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In March, Linda Gardiner announced her retirement from Green Vale after 43 years, most of it as director of Lower School. Her impact on children, teachers, and parents by the hundreds helped solidify the continuity of Green Vale’s spirit through changing times. Her calming presence and quiet wisdom smoothed difficult times and showed many that most hardships are temporary, and that being part of raising good people is noble and worthwhile.
Mrs. Gardiner’s Office “Linda has lived consistently by the Golden Rule: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ Whether lending a sympathetic ear, writing a thoughtful note, or hosting a special event, Linda has shown empathy, consideration and graciousness toward everyone who has entered her life.” — Carol Rausch, colleague of 41 years
...for a Quick Recap of Q
Tell us about the beginning. How did it all start?
I was hired by then Headmaster Carl Coash as a 4th Grade teacher. Mike Mattia started the same year as did Lisa Moran who is a close friend to this day.
Q
What other roles did you hold at GVS?
After five years in 4th Grade, I ran an enrichment program for supposedly gifted children. We used to do IQ tests with all students. I then moved over to head admissions, where Michael Gulden had been managing both admissions and the business office. We would hold a version of open houses at LIU Post along with other local private schools. I gave tours to both Susan Lucci and the Cohen brothers. For a few years, I did admissions and served as Lower School Director while the division was just 1st-3rd grades. With the arrival of Stephen Watters as Head, Lower School became 1st-5th and Anne Watters took over admissions. Of course I also had the role of Green Vale parent, which was humbling when I had to give my own boys the stink-eye if they ever misbehaved during assembly or in the hallways. To this day, two of my adult sons count Green Vale classmates among their closest friends.
Q
What are some trivia that would surprise people?
For the longest time there was no sign with the school name out front. People thought it would cheapen the school’s image to have publicity. There was a very tall slide placed over asphalt that, looking back, was pretty dangerous! Plays used to happen at the homeroom level rather than grade-wide. There was something called “The Green Vale List” where students marked for good behavior all year would get a trip to Jones Beach. One year, the crafts teacher rejiggered the 5th Grade boat design and once in the water, they all capsized. A parent ran out to get styrofoam for ballast!
Q
What was your favorite part of the job?
I have loved listening to kids, parents, colleagues, and helping to problem-solve. I love that the connections here are broad and real. Members of the kitchen and grounds crew all have a place in the kids’ lives. It’s testimony to this being a community. I also love that I work at such a beautiful place. Walking past that magnificent cupola above the Cheryl Webb Gym, the magnolia tree in the front circle, the grassy bits filled with happy, noisy children.
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