Class Dismissed: Eight Retire From CWC District

There's a side to Ken Trimmer most people aren't all that familiar with.

It's the kind and charitable part of the longtime Caldwell High School football coach and physical education teacher that has touched Principal Kevin Barnes the most.

For the past 11 years, Trimmer has led his football coaches, players, their families and others to St. Rocco's Family Shelter in Newark a few days before Christmas and Easter to provide the women and children there holiday celebrations they otherwise wouldn't have received.

"Quietly that caravan goes down to that shelter for homeless women and their children, some of them are infants and others are as old as about 13. That's the only place they have to stay and they would not have a holiday without Coach Trimmer and the kids who follow him and the coaches who drive the caravans," Barnes said.

"That's the quiet, kind, reserved side that some of us see. How he influences those kids to realize that if you have a lot, give something to someone else. He's certainly taught that to our athletes, our other coaches, teachers and myself."

After 46 years as a physical education teacher with the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District at Grover Cleveland Junior High School and James Caldwell High School, Trimmer will retire as a teacher this month but will remain as the JCHS head football coach.

"Working with him is like dog years. You work one and it feels like seven," Barnes joked. "I can only imagine, Mrs. Trimmer has been married to him for a long time. All I can say is God bless you, Mrs. Trimmer."

Trimmer was one of eight district personnel who will retire this month and were recognized at Monday night's Board of Education meeting.

In addition to Trimmer, Lincoln School Principal C.R. Williams, Monica Blumberg, a high school math teacher, Carol Capasso, a middle school physical education and health teacher, Diane Casciano, a Jefferson School teacher, Rosemarie Clark, a district special education teacher, Teresa Matrisciano, a Lincoln School teacher, and Richard Sparano, a middle school science teacher, were each presented proclamations from Board President Mary Davidson.

"You have touched countless lives of our children and their families, and you have all made a difference," Davidson told the group. "Be proud of your accomplishments.

"In your retirement, I wish you fond memories of your years with the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District. I congratulate and thank you, and may you have many happy new beginnings as you begin a new chapter in your lives."

• Earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and health
• Began teaching at Grover Cleveland Junior High School in September 1964
• After 30 years, transferred to the high school where he has taught physical education and driver's education since September 1994.
• Compiled a total of 276 wins as boys and girls head basketball coach
• Guided the girls basketball team to 1996 Group 2 championship
• Member of the football team's coaching staff for all but one of his 46 years with the district.
• Since become head football coach in 1994, he has guided the Chiefs to six conference titles, three state championships and has been voted conference coach of the year four times.

From Athletic Director Rich Porfido:

"To put this into perspective, Coach Trimmer started in this district in the early years of the Lyndon Johnson administration. Nine presidential administrations have passed. There have been so many changes under those administrations. That's a tribute to what Coach Trimmer has been able to do during his time here as well. He's rolled with the punches. There have been changes that have happened from the '60s to the '70s and up until now when we're going through some as we speak, but coach has always been there and adjusted accordingly. 

"But he's always stuck to his principles. That's really what his philosophy on the fundamentals are, whether it's in the classroom or on the playing field, his approach to basically teaching young guys and girls the right way to do things and execute is why he's had so much success in the classroom as well as on the field and on the basketball court as well."

From Coach Trimmer:

"We are very, very fortunate. This is a great school district. I think I'm leaving teaching at the top of my field because I get up at 5:30 in the morning and I'm there at a quarter-to-seven, and I never get up and say I have to go to school. I just think it's time now as far as a teacher, but I look forward to continue coaching football."

• Earned bachelor's degree in political science and master's degree in education
• Hired as a fourth-grade teacher at Washington School in February 1988
• Transferred to Grover Cleveland Middle School to teach seventh grade math and science in September 1989
• Appointed supervisor of curriculum and instruction at middle school in September 1990
• Became vice principal of Grover Cleveland Middle School in September 1994
• Appointed principal of Lincoln School in January 2001
• During his 22 years, he was a district staff developing instructor in differentiating instruction, co-taught annual thinking skills workshop for new teachers and was president of the Caldwell-West Caldwell Administrators Association

From Superintendent Daniel Gerardi:

"Probably the highest praise I can give to C.R. Williams is that he's a child-centered educator. I think that's what C.R. would like his legacy to be in our school district. For 22 years, whether as a teacher, supervisor or principal, C.R. has used one filter as a criterion for his decision-making. That is, 'is this decision in the best interest of the students?'

"I've had the pleasure of knowing C.R. from his first day in our school district when he was a fourth-grade teacher at Washington School, where I was principal, through his years at the middle school, and finally, I was very proud to recommend his appointment as Lincoln School principal nine years ago.

"C.R. is our resident intellectual on the administrative council, being very well-read and knowledgeable in many disciplines, particularly the arts and the humanities. He will be missed by his colleagues, but I think mostly by his students to whom he has been their biggest advocate. Congratulations, C.R."

• Earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and social studies and master's degree of mathematics education
•  Became a math teacher at James Caldwell High School in November 1984 as a temporary replacement
• She continued as a temporary replacement and part-time teacher with the school until her permanent appointment in September 1988
• During her 24 years, she has taught all high school grade levels and areas of mathematics

From Caldwell High Principal Kevin Barnes:

"Monica's professional and teaching skills were not always appreciated by all of the students she had in class. That was one of the comments she made to me last week. It's simply because Monica would lead students down a path but she would never, ever give them the answer. What she was most skilled at was teaching them how to arrive at the answer themselves. I think that was Monica's gift to our students.

