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Teachers - Young at Heart
The editorial in Sunday's Press-Republican was a thoughtful gesture by the editorial staff and the response it brought was immediate. Early Sunday morning a new reader joined the On the Sly group with a comment. And then my telephone started ringing, and e-mails from friends started piling in.
One of the phone calls I received was from my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Blanche Young. She wanted to congratulate me on the blog's success, even though she doesn't have a computer and had just read what a "blog" is.
We talked for about fifteen minutes about our teaching careers and about how much we are enjoying retirement. Mrs. Young has always been one of my all-time favorite teachers. I suppose one of the reasons I chose teaching as a career is because of the positive influence that teachers had on me as I was growing up.
I attended Monty Street School for grades kindergarten through fourth. The principal was Mr. Fred Kirk. My kindergarten teacher was Miss Holland. I remember that she smiled often and was very pretty. We took naps on our little mats in kindergarten. Sometimes I'd pretend I was sleeping and watch what Miss Holland was doing while we rested. She usually kept busy fixing her bulletin board or shuffling papers.
My first grade teacher was Mrs. Plumley. It might have been Miss Plumley. Either way she was sterner and made sure that we all did our work properly. When she did laugh, which wasn't that often, it was a big hearty laugh, a real good one, and we would all laugh along. It seemed funny to see her laugh.
For second grade my teacher was Mrs. Fran Bleau. Oh, she was great! She gave us stars for sitting up straight and easy things like that. She was a fun teacher and it seemed like each year I was learning more. I think it would be around second grade that I started to really like school a lot.
My third grade teacher changed her name. She started the year as Miss Mullen and she was young and pretty. I know I was only in third grade, but she was very pretty. I paid close attention to everything she said. I made sure I got good grades for her. After our Christmas break she told us that she had a new name. She was now married, and her name was Mrs. Trotter. No matter the name, she was still very pretty.
And then I was in Mrs. Young's fourth grade class. She gave many compliments to students who were working well, and she didn't let students disrupt class at all. She knew how to handle some of the rowdy boys and talkative girls. She was an outstanding teacher and finally retired in 1985 after over forty years of teaching.
The following year my family helped me make a big decision. I left public school and entered Our Lady of Victory Academy for fifth grade. Instead of the school being almost in my backyard, my new school was at the end of Johnson Avenue, still just a short walk away.
My fifth grade teacher was Sister Mary Constance. It was my first time having a nun as a regualr classroom teacher, although I had attended catechism classes for a few years. I made lots of new friends at OLVA and tried to work hard to get good grades like my classmates Doug Durocher, Sue Rennell, Linda Torrance and Gary Hebert.
As I continued at OLVA, teachers like Sister Mary Bernadette and Mr. John Flynn made a profound impression on me. As I started thinking in terms of a lifelong career, I tossed out the ideas of lawyer and priest, and focused on the idea of being an English teacher.
I'm sure it's the impression that teachers like Mrs. Young had on me that led me to a career in education. I've always felt young, and maybe it was because I spent so much time with teenagers during the school day. Mrs. Young is now a youthful 89 years young and still enjoying life to the fullest. Still calling former students to congratulate them on an accomplishment.
I guess I owe a big thanks to all my former teachers for being role models. I patterned my teaching style after bits and pieces of all of them. I wonder if there are any young English teachers out there now who use bits and pieces of Foxy's style that they observed while sitting in my classroom.
Comments
Merry Christmas Foxy from Florida-I read with fond memories your recollections of Monty Street School and the great teachers who inspired us all. I also had Miss Plumley and remember well her reserved laughter. Mrs. Flynn was my second grade teacher although my memory is vague, probably because I was watching other 'pretty' teachers like Miss Mullen. My all time favorite from Monty Street though was my 5th grade teacher, Sal Righi. What a guy, both in school and out of school. He ran an arts and crafts class on Wednesday nights in the "New Project" on South Catherine street and was also the "Beach Bus" driver in the summer time. How I hustled to get ready to meet that bus almost every summer weekday (at least on days when I wasn't in trouble with my parents and denied that days' beach pleasure!).
Sixth grade brought Miss Brennan and a whole new meaning to the word respect. That paddle of hers was always by her side and she was never afraid to use it, even if you weren't the culprit, but a not so innocent bystander! Like Miney, my favorite coach was John Nicotera. He could motivate, teach and really make a kid feel important. I owe a heartfelt thanks to him for instilling a love of football in me for it was that love of sport that helped me stay in and finish high school.
Thanks for the memories and best wishes to you and yours for the New Year!!
