Paramus High School - Delphian Yearbook (Paramus, NJ)

Page 17 text:

In Appreciation: Our Commendation Teachers find that the demands put on their spirits, patience, and security are often tremendous, and the re¬ wards are often few and far between. However, it is the small, inconspicuous gestures that count in life, and living by this philosophy most teachers manage to pursue their profession happily, trying their best to instruct, live, and learn from each student. Following is an excerpt from a personal letter written to Mrs. Colnaghi by a former student. Sharing it, she will be able to help another teacher find the strength to con¬ tinue through a particularly trying time of his or her career. It seems I ' m always coming to you when I need ad¬ vice or guidance. Seven years ago, when I was seriously considering leaving teaching because of a very bad experi¬ ence in student teaching, it was your deep kindness and encouragement that helped me to go on to six very happy years of teaching at Bergenfield. Who is Mrs. Colnaghi? If ten people were asked this question, it is predictable that there would be ten answers. To many students and teachers she is a bottomless spring of both inspirational and practical ideas. Whenever a club is in need of a project, or a teacher has a problem too complicated to handle, Mrs. Colnaghi ' s calm and experi¬ ence are always available to help reach a solution. For years she has been the organizer of the school ' s datebook, the schedule of school activities, assuming the responsibility for the most general to the finishing touches for assemblies and graduation. Her efforts in behalf of the Student Council have added that little extra umph that has been helpful in convincing a teacher or administrator of the merit of a par ticular proposal. It is this uncere¬ monious dedication, characteristic of Mrs. Colnaghi, that has aided our complex school to function smoothly. Before becoming assistant principal, Mrs. Colnaghi was an English teacher, first in Garfield, then in Paramus. Her love for the subject, combined with her fund of patience, made her an exceptional teacher for average and slow- learners. Though she has now left the classroom, her in¬ terest in these students is still a deep one. Everyone is aware that Mrs. Colnaghi is responsible for recording attendance, but few realize that she is also con¬ cerned with the personal needs and well-being of the student body. She has had many personal conferences with students, worked diligently to arrange a paying job for someone in need, and spent many hours guiding graduates who needed advice about their future plans. To request to speak to Mrs. Colnaghi is to know that her undivided attention will be yours. Not only does Mrs. Colnaghi ' s concern cover Paramus High School; it is spread throughout the county. One might say that she worries about her community as deeply as other women worry about their families. Aside from accomplishing her demanding school duties, she has found the time to work with a YMCA, the Paramus Elks, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, the Chamber of Commerce, American Field Service, the Parent Teacher ' s Association, and the American Association of University Women. Sometimes the activities are of a serious matter; but other involvement is bright and light. During her first year as a teacher in this high school, Mrs. Colnaghi faced the foot¬ lights in the Scholarship Show production of Arsenic and Old Lace. She played one of the sisters while Mr. McDonough was the senile brother. Mrs. Anna T. Colnaghi Assistant Principal Being able to mix business with fun is part of Mrs. Colnaghi ' s charisma and the reason for her success. Though a typical day is exceptionally busy, she manages to make each pleasant or comical, even under the most tense situations. She is known for being able to recount the funniest stories about human nature when the world seems its gloomiest. The door to her office is always open, and a chair is waiting to be filled by anyone who needs a warm, resourceful person to talk to or listen to. On the eve of her retirement, it is quite likely that Mrs. Colnaghi will admit that she will not miss administering late slips, detaining cutters, or trying to keep the cafeteria cleaner. However, she will definitely miss the close con¬ tact with teachers and students that has always held the value of her job, and the pace of school and community life to which she was so well adjusted. Her retirement does not mean a complete withdrawal from activities, however. Her immediate plans are to continue with active membership in AAUW, through which she can continue her contribution to education and community work. It is witli sadness that these words are printed, for they mark the departure of a woman who has been a veritable treasure to the high school. For such dedication there is no substitute, and in place of such a personality there will be a void. It is with great respect that the Delphian staff recognizes Mrs. Colnaghi, and would like to wish her the utmost happiness for the future.

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Administration ... It ' s the Principals That Count! Mr. Joseph P. McDonough, Principal As the principal, Mr. Joseph P. McDonough has the position of making all the final decisions relative to the successful opera¬ tion of Paramus High School. Mr. McDonough evaluates each member of the faculty, meets weekly with the department chairmen, and attends many night¬ time functions, whether a sports event, a social occasion, a special performance, or a Parent Council meeting. Mr. John LeRose, one of the two vice-principals, now has two offices to help coordinate the main building with the addition. In charge of discipline , Mr. LeRose is also responsible for the overseeing of the budgets of the various organizations, and for ordering all of the audio-visual equipment used in the school. Mr. Michael A. Azzolino, the other vice-principal, has the huge task of scheduling the programs of the students and making any adjustments which may arise. It is impossible to explain in a few paragraphs the task with which the administration must wrestle. Directing a school of 1800 students is a 25-hour job. Thus it is the principals that count. Mr. John J. LeRose, Vice-Principal Mr. Michael A. Azzolino, Vice-Principal 12

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High School Secretaries .. .Dependability plus! With five competent assistants, Mrs. T. Hards heads the secretarial staff in the Board of Education Office. Mrs. N. Mac¬ Donald and Mrs. B. Wedemeyer are the two payroll clerks. Mrs. A. Smolensky and Mrs. K. Heger are budgetary control clerks. Mrs. R. Schadewald is in charge of the use of school facilities. In addition to these women, each of the men in the Board Office has an assistant. They include Mrs. J. Frost, secretary to Dr. Dunn; Mrs. G. Nutland, secretary to Mr. Chiocca; Mrs. C. Lynn, secretary to Mr. Mele; Mrs. R. Harper, secretary to Mr. Van Pelt; and Mrs. R. Mayer secre¬ tary to Mr. Koenig. BOARD OF EDUCATION SECRETARIES Back Row: Mrs. C. Lynn, Mrs. J. Frost, Mrs. R. Mayer, Mrs. K. Heger, Mrs. T. Hards. Front Row: Mrs. R. Harper, Mrs G. Nutland, Mrs R. Schadewald, Mrs. A. Smolensky, Mrs. B. Wedemeyer, Mrs. N. MacDonald. Board of Education Secretaries ... Efficiency plus All clerical work in the High School is expertly handled by the ladies in the office who are supervised by Mrs. D. Woardell. They always have a smile to offer and are glad to lend a helping hand. Besides dealing with the school popu¬ lation, these secretaries answer the in¬ cessant ringing of the telephone, type, arrange appointments, handle report cards, keep records of all money collected, and organize the schedules, for teachers and students, to mention only a few of their responsibilities. Without them, the school would cer¬ tainly come to a halt. HIGH SCHOOL SECRETARIES Back Row: Mrs. Helen Sedlak, Mrs. Phyllis Bonacasta, Mrs. Betty Vanderbeek, Mrs. Sophie Slotkin, Mrs. Joan Pappalardo, Mrs. Bertha Styles. Front Row: Mrs. Cynthia Kine Mrs. Doris Woardell, Mrs. Catherine Sabella. 14