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graduation, and that I was able to develop long-lasting relationships with our families. I still receive letters and notes from past students.” WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO SYCAMORE? “In 1990, I was exploring private schools for my oldest son. Unfortunately, I didn’t know about Sycamore and ended up sending my three oldest to another private school and encountered many frustrations finding a challenging academic program that could meet their needs. When Ariana, my youngest, turned three, I once again had the same challenges finding an advanced academic program. Benjy, my oldest, was at Brebeuf and was enrolled in many AP classes. Many of his classmates went to Sycamore and he was the one who told me about Sycamore. Ariana started in Kindergarten with Mrs. Williams. I spent three years volunteering with SSA and being a room parent. Then one day I was asked if I wanted to work here.” HOW HAS SYCAMORE CHANGED SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN HERE? “Great strides have been made in our technology with the use of IPads, laptops, the Innovation lab, and 3-D printers. Our Kindergartners’ use of the dot and dash robotic program for our space unit and our overwhelming success in academic competitions speaks volumes about the outstanding education. I have enjoyed the Girls Conference, and working with Judith Mills, and the impact this conference makes in girls’ lives is joyful to see.” WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR AFTER SYCAMORE? “I have a second grandson arriving, and they live in Austin, Texas along with one of my daughters. I look forward to spending more time in Texas. My oldest son is in Alaska, and due to the pandemic, I have had to cancel trips to visit him.” •
SYCAMORE SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2021
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NAOMI GOLLER
LIBRARIAN/MEDIA CENTER SPECIALIST HEADS TO NEW CHALLENGES WHAT ARE GOING TO BE YOUR BEST MEMORIES OF SYCAMORE? It’s always fun watching the students grow and mature over the years. They are some amazing people! I’ve also had a lot of fun, witty co-workers. I also really enjoyed watching reluctant readers find the right books and become avid readers. WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO SYCAMORE? I was just finishing up my Master’s in Library Science when 3rd Grade Assistant Lori Henderson (my sisterin-law at the time) mentioned that Sycamore was looking for their first Librarian with an MLS degree. It was my first and last interview after graduate school, and I’ve enjoyed it ever since. HOW HAS SYCAMORE CHANGED SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN HERE? The physical improvements to the building have been dramatic. The addition of the Hagerman Commons and the remodel of what used to be the old Library into the Guenthner Lobby, Bhatia Technology Lab, Technology Office, Quest Room, and the Scott A. Jones Family Board Room were amazing to witness. And it all happened over one summer! They’re lovely spaces for students, staff, and parents to enjoy. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR AFTER SYCAMORE? I got married last October, so I’ll be enjoying time with my husband, Max. I’m also in the process of selling my townhome, so that’s been quite a whirlwind. It’s amazing how much “stuff” you accumulate. I’ll be visiting my mom in Texas to help her organize paperwork and eating lunch out every day from the sounds of it. Then I’ll return and have a nice relaxing summer before I decide what’s next. I’m thinking of becoming a professional organizer. If anyone needs help with that sort of thing, please let me know!
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