Many years ago, I had the pleasure of traveling with several colleagues from the University of Pennsylvania across the globe to New Zealand. Our purpose was to work with professors at the University of Auckland to study how New Zealand had successfully integrated literacy, assessment, and student-centered learning throughout their educational system.
We did this, of course, by spending time visiting schools in the surrounding area. I remember arriving at one particular K-8 school on a rainy day to discover the words “Find Joy in Work” etched on the front archway. In that moment, it struck me as a beautiful and deeply meaningful message for all who entered this sacred space.
Here in Robbinsville, we expect all of the adult members of our school community—teachers, administrators, support staff, contractors and others—to appreciate the incredible privilege of providing safe and joyful places of learning for each student who walks through the door. One of our goals is to ensure parents that we view our responsibility to care for their children as a steadfast commitment, one that we take seriously at all times. It is our hope that as we live and demonstrate this commitment our students will, in turn, find joy in navigating life, cultivating connections with others, and falling in love with learning.
Over the years I have had the good fortune to work with a countless number of caring and compassionate individuals, many of whom are content to simply work quietly, without fanfare, behind the scenes, but whose contributions are critical to the happy and healthy day to day operation of our bustling school community. Today I am pleased to highlight a handful of these individuals. Each possesses the salient ability to find joy in their work every day.
Meet Gerard Bullock. A valued member of the RHS custodial team, Gerard exhibits boundless energy and a smile that won’t quit. He has made it his mission to call people by name and, as anyone who has met him knows, his positivity is contagious! At 27 years young, Gerard is an explorer at heart. He has traveled throughout the United States and Europe and along the way developed a soft spot for the sandy beaches of Santorini, Greece. An avid basketball fan, Gerard enjoys cheering on the New York Knicks and hopes to one day see the Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team compete on their home court. He is passionate about family and lives according to the motto Be Kind to Others. We thank you, Gerard, for your happy heart and for exemplifying how to find joy in work and in life!
Kim Ott is a woman of many hats. Currently in her ninth year as our transportation dispatcher, Kim knows every street in Robbinsville like the back of her hand. Along with Tammy Arnwine, our transportation coordinator, Kim helps to oversee the safe transportation of 2500+ students to and from school each day. Often, with only minimal notice, she is called on to jump behind the wheel to cover a run, field trip or sporting event. As the head of the central registration office, Kim has the privilege of greeting every family new to Robbinsville Public Schools and ensuring that they feel welcome while transitioning to their new town. A familiar face at sporting events, Kim often serves after hours as a member of the district’s security team. Two short years ago, Kim and her husband George welcomed their first grandson, George IV, into their lives. As you can imagine, weekends and holidays are filled with their own special kind of joy with little G4 on the scene. Kim, we thank you for your strong work ethic and for always going the extra mile for our students and colleagues. We appreciate you!
Recently I read an article that contained a list that detailed how people can find more happiness at work. One way is to help someone else solve a problem. Phil DeMarco, Trevor Quinn, and Mike Bruno do just that as they troubleshoot technology glitches for staff and students on a continual basis. In addition to ensuring that the network runs efficiently, our tech team is charged with providing support for the district’s Chromebook initiative.
Beyond their work in Robbinsville, Phil, Trevor and Mike lead rich lives. Fun facts: Before beginning his “second career” in Robbinsville, Phil worked for 32 years on the Space Shuttle Program and witnessed many Space Shuttle flights from the Kennedy Space Center. He even had an opportunity to meet several astronauts while in training for their space missions. Last year, Trevor and his wife Angela teamed up to open Prana Yoga Shala, a yoga studio in Princeton. They find it rewarding to watch new students grow as they embrace the benefits of yoga. Mike has always enjoyed the challenge of working with his hands. In addition to working on sports cars, he has become an expert at home remodeling and repair. In the years to come, I won’t be surprised to see Mike with a starring role on his own HGTV series!
We are grateful to Gerard, Kim, our technology team and to each member of our school community for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to our students. While we know that our staff members find purpose in their work, we are proud that they understand and demonstrate the importance of building connections and relationships with one another as well as with our students and their families. It is in these connections that we find meaning. It is in these connections that we derive fulfillment. It is in these connections that we find joy in our work and in our lives.
from the schools,
