Date: Fri 17-Jan-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

Al-Cashman-retires-schools

Full Text:

Before Leaving, Al Cashman Looks Back, Shares Insights

B Y D OROTHY E VANS

After nearly 35 years in Newtown schools, Middle School Vice Principal Al

Cashman is moving on.

Actually, he prefers to call the process "transition-ing," and looks forward

to pursuing a second career that will begin in February, marketing and

distributing holistic health products for Starlight International, Inc.

He knows his departure January 31 will not be easy, although he said he's been

"phasing out gradually," by taking vacation time during the middle of this

month, "just to get used to the idea."

Ever since July when Mr Cashman announced he would be retiring, the popular

administrator has been treated to an extended goodbye from many friends and

colleagues who can't imagine what the school will be like without him.

He'll miss them all - especially the children, he said, during an interview in

his office January 9.

He spoke while seated near his front office desk, dangling his reading glasses

from one hand and gesturing to make a point with the other. For a moment, his

face reflected a serious mood.

Outside his window, he could see the afternoon school buses lining up to bring

the children home for the day.

"I've been blessed. Newtown is a good school district and it has good people

at every level," Mr Cashman said.

Vice Principal Nancy Onorato, who moved over from Head O' Meadow School in

August, is ready to take up the reins when he goes.

"Nancy and I have worked together before. We share the same philosophy of how

you deal with kids at this level," he said.

Asked whether he had any last words of wisdom to impart concerning his job or

about what parents can do to help themselves raise children, Mr Cashman took a

deep breath and plunged right in.

"Be ready," he advised.

"Every parent is going to have challenges as children grow up. Kids are going

to make mistakes. It's part of growing up. You've got to give unconditional

love," he said with emphasis.

Build what he called a "support system" of people you can talk to. People who

know you and know your children, "friends to share the challenges," he added.

Having lived in Newtown since 1966, he and his wife, Gail, have certainly

enjoyed the support of many friends as they raised their own four, he said.

Not only did he dedicate himself to being a parent, a teacher and an

administrator during those years, he also immersed himself in the life of his

adopted town.

Among his many civic contributions, Mr Cashman served 17 years on the town

Zoning Board of Appeals, he helped organize the Special Olympics and worked on

behalf of Democratic candidates in local elections.

Born in Waterbury, Mr Cashman admitted he "wanted Newtown" from the moment he

graduated from Western Connecticut State University, began looking for that

first job, and found himself driving down Newtown's picturesque Main Street.

"Jim Hinckley was superintendent at the time. I kept pestering him for a

teaching position," he said, adding, "I didn't wait for him to call back but

kept banging on his door."

Persistence paid off, because Mr Cashman was finally offered a "trial year."

"I snatched the opportunity," he recalled.

How did he know he wanted to be a teacher?

"I've always known it. When I was growing up in Waterbury, I was a lifeguard

and right then, I knew I loved helping children learn to swim."

In addition, he's always felt an "affinity" for middle school kids - an age

group that some find most difficult and trying, he commented.

"They energize me. Never a dull moment. Always stuff going on!" Mr Cashman

said, smiling broadly.

Working with Starlight International, he will still be able to help children,

especially those struggling with behavioral problems such as Attention Deficit

Disorder (ADD) who currently rely upon drugs such as Ritalin to control its

effects.

"We'll be focusing on alternative approaches," he explained, adding that he

and Gail were planning to leave right away for Dallas, the first weekend of

February, for a health seminar sponsored by Starlight.

They will head south in their 38-foot motor home, he said, and they will be

taking all their happy memories with them.

He mentioned in particular a beautiful scrap book that was presented to him

during the "Cash Bash" or "Happy Trails To Al" celebration dinner dance

January 4 at the Fireside Inn. It's full of hand-written messages, good wishes

and recollections penned by his friends, family and colleagues.

"You can see by reading some of the notes, how much he means to everyone,"

said school librarian Jeanne Bugay, who is keeping the book at the front desk

so anyone who wants to can add a line.

The title page features a carefully drawn pencil portrait of Mr Cashman done

by Middle School art teacher Sue Ward, and the last page includes another

sketch by Mrs Ward, a watercolor, showing the Cashmans' RV "Bridging the Gap"

from Newtown to new frontiers.

You can almost see him waving from the driver's seat, reading glasses hanging

down, his legendary "Save The Children" tie blowing in the breeze.

The colorful, much-loved educator is on his way in a flash of teal and mauve.

Happy Trails, indeed.