Posted by: woody | December 26, 2006 10:15 AM
Foxy,
You influenced a lot of your students. I had you for 8th grade English back in the 80's. You brought a relaxed atmosphere and talked to us as if we were adults instead of children. You set the bar high and expected us to reach it rather than lowering it for us (which I see all too often, now). I have taught theatre to students ranging from ages 9- whatever and I try to treat them with the respect you showed us all those years ago. I think its wonderful that you wrote the blog praising your teachers and I felt that you should get some back :)
(Foxy's note: What a nice Christmas gift, Nan. I do remember you! Thanks for the kind words.)
Posted by: Nan M. | December 24, 2006 2:33 PM
Foxy:
I also attended Monty St around that same time. There is one teacher who still sticks out in my mind there. Miss Quinn, I know why at her age she was still a Miss. I hated to go to school that year, when I did go I would end up in the nurse's office. There were days my mother would walk me to school from South Platt, and I would beat her home.
After that , I was fortunate to have gentlemen such as Gil Duken, Hal Moskowitz, Mr. Burdeau (7th grade social studies with a passion for the Battle of Plattsburgh). In high school there was no one who controlled a class like Merrit Clifford. The look that he could give you would quiet a crowd in a second. He taught more than Biology, he taught respect.
Posted by: Stan Scroggins | December 23, 2006 10:00 AM
Well, you Johnnies remember Sisters Collette, Jacinta, Theodore, Mary Agnes, Bernadine and many more. Then you have to include Coaches Branon, Fesette, Lavigne, Chilson....Ah, the memories...
Posted by: The Donald | December 20, 2006 7:45 PM
Foxy, interesting to hear Mrs. Holland's name after all these years. I had her for Kindergarden also, but at Oak St. in 1968-1969. She was a sweet lady but knew how to get your attention by pinching your ear lobe ever so slightly. That was OK, back in the day and we knew to take notice. Mr. Garrow was great too.
Posted by: ajennette | December 20, 2006 2:10 PM
Foxy,
I, like Carr, also went to MAI. Teachers like Bro. Raymond and Jean Mockry had a bigger influence on me than they will ever know. I still remember some elementary school teachers at Bailey Ave., like Mrs. Waite in 4th grade and Mr. Lavigne in 5th. Jean Mockry was my son's principal for a a short time when he attended St. Peters. Thanks for jarring up such good memories once again.
Posted by: Chris Heckard | December 20, 2006 8:30 AM
Foxy, You are right about how much influence teachers have on us, attempting to mold our minds, through education. I didn't attend any city schools, but went to West Chazy Elementary, then on to Beekmantown Central School. Some teachers that come to mind, was Mrs. Traynor, whom had also taught my Dad in a one room schoolhouse, and Mrs. Nancy Church, my fourth grade teacher, to whom we all heard that President Kennedy had been shot, and later confirmed assasinated, in my elementary days. Later, some teachers in middle school, and in high school were Gary Seargent, Ed Oakley, and Ray Ducatte, who sometimes comments on this very blog.
Posted by: sparcat | December 20, 2006 7:02 AM
Foxy,
Carver was right - I didn't go to a school, I went to MAI. That's an institute (not institution). I had many great teachers who helped make me the person I am today (they would more than likely deny that).
By the way I saw Carver's pictures from the 60's. Ask him about his "super" friend.
Thanks for keeping the blog going Foxy, it's great reading.
Posted by: Jim Carr | December 19, 2006 11:09 PM
Fox, so many great teachers though the years!
mrs Feldman at bailey
mrs stark st john's
gary Barber at st john's was a great teacher and a hell of a hitter in baseball!
I'd list some of the nuns but can only remember them by nicknames! (ask goose or The Donald & they'll rattle em all off!)
but my favorite 3 that I had the most respect for were Ray Holmes, Lou Bernard and Mal Gravelle... they were awesome educators! Nicotera was a heck of a football coach too! Would be interesting to hear "old timer's" list but they're likely long gone, and that was probably back in the days of the 1 room school houses so he probably only had 1 teacher ....and Carr, well we're not so sure he ever went to school???
off the subject, but this made my day..
just got a great christmas card in the mail from my best childhood buddy, "Dee Duke The Puke" Brian Rabideau (current owner of the cumberland head grocery store... as mentioned in earlier blogs about hangin out at Murray's , Yelle's and Fountain & Lucas grocery stores back in the day) he included some great pictures from the early 60's...sure brought back some memories!...if you're reading this: Thanks "Dee Duke"!!
(Foxy's note: Brian Rabideau!! He's my cousin!)
