retiring staff also shared what they will miss most about their job. Jones explained that he will always value his interactions with both students and colleagues. “It is a very exciting and interesting job when dealing with young people who are full of enthusiasm and curiosity,” he said. “I work with smart and amusing and knowledgeable individuals who are a pleasure to be around.”

Harper added that he was impressed by both the community and students. “The phenomenal community support is unbelievable,” he said, “The energy, creativity, and enthusiasm from the students is amazing; it has kept me young.”

Other members of the staff departing this year include three members of the Plant Operations: Alvaro Burbano, Enis Jamerson, and Dalkeith Kirkkland.

Those leaving from the Northfield campus include Donna Cascarano of Business Services, Laurel Burman of special education, and Judith Gordon of the language department.

After 25 years with post high school counseling, New Trier also bids farewell to Charlotte Rubin. Kathy Pilat and Cathy D’Agostino have each spent 18 years with New Trier with Pilat leaving the art department and D’Agostino leaving the English department.

Finally, James Hutten and Margaret Wurzburg are both retiring from the science department, as are two members of the library staff: assistant Judith Goveia and librarian Keta McCarthy.

Although all of the departing staff members will surely be missed, we are all grateful for their contributions to the school.

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