The Peck School’s winter Kairos All-School Assembly took on an extra special meaning this year as six dedicated educators were honored for reaching their 10-year milestone of dedicated service to the Peck community.
Kairos at Peck is a time-honored tradition that encourages students and teachers to pause and appreciate the present moment; to reflect on their journeys, the relationships they’ve built, and the values that guide them. Amidst an assembly that celebrates the school’s core values, students and faculty alike acknowledge the profound impact our longstanding teachers have had on the school.
“The final part of today’s Kairos assembly is devoted to faculty and staff recognition, which gives us the chance to honor our faculty and staff who have and will continue to do so much to help make Peck a great place,” said Head of School Andy Delinsky. “One of our InDeCoRe values is gratitude, and today is a day to highlight how grateful we are for our teachers!”
After highlighting faculty and staff who have been at Peck for more than 10 years, Delinsky announced the six who had reached this meaningful milestone: Dave Carlo, Janine Finnegan, Sue Longenecker, Virginia Savage, Bruce Schwartz, and Christine Williams.
One by one, the six honorees were called forward to receive a Crystal Apple Award and hear a special IRO (“In Recognition Of,” a Peck tradition of thoughtfully commending peers and students) read by a colleague.
For Upper School History Teacher Dave Carlo, Molly Donnelly (Physical Education Teacher) shared, “For ten years of service we offer our recognition for: the gentle, thoughtful, and genuine way that you connect with students, bringing out the best in each of them and helping them to reach further than they believed they could. For truly connecting with and knowing each student and athlete that you teach and coach and finding a place for each of them. Your sense of humor, patience, and warmth put people immediately at ease and you welcome everyone. For sharing your many gifts with us-being so well read, baking your own bread, tending the Peck garden, educating us about all the outdoors has to offer, and bringing your passion and leadership to sports. We thank you.
For Lower School Reading Specialist Janine Finnegan, Ashey Tabor (Head of Lower School) shared, “For ten years of service, Mrs. Janine Finnegan, we offer our recognition for: the kind, patient, and thoughtful way you work with Lower School Students each day. For your tireless commitment to the betterment of all your students and their growth. You are always available to assist colleagues, families, and students alike, in their journey with stories and literacy. In your ten years, you have fostered a love of reading in hundreds of students and given them the tools and confidence to carry this passion with them throughout their lives. Mrs. Finnegan, for this and so much more, we thank you”
For Upper School History Teacher Sue Longenecker, Sarah Chan (English Teacher) shared, “For ten years of service, we offer our recognition for the kind and understanding way that you have with students and colleagues. Your relaxed demeanor sets the tone and makes all your students comfortable. Everyone loves dancing at the beginning of class to your songs from This Day in History. Always quick with a joke, an 80s song reference, a Netflix recommendation, or a piece of candy, you lighten the mood at department and team meetings. You are a standout professional with a core of integrity and patience. For the hours of preparation and organization, you put into crafting creative, hands-on lessons, like the Industrial Revolution assembly line and the city simulation. As a team leader, your Uber planning lightens the load of your colleagues and keeps the team moving smoothly like a well-oiled machine. As department chair, you model outstanding leadership and a generous, collaborative spirit. You always go above and beyond–your advisees know this best because you somehow find the time in your busy life to attend all the different shows that they perform outside of Peck! Mrs. Longenecker, for this and so much more, you are one of Peck’s superheroes and we thank you.
For Head of Upper School Virginia Savage, Delinsky shared “For ten years of dedicated service, we offer our heartfelt recognition to Ms. Savage for her incredible contributions to our community. What truly sets Ms. Savage apart is her deep and genuine care for people. She is the ultimate champion for our students, believing in them wholeheartedly and seeing them for who they are as individuals. The admiration and love they have for her is a testament to the positive impact she has on their lives. Ms. Savage has cultivated a remarkable tone and culture within the Upper School – one that is positive, upbeat, and deeply caring, reflecting her own compassionate nature. From her obsession with Sephora and her always-full hands—whether she's juggling a coffee mug, a jar of honey, a box of tea, or one of her many oversized bags—to the constant smile she wears, Ms. Savage brightens every room with her presence and enhances every conversation with her thoughtfulness.”
“Driven by high standards and a deep desire to always deliver her best, Ms. Savage pours her heart into her work, constantly thinking about how to excel in her role to best support students, her colleagues, and parents. As a proud Peck graduate, she brings a unique understanding of the full Peck experience to her work. She cares so deeply about the school and the people within it, and we are so lucky to have her here. Ms. Savage, for all of this and so much more, we thank you.”
For Director of the Osborn Idea & Design Lab and Upper School Tech Integrator Bruce Schwartz, Kevin Grieshaber (Director of Technology) shared, “For ten years of service, Mr. Bruce Schwartz, we offer our recognition for: leading technology initiatives throughout our program as the Director of the Idea and Design Lab and Upper School Technology Integrator. To cultivate an inspiring environment where students explore cutting-edge technologies, guided by their own creativity and curiosity. For empowering students to think critically, develop innovative solutions and for sparking a lifelong interest in technology. And For sharing your passion and expertise with colleagues and guiding us all on how best to leverage technology to elevate teaching and learning. Mr. Schwartz, for this and for being a warm, caring member of our community, we thank you.”
For Director of Secondary School Counseling Christine Williams, Delinsky shared “For ten years of dedicated service, we offer our heartfelt recognition to Ms. Williams for her remarkable contributions to our community. Ms. Williams cares deeply about Peck students and families and what is most exceptional about her is how she sees the best in others. She recognizes what makes each student unique, what makes them special, and what makes them excellent candidates for the schools they are targeting. She is their number one advocate throughout the secondary school process. Mrs. Williams is also an expert in her field, and this expertise provides her with unmatched credibility. Her remarkable understanding of area schools allows her to offer the very best advice throughout what can be a challenging secondary school journey.”
“Ms. Williams is also not afraid of the hard conversations, working with families with empathy, understanding, and a desire to always help. She has earned the full trust of our community, our students, and their parents, and we are so lucky to have her leading our secondary school efforts. Ms. Williams, for all of this and so much more, we thank you.”
As the Kairos Assembly concluded, students and teachers left with a renewed appreciation for the present and for those who have helped make their journeys so meaningful. Congratulations to our six honorees on this well-deserved recognition—we are grateful for the incredible impact they have made and look forward to many more years of learning, growth, and inspiration together.