RETIREMENT A Lifetime In Service to Students

Honoring LJCDS faculty and staff members who retired in the 2021–2022 academic year, leaving behind a legacy of caring and compassion

Maribel Bueno’s classroom is a vibrant hub of learning, where students grow their language skills through reading, art, music and movement. Through fun activities, she inspired her students from junior kindergarten through fourth grade to appreciate the power of bilingualism and embrace diverse perspectives.

13 years of service

“Maribel has a quiet confidence built upon a love of children and seeing their passion for language grow,” says Marsha Poh, assistant head of Lower School. “She epitomizes the pursuit of excellence by demonstrating a growth mindset—always looking to refine her craft of teaching and push the boundaries to improve the classroom experience.”

In addition to teaching Spanish as a second language, Bueno began the Spanish Heritage program in the Lower School for fluent Spanish speakers to deepen their written and verbal skills and love for reading.

“The Spanish language program expanded significantly under Maribel’s tutelage,” shares Margi Bingham, Lower School educator. “She sought out a new curriculum, including materials from the Mexican and Spanish consulates. Two children told me they love all of Sra. Bueno’s songs, especially ‘Mi Casa.’ Another first grader told me that he loved learning how to make guacamole and being able to teach it to his mom. I adored watching the first and second graders perform the dance moves that Maribel taught them.”

Roxanne Walker has been a fixture in the Business Office for more than two decades, diligently managing student accounts behind the scenes. As the accounts receivable coordinator, she was the welcoming face of the office, maintaining and administering all aspects of student billing.

Described by her colleagues as a “doer,” Walker was always ready to support the team, from filling supply orders to helping with financial assistance and even proctoring in classrooms as needed.

“I have enjoyed every day of the 22 years working with Roxanne, seeing her smiley face every morning and her willingness to do anything that was asked of her,” says Kelly White, controller. “She is a true team player and an integral part of the Business Office and LJCDS community.”

Sally Scheetz, an educational therapist, is described by her colleagues as dedicated, funny and committed to her work.

“Sally is a passionate learning specialist who loves supporting students to improve their reading skills,” notes learning specialist Amy Dinger Rohrbach ’97.

Scheetz believes people with learning differences can accomplish whatever they want in life once they understand how they learn. In the Learning Resource Center, she facilitated a supportive environment that addressed students’ individual needs and championed their academic, emotional and social growth.

“I will always remember her kindness and patience toward kids like myself who didn’t always get things on the first try,” recalls Adrienne Sigeti ’11. “It’s because of mentors like Ms. Scheetz that I grew up to see challenges as learning opportunities to grow.”

Julie Mindel believes that educators should promote a love of learning, provide a stimulating environment, and encourage character-building.

Described by colleagues as caring, patient, dedicated and knowledgeable, “She always made time to answer a question, collaborate, or share a quick story,” shares colleague Dani Bonfield. “She is warm, kind and patient with students and parents alike, and made our community feel more like home than just a school.”

As a learning specialist, Mindel positively impacted many lives, helping students to improve their executive-functioning skills, reading, writing and math. “She

During her tenure at LJCDS, Scheetz expanded her repertoire of specialized programs designed to address dyslexia, ADHD, executive function, and delays in reading, comprehension, writing, spelling and math skills. She reestablished the Peer Tutoring Program in 2009, and during her five years as coordinator, turned the program into an online, student-run, cross-divisional communityservice program.

“Sally unfailingly advocated for her students. And by doing so, she earned their respect, and the respect of their families and teachers,” explains former Lower School librarian Susan Middleton. “Her commitment to her students and their success meant that she herself never stopped learning and constantly planned lessons and strategies to benefit her students.” made such an impact on her students. She cares so much about the whole child and their social-emotional health,” says speech pathologist Karen Frischwasser.

Working with children has always been Mindel’s passion. Prior to her time in the Learning Resource Center, she taught second grade for 10 years at LJCDS

“Mrs. Mindel was one of my favorite teachers at Country Day,” says Julian Davis ’17. “In second grade, I remember her teaching division in a way that made things click in my head for the first time. She instilled in me a passion for math, which I’ve had ever since.” —SHANNON

Julie Mindel Learning Specialist 16 years of service