Sent to Mrs. Gardiner’s Office...for a Quick Recap of 43 Years

Sent to

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

QTell 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.

QWhat 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.

QWhat 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!

QWhat 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.

43 Years

QWhat makes you most proud? I am so proud of the teachers and the powerful work they do. And I’m proud that, for the most part, I’ve tried to give 110%.

QWhat advice do you have for parents? It’s a hard job being a parent. I give parents a lot of credit. I would say foster independence from an early age. Take the long view: for better or for worse, what’s happening now is no predictor of the future. Competence and success is not 100 on your spelling test. It’s what you do when you don’t get 100. I also tell parents: “Don’t interview for pain.” If you nose around for negativity, you’ll get it. Also, trust the School and be appreciative of teachers.

QWhat other wisdom has been helpful? Life outside of school impacts kids. Be careful not to generalize — different students have different challenges. In many cases, Green Vale has been the predictable part of a child’s life during hard times otherwise. We take that seriously. It is critical to recognize that both nature and nurture have a role in every child. Parents and schools can provide a lot of guidance and encouragement, or nurturing, but a child’s inherent nature must always be respected in the process. The Lower School experience is about individuals finding and exceeding their own challenge point, but it’s also about everyone moving forward as a group. The sooner we learn “it’s not all about you”, the better. The diversity of experiences that makes up an average day allows kids to explore who they are and to understand and appreciate the talents of their peers. “I have spent 23 years working with Linda and there has not been a single day that I did not feel encouraged, supported, and appreciated by her. Linda considers us all part of her family and that makes her a wonderful leader and friend.” — Janine Murray

QWhat will retirement look like? I can’t picture not working yet. Maybe I’ll get a van.

QWhat will you not miss? The flushing toilet in the boys’ bathroom on the other side of my office wall.

“Some of the characteristics I most appreciate about Linda are her spontaneity, and the mischievous streak she keeps fairly well hidden.

A favorite memory of mine took place during a faculty end-of-the-year party, and involves a joy ride in a GVS golf cart.” — Valerie Field, colleague of 25 years

When the 5th Grade Boat Race was held in a murky pond, Linda would keep a smile as she rescued struggling boats.