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Date: 8/30/2022
LUDLOW – After 55 years in the classroom, Ludlow’s Dennis Quinn is shifting gears from lessons in government and social studies to enjoying UMass games and perhaps, finally catching that fish.
Following his retirement, Quinn was honored for more than five decades of service to Ludlow Junior High School at the School Committee meeting that took place on Aug. 23. Chairman James “Chip” Harrington joked that it was Quinn’s fault that he had run for so many offices. He recalled a time that he had an assignment due in Quinn’s class and decided to bluff his way out by saying he had left it at home. Quinn’s response was to grab his coat and tell him that they would head to his house to get it.
“I wanted to publicly thank you and acknowledge you, because you deserve it,” said Harrington. “Fifty-five years in the same building. I cannot imagine how much that has changed over the years.”
Donna Hogan, who served as interim school superintendent, described Quinn as a “teacher’s teacher” and that he had earned the respect of his fellow educators, students, parents and the community.
“After 55 years, no one really wants you to go, but we also respect that it’s time for you to enjoy yourself,” she said. “I hope the UMass teams win and you finally catch a fish.”
Superintendent Frank Tiano remarked that being appointed in the spring meant he only had a brief time to work with Quinn. He had heard much about the veteran educator and credited his engaging, positive attitude.
“I missed out on the opportunity to work with you, and that’s my loss,” said Tiano.
Quinn thanked everyone for the kind words and said that aside from a “couple of rumbles” over the years, he worked with some great students. His remarks were brief, and he said with a laugh that if the committee expected more, they’d be disappointed.
“I worked with a lot of great kids,” he said. “This is a very nice town and my home.”
Committee hears from Ludlow CARES about upcoming events
Ludlow CARES is a volunteer organization that provides education and support promoting the health and wellbeing of the community. Vice President Ben Bovee and other members outlined several upcoming events, particularly a presentation for the high school students on Sept. 29 by Laura Stack, author of “The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana,” written after her son took his life after becoming addicted to the drug.
In addition, the group will be supporting the Day for Kids event on Sept. 17 at the Boys & Girls Club and the community fair on Sept. 24 and 25. The organization hosts the Red Ribbon Week, which raises awareness of substance abuse. Other events include the Walk to Remember on Oct.23, for those dealing with substance abuse and those lost to it.
“We look to support the schools with any resources we can provide,” said Bovee.
Other Matters
The committee approved moving outdated equipment at the Baird Middle School to surplus inventory. It also approved the new student handbook. Tiano said that this year the goal was creating a template that could be updated as new rules were introduced.
For the first time in two years, the committee approved an out-of-state field trip. Scheduled for April 21-24, the trip will be to Orlando, FL, for the Cooking Around The World Cooking Competition.
Superintendent Tiano focused on reconnecting this school year
After two years of COVID-19 fragmenting education, Tiano said that the focus should be on rebuilding relationships. He wants the district to come together as a team, adding that if the faculty is off-kilter, there are thousands who feel it.
As the new school year begins, Tiano will work to ensure positions are filled, particularly with transportation and teachers, adding that the process is competitive, and potential hires will sometimes leave for better offers in other towns. He added that the technology department has been hard at work installing new security systems, distributing Google Chromebooks and creating an e-version of the packet for parents.
“It’s a long process,” he said. “But all the parts are here and everyone’s pitching in.”