Condon Retirement — Colchester Document Library

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September 15, 2022
Dear Dr. McDowell, Mr. Bennett, and Shannon Ramsby,

My letter today is written to announce that | will be retiring as a Colchester Board of
Education Special Education teacher at the end of the 2022-23 school year. It is definitely not
easy to leave a place to which | am so deeply devoted, but | believe this is the right time for me
to transition to my retirement after many years of teaching.

When | began my association with the Colchester School System, | couldn’t have known
what an incredible journey lay ahead of me. Each day arriving to teach, | continue to feel
excited to walk through the front doors and see students growing and flourishing and colleagues
ready to collaborate, create and inspire. | have always felt blessed with a passion for my career
and have been fortunate to work beside dedicated teachers, paraprofessionals and
administrators who are truly committed to the Colchester educational system and student body.
Along the way, | have shared both wonderful life celebrations and excruciating, shattering
sorrows with my colleagues. | am also especially grateful to have been kindly supported during
my own personal challenges. Through it all, | have made significant, enduring connections and
lifelong friendships and memories.

My initial Bacon Academy assignment led to many, many years of teaching in different
capacities, as a homebound and afterschool tutor, a special education teacher in the Soar and
Life Skills Programs and a Resource and Co-teacher in the social studies, science and math
departments at Bacon Academy. | especially enjoyed the rewards of witnessing students
graduate and return to share the news of their lives in the community and the appreciation they
felt for the attention and skills they gained while in the Colchester School System.

When most recently, | was assigned to William J. Johnston Middle School, my position
evolved into a final, gratifying adventure in my long journey. Together with two extraordinarily
talented paraprofessionals Shari Bailey and Donna Setschinsky, we collaborated to develop the
WJJMS Life Skills Program and create the successful Broadway Cafe. These, being the most
creative, joyous and memorable years in my career, make it especially difficult for me to say
‘goodbye” to a teaching job and people that mean so very much to me.

Overall, | would like to express how appreciative | am for having the opportunity to teach in
Colchester as the faculty, staff, students and families have always offered a wonderfully
dynamic and enjoyable community that has been a pleasure to serve. Most significantly,
however, | have been especially fortunate to teach under the supportive direction and guidance
of Principal Christopher Bennett, whose presence has always made teaching and daily school
life and climate, an outstandingly positive experience ! Thank you Mr. Bennett !

As | look forward to the upcoming start of the next chapter of my life, | do not know what
retirement holds in store for me, except perhaps a more flexible schedule and the opportunity
for reflection, time to paint, travel and enjoy the role that is dearest to my heart, as mother and
grandmother.

With warmest regards,
Nancy Condon
Special Education Teacher