To the Editor:

As the 2020-2021 school year ends, I would like to take this opportunity to honor a Newtown School District employee who is retiring after 35 years: my mother, Mimi Riccio.

“Mrs Riccio,” as she is known to countless former students and colleagues, began her tenure with the district “filling in for a couple of days” as an aide to a student at Head O’ Meadow School. The principal had worked closely with my mom on the PTA and knew she had her teacher certification, even though she was not currently teaching. He also knew that she would say yes, because that is what my mother does, and, that she would be a tremendous asset to the student. She stayed the rest of the school year.

She moved to the kindergarten classroom at Head O’ Meadow and while working as an aide in that room, decided to pursue her Master’s in Education, seeking K-12 and special education certification. I was only in sixth grade at the time, so I didn’t quite understand what that meant, but I recognized that my mom was busy — working full time, going to school, and active involvement with any number of kid-related responsibilities (including state and local PTA). It was a lot for my mom to take on, but in her mind, I know that she was more concerned with the outcome: being able to work with students and learners across the continuum because that is what education should be.

And that is exactly what she has done. Over the past 35 years, she has worked with kindergartners all the way up to students transitioning to work upon high school graduation. She was requested as a substitute so frequently while I was in high school that I always had a ride to school. My mom was even one of the top graduation speaker vote-getters for the Class of ’96. Alas, she was not the speaker. We agreed that was okay, since it also happened to be my graduation year.

For many years, she has taught summer school and adult diploma courses for the district. My mom understands that the typical classroom setting doesn’t work for all students. It is her mission to connect with her students and support their success.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to meet some of families my mom has worked with, and I have frequently heard things like, “Your mom is the reason my [child] made it through school.” Or, “I wouldn’t have my high school diploma if it wasn’t for her.”

During one of our recent conversations, we were talking about her plans for retirement. She and my dad are moving out of Connecticut and true to form, my mom is checking to see if she can be certified to teach in their new home. As she says, “Just to keep busy.”

Congratulations, Mom, on an amazing career in Newtown. We are so grateful for educators like you.

Sincerely,

Jessica Riccio Boyer

3572 Cresson Street, Philadelphia, Penn. June 18, 2021