It is bittersweet that my time as Interim Principal at Williamsville East is coming to an end. The school is an amazing place. I’m so proud that our two daughters and two of our grandchildren attended the school.
What makes a good school a great school? Among many factors is the human side of things. Schools are not just about note taking, test taking and learning new material. It’s also the people who support our students and allow them to grow and to experience success. Teachers, counselors, support staff, secretaries, cafeteria staff and bus drivers all contribute in different ways to Williamsville East’s success.
The person with the longest history in the school is my secretary, Teri Warner. Mrs. Warner has been working as the principal’s secretary since the school opened its doors for the first time in 1975! Do you need a historical perspective about an issue? Ask Teri. Do you need to better understand how and why things are the way they are at Williamsville East? Ask Teri.
Although Teri’s time at the school is considerable, she is in no way resting on her laurels or starting to slow down. Teri is almost always the first one in the office on a daily basis. She and her “chauffeur”, Jim (also known as her husband) are among the last to leave the building at the end of the day. Teri takes such pride in the school, in the students and their successes.
In my career as a school administrator, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work with wonderful secretaries, or as one person preferred, administrative assistants. One of the great pluses in my experience at Williamsville East has been the opportunity to work with and to get to know Teri Warner. What a joy she has been, and continues to be for the entire educational community!
