May 29, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 15 Linda Pellegrino earned her reputation in the Midland Park elementary schools by setting limits for the children under her care and by treating each student firmly but kindly. When she retired on May 15, the children showed her they appreciated her and how much they will miss her. “As firm as I was, they cared about me. The day I left, they surrounded me. They were so supportive, so compassion- Pellegrino retires; lunchtime will never be the same ate … so adorable,” she said. They made her personal cards – many computer generated, others drawn free hand - or they all signed a class card. One sixth grader, Annie Skudera, sewed her a tote bag in which to keep the scores of cards she received, and had it autographed by all her classmates. “She loved what she did, and the students recognized that. They knew she was watching them and wanted to behave for her. She was an asset to the administration because she organized the aides, arranged for substitutes, and kept peace in the cafeteria,” said Highland School Principal Danielle Bache. Pellegrino spent 32 years as a building aide at all three schools but worked the majority of it at Highland School. She became the lunch aide supervisor for Highland and Godwin and worked closely with the principals to ensure a safe and fun environment for the students. According to Bache, Pellegrino biggest claim to fame is having the wall ball wall built at Highland School when they moved the playground. “She knew the students loved to play wall ball and wanted to give them a space to do it. She practiced safety drills with the kids and taught them manners and to be respectful,” Bache added. “She truly cared for all of the students and had their best interest at heart. She watched over them to ensure they were eating and made sure they were never sitting alone. She spoke with the teachers and guidance counselor when the students were upset or needed some help. She kept the administrators informed about problems and worked collaboratively to solve them,” Bache said. ‘We will miss you,’ reads the card, expressing all the students’ sentiments. Pellegrino’s life was not confined to her lunchtime duties. When her children were growing up, she worked with the high school color guard and taught the town cheerleaders for 18 years and headed the MPHS Music Parents Association for seven years. She also worked as a hairdresser in her brother’s salon. Now that she’ll have more free time, Pellegrino said she will help her granddaughter plan her fall wedding. After that, “We’ll see,” she said. “We wish her happiness in her retirement, and we want her to know, she will always hold a special place in all of our hearts,” Bache said. Pellegrino proudly shows off tote bag made by sixth grader Annie Skudera.