An Amazing Career Winds Down
Linda Cirillo has enjoyed an amazing career. The Flower Hill School math teacher has worked in the Huntington School District for 42 years. She will retire in two weeks with a lifetime of memories.
Ms. Cirillo obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in education at SUNY College at Oneonta in May 1969 and joined Huntington's faculty a few months later in September. She went on to earn a Master of Science in education with a specialization in reading at Hofstra University in June 1973.
In those early Huntington years, Ms. Cirillo worked as a first grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School and later taught second grade. Her career took a turn in 1986 when she moved to Washington School to work as a reading teacher with first and second graders in the Whole Language program. She also worked during this time as a compensatory math teacher at Southdown School, serving youngsters in second through sixth grades.
When Southdown and Flower Hill housed grades 1-6, Ms. Cirillo was split between the two buildings, teaching math at both. After another in a series of grade level reconfigurations, the veteran educator was assigned full-time at Flower Hill, where she still works as an AIS (academic intervention services) math teacher.
"My memories of Huntington are wonderful ones," Ms. Cirillo aid. "I loved the district bowling league where lasting friendships were formed and there was camaraderie with all staff members. I can't forget the Jefferson carnival and the dunking tank."
The teacher said she has "another fond memory" of the PTA fashion shows that began in school cafeterias, moved to the Elks Club and are now held at The Harbor Club in Halesite.
"Most importantly were the students that I taught," Ms. Cirillo said about her most indelible memories. "It was wonderful watching them learn and grow and develop as individuals as the school year progressed."
One of the highlights of her long career came when Ms. Cirillo made a presentation at the International Reading Association's annual meeting in New Orleans in 1989. Another was when legendary Jefferson Principal Jack Abrams and Ms. Cirillo received the Jenkins Memorial Award as honorary life members of the PTA.
"Many lasting friendships were formed when I began teaching at Jefferson with colleagues mentoring and encouraging me to take risks and challenge myself as I was also learning and growing during the early years of my career," Ms. Cirillo said. "We remain close friends today."
Ms. Cirillo served as one of the Huntington School District's delegates to the New York State Teachers Retirement System since 1989. She's been active with the Associated Teachers of Huntington, the district's teacher's professional organization. She has also served as the Huntington Teacher Center's chairperson.
"As Christa McAuliffe said, 'I touch the future; I teach,'" Ms. Cirillo said. "I am proud to say that teaching has been a passion for me and a profession that I have loved through the years. It has been very enlightening watching the many changes in programs, people and the perception of what education is all about in the Huntington School District."
Ms. Cirillo said she is "pleased" to see several former students now among her colleagues. The group includes teachers Vincenza Caruso and Ron Wilson, school custodians Al Manzi and Rusty Munno and Huntington School Board member Emily Rogan.
"I will miss the children," Ms. Cirillo said. "Working with them and watching each one develop and grow to reach their potential was so enriching, especially when that 'aha moment' of discovery and learning lit up their eyes. I am looking forward to some rest and relaxation, the opportunity to do more traveling and a chance to spend more time with my family that lives out of state."