Thank you, 17 years Pam Matson

Honors Biology, Advanced Genetic Literacy, Forensic Science

Her passion for science and dedication to her students is legendary. From staying up until all hours finishing a Halloween costume for the advisory competition, to challenging students with authentic, high level science experiences, Pam has done it all. We wish her well in her retirement, and hope she returns to campus to visit it often!

Pam was more than a best friend to me for the past 8 + years. She was my bedrock of good advice when I needed it, my cheerleader when I needed a boost. She was always the font of scientific knowledge for every plant and bug we saw on the nature walks and hikes we took together. She never failed to laugh at my silly inside jokes and she was my partner in too much fun to even begin to mention. I will miss having her here more than she will ever know.”

- Sue Eaton, Upper School Math Teacher, Community Service Coordinator - Upper School

A highly driven and dedicated educator, Pamela (Pam) Matson joined Rocky Hill Country Day School in 2006, as Chair of the Science Department and a teacher of Biology.

During the seventeen years of her tenure, Pam expanded the science curricular offerings of Honors and Advanced Physics, Chemistry, and Environmental Science to include a range of electives: Marine Biology, Ecology, Oceanography, Bioethics, Advanced Genetic Literacy, as well as Advanced Human Physiology and Forensic Science: Parts I and II. Beyond the classroom, Pam has also served as cross-country coach and advised the Upper School Student Council.

An incisive thinker, and an untiring advocate for the sciences and the acquisition of knowledge, as well as a deeply caring advisor/mentor, Pam inspired and nurtured peers and students alike. She brought a distinct quality and expertise to a closeknit group of science professionals and a forward-thinking curriculum that has been elevated through her passion and consummate professionalism. Entering the Biology lab and greenhouse, one was always greeted by a dizzying array of experiments, skeletons and “body” parts, and sprouting seedlings—all vying for attention.

And then, there were the staged “crime scenes”—often so real that the Forensics students were both baffled and delighted. On any given day, you could find Pam dragging a cart of supplies or scoping out a new space on campus to bury the bodies (frozen chickens, that is). Her many Project-Based collaborations crossed disciplines and afforded students the opportunities to engage with cancer survivors or to delve deeply into the multi-dimensional importance of trees in the quality of our lives and the sustainability of our planet. “Think Outside” not only became an RHCD tagline, but it also embodied the philosophy and principles Pam has embraced throughout her time in our community. It was therefore apropos that the seniors of ‘23 chose Pam to address their class at Senior Dinner, and not surprising that the analogy chosen, to represent the group, their individuality, tenacity, and resilience, was, in fact, a twisted tree on Ives Road, that we all see on our daily commute. The Rocky Hill community has been privileged to have Pam lead the sciences and inspire our collaboration with colleagues. She will be greatly missed.

Belinda Snyman