"In so many ways, students expect education is going to be just a process where a teacher gives you the answer. Monica never did that. She laid a path. She said if you work hard and you believe in yourself and your abilities, then you'll be a success in life. Not all students appreciated that, but the ones who did found in her an advocate, someone who was willing to give of her time and effort, energy and expertise. She was someone who befriended them for their lives. Students on a regular basis come back to James Caldwell High School and one of the people they want to see is Mrs. Blumberg."

From Blumberg:

"I just have to say that I've worked in four or five different school districts over the years. I've substituted in some. I worked in Nashville, Tenn., Penn Hills, Pa., Union, N.J., before coming to Caldwell-West Caldwell. We have a very, very special school system. We have a wonderful staff that acts almost like family to each other and to their students. It was a pleasure to work here all these years. I'm going to miss most of you and I'm going to come back and see some of you."

• Earned a bachelor's degree in health and physical education and a master's degree in physical education
• Hired as physical education teacher at Lincoln School in September 1974 and taught health and physical education classes at all elementary schools until September 1980 when she was transferred to Grover Cleveland Middle School.

From Grover Cleveland Middle School Principal Casey Shorter

"At least in my limited experience of 14 or 15 years, I've very often found with physical education teachers that they are very passionate about being in the gym. Mrs. Capasso had the opportunity to spend some more time in the classroom toward the last couple years of her career with the opportunity to teach health for really four out of the five periods presented itself and she actually jumped at the opportunity, which I was somewhat surprised. But what really surprised and impressed me was the fact that she did so with a passion and an energy that I didn't expect. She really, really jumped at the opportunity and did a great job with the kids.

"Something else that really points to her character is the fact that she knew for probably the last couple of years that her career was winding down. She could have easily sailed off into the sunset and took her health classroom job and kind of rode it out the rest of her time with the middle school.

"However, the opportunity to jump into a curriculum activity, really the last year or year and a half of her career when she could have just stepped back and maybe let some of the younger staff members step up and write curriculum, she really jumped at the opportunity. I think it was her last giveback to the district and created the health curriculum for sixth, seventh and eighth grade. That really shows her dedication and passion to the school system and we appreciate her efforts."

• Earned a bachelor's degree in child development and master's degree in elementary education.
• Hired as a fourth- and fifth-grade combined teacher at Jefferson School in September 1986 and has served as either a fourth- or fifth-grade teacher since.

From Jefferson School Principal Tim Ayers:

"Diane was always one of those staff members when anything needed to be done she was always first in line. We were both very early risers and had many early-morning conversations over coffee about education, philosophy and life.

"Though my time was short at Jefferson with Ms. Casciano, I feel very fortunate to have known her and someone as professional as she. She wants to remain in education, whether it's substituting or being a mentor for student-teachers. I think we will only be the better for her to remain in this profession."

From Casciano:

"Caldwell-West Caldwell is a very special school district. I feel so fortunate that I've been able to be part of it for these last 24 years and I thank you."

• Earned a bachelor's degree in social studies and master's degree in special education and certification as a learning disabilities teacher consultant from Montclair State University.
• Employed by the Montclair Board of Education, Bergen County Special Services and worked in private practice before her appointment as LDTC in special education department in September 1996.
• During 14 years, she has served as an LDTC at all elementary schools and middle school as well as serving as child study team chairwoman.

Clark was unable to attend Monday night's presentation.

• Earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from and master's degree in elementary education.
• Hired as part-time teacher at middle school in 1979 and as a temporary replacement at Lincoln School in 1980.
• Appointed as a kindergarten teacher at Lincoln School in 1981 and has held that position since.

From Lincoln School Principal C.R. Williams:

"Teresa has told me over and over today that I'm not allowed to speak. I will only say that she is my friend, she is a treasure and many, many people feel that way."

From Matrisciano:

"All I want to say is that it's been my privilege."

• Earned a bachelor's of science and master's degree in curriculum and instruction.
• Hired as a science teacher at middle school in September 1979 where he has remained since.
• In his 30 years, he has served as eighth grade team leader, library supervisor, dance supervisor, assistant baseball coach, assistant softball coach, head girls basketball coach, assistant basketball coach and assistant boys soccer coach.

From Grover Cleveland Middle School Principal Casey Shorter:

"It's quite a resume. He's accomplished a lot. There are two things that jump out at me while working with Rick over the years. Probably his work ethic stands out first and foremost. I like to arrive at school early. I came in before 7 one day and he was already there. I showed up at 6:30 another day, and he was there again. I finally came in before 6 and just as I made it into my office at about 5:45 and I was about to jump up and down in celebration, Rick walked through the door.

"That really points to his work ethic, his dedication and his passion toward doing what is necessary to teach the students at Grover Cleveland Middle School. I have the utmost respect for that, because he knew it took more than just a seven-hour day to prepare what is necessary to teach the kids, especially middle school kids.

"The second thing that jumped out was his continued love for learning and love for kids. As he was approaching somewhere in the 30-year mark, there was a voluntary study group that we run every year at the middle school where teachers come in at 7 a.m.

"Mr. Sparano has had more than 30 years in education and here he is volunteering his time to come in and participate as a study group member to really better himself, equip himself with the tools necessary to teach the kids he has in front of him in his classroom. That really showed to me that he really does have a love for learning and a love for his kids."

From Sparano:

"I would like to thank everyone who has crossed my path or I have crossed theirs in this district. I've met a lot of really good friends. I have to say the people I work with it always amazes me how good they really are and continue to improve all the time. It's a pleasure to work with all of them as well as all the students.

"I really did love eighth grade. It kept me relatively young, so I hope I don't look really bad in two or three years. Although I've never seen a retiree come back who didn't look pretty good."