Teachers, Staff Retire to Join the Class of 2011

Ten Hauppauge teachers and staff members have joined the Class of 2011, as they prepare to leave behind the familiar classrooms and hallways for retirement. Combined, they have more than 175 years of experience and have served as elementary school principal to cafeteria monitors.

Here's the retiring Class of 2011:

*Matt Giordano - principal of Bretton Woods
Giordano has worked in Hauppauge Public Schools for 40 years, starting in 1971 as a teacher at the former Whiporwhil Elementary School.

"Mr. Giordano is well aware of the modern trends in education and their impact on schools and teachers," read the superintendent, from one of Giordano's teaching reviews, before adding, "That was 40 years ago and it is still true today."

*Louis Colozzo - custodian at Forest Brook
Colozzo has worked for the building and grounds department at Forest Brook Elementary School for more than 35 years. Dr. Christopher Michael, principal at Forest Brook, described Colozzo as a "gentleman."

"Everything he does, he does with a smile and kindness," Michael said. "He helps creating a powerful learning environment for all of our children."

*Ferne Engelberg - math teacher at Forest Brook
Engelberg has worked as a math teacher in Forest Brook Elementary school for more than 15 years, teaching the accelerated fourth and fifth-grade math classes and providing math support services in the 2010-2011 school year. She has organized the school's annual American Cancer Society fundraiser.

*Sadie Tortora - cafeteria monitor at Hauppauge Middle School

Middle School principal Maryann Fletcher said the impact Tortora has had on students is clear by graduates and alumni who have reached out to Tortora upon hearing of her retirement.

*Estelle Kamsler – speech teacher at Hauppauge Middle School

Kamsler has served as a speech teacher across the district before taking a permanent position at Hauppauge Middle School. She worked with English as a Second Language students and those with learning disabilities.

*Fred Pitrelli – social students and math teacher at Hauppauge Middle School

Pitrelli has taught social students, math, computers and public speaking classes over the years in Hauppauge. He also serves as president of the Hauppauge Teachers Association.

*Jerry Goodfellow – ninth-grade guidance counselor

Goodfellow has worked as a guidance counselor at Hauppauge High School, helping incoming freshman feel comfortable in their new surroundings. He has coached the boys varsity lacrosse team and been assistant coach to Eagles varsity wrestling.

*Phyllis Krasner – teaching assistant at Hauppauge High School

Christine O`Connor, principle of Hauppauge High School, said Krasner is one of the most flexible teaching assistant in the district able to work with any students.

*Digna Crisera – cafeteria monitor and nurse at Bretton Woods

Crisera has been a cafeteria monitor at Bretton Woods for more than 27 years, helping young students open milk cartons and more.