7:00 A.M. IN THE 4" GRADE HALLWAY

Now at home when I open my eyes in the morning, I hear the sounds of silence, and I realize that I am missing the events in the 4th grade hallway at Gardens. In my opinion, the happiest, busiest and most eye-opening events of the day take place in the morning before school starts.

I miss the clamor and the clatter of noisy students finishing breakfast in the cafeteria. Some of them scurry past my room, lugging clear plastic backpacks, and singsonging their hellos to teachers who happen to be passing or to other students.

I also miss the reverberations, utterances, declarations and echoes of the voices of my pals, buddies, friends, and acquaintances that I have acquired at Gardens in the last 17 years.

I miss:

1. Dear Dora and Eager Manuelita, standing outside my doorway, exchanging warm hellos and smiles with teachers and students;

2. The light, happy, cheerful jokes and greetings of Adorable Alta as she strides past my door;

3. Nelda, a Kindergarten pro, sometimes wears a serious expression and other times is bubbling and grinning as she strolls back to her room with her cup of steaming hot coffee.

4. Likable Leslie is jovially attentive as she listens and assists other teachers with any problem that they might ask her about before the day formally begins.

5. Alice, also known as Bunny, offers friendly advice when asked, and shares an extra bottle or two of disinfectant wash with other teachers in the hall.

6. Glamorous Gloria quietly strolls to the faculty lounge, where she washes her cup each and every day, before she drinks her morning coffee.

7. Speedy Bonny hurriedly zips from one location or another, going to and fro: busy, busy, busy Bonny.

8. Capable Karla and Enthusiastic Esther race down the 4^th grade hallway while they look at each other and chat anxiously. In the lounge area they check their mailboxes, then rush back in the direction of the 1st grade hall, as the conversation begins anew with the same intensity.

9. Magic Margie bounces into the faculty lounge each morning to rescue ice cubes out of the freezer while she speaks intermittently in Spanish and English. Lucky Lauren, friend to everyone and TSTA leader, is always available to help fellow teachers. She would occasionally stop by my room before school and would begin to catch me up on the latest union news or give me a little job or two to complete for union members.

10. Mrs. Layton and Peggy storm out of the office door into the 4^th grade hall. They both look like they had just stepped out of the pages of VOGUE NMGAZINE, with their perfectly groomed hairdos and stylishly gorgeous clothing. They both scamper hurriedly to the cafeteria to supervise the students' breakfast program.

11. Many times Efficient Brenda would stop by room 10 to tell me about progress on a project that I had requested from her, and Concerned Dina would stop in before school to check on an AR computer problem, and Loyal Libby would drop off some papers after relaying her jolly morning greetings.

12. Other times, Sweet Matty would catch me in the hallway and tell me a story which always included her kind concern for others.

Of course, there were many more of you that added to the fun, activities, and happiness of each morning, and I miss all of you.

I would like to give a special thanks to the 4th grade team. Leslie, my buddy; the Lesniewskis, who added youth and confidence that always brightened the atmosphere; Wendy, cheerleader for the 4^th grade, always urging everyone to do their best; and Ruben, a real gentleman.

To my dear friend, Sherry Meynier, who helped me all through my first bout with the angel of misery, I thank you so sincerely for your concern, caring, and love.

I thank the administration of P.I.S.D. for 17 super years of teaching, and especially Mr. Schneider for being so easy on the eyes and so pleasant to talk to.

I know that we all appreciate Lance, Jay, Foxie, and Jim for all the time, work, and effort they spent in setting up and installing amateur radios and antennas for the Oct. 22, 1993, live contact with Commander John Blaha, aboard the space shuttle, Columbia. Lance and Jay, we also appreciate your work as Science Fair Judges. Lance, Ruby June, Jay, and Audry, thanks for all your help with amateur radio in the classroom. Lastly, Lance, Ruby June, and Foxie, HOSTS loves you and your devotion.

Signed,

Arlene KovackGarpne