Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • April 8, 2009 Allendale For 37 years, Ed Modica has been teaching students at Brookside School in Allendale. Recently, he sent a note to his students and their parents informing them of his decision to retire. His medical leave will begin in April and he will retire in June. It was not an easy decision for Modica, who admits he “loves the children and they love him.” His caring and concern for students helps guide them inside as well as outside the classroom. He believes education extends beyond the printed pages of a textbook. Students are encouraged to read the paper, follow current events, and discuss their real world experiences as they relate to classroom topics. Modica also encourages parent involvement because parents can bring more resources into the classroom to help educate the students. Brookside bids fond farewell to ‘Mister Mo’ Over the years, Modica has seen an increase in children with special needs, children who need one on one attention rather than traditional classroom instruction. He attributes this to environmental factors and feels more classroom aides would help. He believes in mentoring young teachers and said newer teachers should keep using more experienced teachers as a sounding board and a source of information well after the year of official mentoring ends. According to Modica, no teacher makes a child intelligent; instead, teachers draw intelligence out of a child. Fran Salameno, a former student and current fifth grade teacher at Brookside, said, “Mr. Mo had an air of comfort and kindness that he exuded each day. As a child, I remember being excited and involved in his class because I wanted to please him. When I graduated from college and came back to Brookside, I was elated to find out that I would be working with such an honored member of the Brookside community and one of my favorite teachers.” In the future, Modica will continue to tutor students and may seek a position in a parochial school. He wants students to know that his care and concern for them will not end in June, and that he will be available if they need to talk to him. Helpful Hints Helpful Hints from ome “Trouble putting a lid on a plastic container? Run hot water on the lid for 30 seconds; it will close easily.” 27 Franklin Tpk, Waldwick Open Sundays 9-3 201-652-5666 Pat Says... Mr. Modica poses with fifth grade teacher and former student Ms. Salameno (above ). Mr. Modica is pictured with his current fifth grade class (below). ����������������������� �������������� ������������������������������������������ ��������������������������� ������������������ ������������������� ��������� ������������� ����� � �������������������� ������������������ �������������� ���������������������� ���� ����������� ������������������������ ���������������� �� �� �� �������������� ����������������� � � ���� ��������������������������� � ������������������������ ����� ����������������������� � ������������ ������� ������ �������������� ����� ���������������������� �������������� ���������������������������������������� ������������������������� ��������������������������� ������������������� ����� ������ ������������� ��������������