Posted by: the carver | December 19, 2006 3:21 PM
Foxy,
Your blogs are great. Mrs. Young, saw her at Mr.Burke's service, she looks great. Just thinking back at Monty Street School (started in second grade, came from a one room school down at Scomotion Ave. Mrs.Bradley.) My second grade teacher was Mrs. Jackie Luck (I believe there was two Mrs. Lucks) The other teachers that made the differance in our lives were Mrs. St.Denis, Mr.Richard Trombley, Mrs.Plumbley, and Miss Brennan. The one that really made the difference and believed in everyone at one time was Mr.Righi. Monty Street was a great school and Fox Hill was a great place to grow up. Thanks for the time you put in your blogs.The memories are great. LB From So Platt
Posted by: LB from So Platt | December 19, 2006 8:50 AM
I went 1st to the Campus School but didn't really dig the curriculum. Miss Sibley was my Kindergarten teacher, I swear there has never been a sweeter teacher in all the world. Mrs. Barnard was a wonderful 1st grade teacher who also made an imprint on your moral values. Well, unfortunately I had to visit the Principal in 2nd grade for fighting - thanks Bob. I switched to Oak St. in the 4th grade and was blessed with fabulous teachers: Tony Breyette, Veronica LaBombard and John Williams. Unfortunately, Richie (young Buggs) Duquette talked Craig Wilkens and I into throwing snowballs at Bob Garrow, the Prinicpal. Uhhh, yeah ... I learned my lesson - never get caught. Wilfred Burdow, Mr. Gordon, Mr. Desroucher and Mr. Maynard instilled a life long love of learning. My favorite teacher of all time, the uncomparable Mrs. Clara Otis, taught me not only Latin and ancient Roman culture, but also the most important of life lessons. I gave many, many of my teachers such a hard time, including Mr. Fred Kirk - newly Principal of PHS Junior High .. and I want to publically apologize to them all. My favorite coach of all time - John Nicotera, he was the Best. So, Foxy I agree - all of Plattsburgh's teachers have contributed SO much to the knowledge and character of all of us North Country citizens.
(Foxy's note: Miney, thanks for sharing and you mention John Nicotera -- he was in town for a few days last week and I ran into him at Bobby's Lounge. Nick still looks the same. He lives in Arizona now, happily retired and playing lots of tennis, I'm sure. He'll be back in the North Country in August 2007.)
Posted by: Miney Rowlson | December 19, 2006 7:40 AM
Miss Francis Holland- my recollection is that she was the daughter of then alderman Redmond Holland and Margaret Holland. Drove a white mustang in the late 60's. Very sporty for the time.
Mr. Fred Kirk- a gentleman in every respect of the word.
Lots of learning goes on if you pay attention in school. I learned that when the principal asks you after you have thrown snowballs at recess if you want to stay in from recess or "get the ruler" and you choose the ruler she gives you no recess for a week. My first introduction to reverse psychology. Lesson learned.
Posted by: rubble | December 18, 2006 10:03 PM
Foxy, I also remember Mrs. Young and all the elementary school teachers at Monty St. I had Mrs. or Miss Holland only Kindergarten was at Elizabeth St. school. In fact,my first and think second grades were at Elizabeth St. Then we moved to Monty St. in 1953 for fourth and fifth. Then the air base people moved to town and sixth grade was moved back to Elizabeth St. My fifth grade teacher was Mrs. Kelley and sixth was Mr. Bliven. A little correction as I think about it - fifth was in Monty St. and only sixth was at Elizabeth St. All of those teachers were great and positive influence on my life. Hey, How about Miss Brennan and Mrs. Quinn? Sal Righi was a student teacher in Miss Mullen's class at Monty when I was in fourth grade, or was it third? Whatever grade, I recall he was the student teacher that semester. Nothing like playing baseball at Elizabeth St. school yard on a cinder field. You remember that. Foxy , we should get together at Bobby's sometime over lunch or coffee at Price Chopper some morning. You've been officially invited.
(Foxy's note: Lanny, you name the day -- I'll meet you for lunch at Bobby's!)
Posted by: Lanny LaValley | December 18, 2006 10:35 AM
Foxy, What a pleasant suprise to read your blog this morning. When we moved to the "Hill" in 1965 I was in 4th grade and Mrs. Young was my teacher and she also made a lasting impression on me. I used to stop and see her every now and then when I was still living in the north country. I am delighted to see that she is still going strong and will most definitely look her up when I arrive in the spring. This made my day!!!! Randy
Posted by: Randy Vaughn | December 18, 2006 8:07 AM