A Fine Educator Retires

Even though I was a Washington School parent, I would occasionally run across Paula Valerio at school events like BCE fund raisers and the like.  She also had a fine appreciation for the historic aspects of schooling in our historic town.  This Daily Journal piece discussing Paula's retirement is a nice read about a nice lady--even if she does consider herself a bulldog.

When she arrived at McKinley Elementary School, it was one the district’s smallest and served only 260 students. In the past dozen years, the school’s enrollment has floated over 500 and the Spanish immersion program has 240 students.

As enrollment increased, so did the depth of the immersion program’s curriculum, said Valerio and the result is a master plan that “continues to be an example to school districts that are thinking about developing an immersion program.”

Superintendent Maggie MacIsaac expressed her appreciation for Valerio’s contribution to the district.

“Paula embodied the spirit at McKinley School; fun loving and honoring rich traditions,” she said in an email. “She was the principal that started the Spanish dual immersion program in Burlingame and she was a champion for the program.”

Happy retirement, Paula!

 

Comments

[Peter Garrison]

Seemed to me as always being in a good mood, but serious and steadfast at the same time.

[[email protected]]

Wow Mr. Garrison, not quite a ringing farewell, nevertheless, a good word.
Thank you Ms. Valerio for your service, as well as helping direct the youth taught buy you in bringing good things to our future.
Being a teacher/educator is the most honorable profession misunderstood by communities, that take for granted teacher equals babysitter.
Wrong.
Have a good retirement and future for you and your family.

[Cathy Baylock]

We first crossed paths when she was Vice Principal at BIS. She knew every kid's name and was omnipresent so everyone knew her well. McKinley was blessed for many years to have her as its principal. She truly is the best of the best!