MARION — In keeping with a district tradition, the School Committee, school administrators and the Marion Teachers Association presented retiring teachers, administrators and school committee members with books which will be added to Sippican School Library in their honor. 

School Committee Chair Michelle Smith started off the book giving at a June 3 virtual meeting by giving “
What About Worms” to Kristine Francis, “
The Big Book of Blooms” to Jackie Pacheco and “
Another” to Cathy Caramanica. All three former teachers quietly retired last summer, after the June tradition last year. 

Retiring this year are School Nurse, Maureen Lamoreaux,  Reading Specialist Kelly Kelleher and Superintendent Doug White. 

Lamoreaux got “The Human Body,” by Smithsonian from the School Committee, “My Amazing Body Machine,” from the Marion Teachers Association and “Oh the Things You Can Do that are Good for You” from Sippican School administrators. 

In introducing her, Assistant Principal Kyle Letendre said she had been at Sippican School since 1991, treating staff and students with tender love and care, working tirelessly and even making home visits. 

Marion Teachers Association President Nicole Boussey said the school would not only miss her wonderful care, and added she would miss the band aids, ice packs and warm hugs Lamoreaux had given her, as well as the chats about their favorite TV show.

Lamoreaux was at the meeting and said, “this job has been really near and dear to my heart. Some of these kids I took care of for 9 years. They have become part of my family. I have many many happy memories” at Sippican School.  

Kelleher got “I am Helen Keller” from the School Committee, “The Mermaid’s Purse” from the Marion Teacher’s Association, and “When Pencil Met Eraser” from Sippican School administrators. 

In honoring Kelleher, Sippican School Principal Marla Sirois said not only has her work on reading helped countless kids to build a strong skill set, she was also known for “brightening every day with contagious smile” and the “warmth and care that permeates around her.” 

Kelleher thanked all her mentors over the years, her parents and siblings, and her husband and children.  She said she moved to Marion because of the school, calling it an “incredibly rich place to raise our children.”

All three book givers had wonderful things to say about White too. 

Sirois gave White “How to Make a Better World,” and said he has “touched the lives of families students and staff members alike,” thanking him for support in an “epic transitional year” this year.  

Boussey referenced personal jokes with White, but sincerely thanked him for “all you have done in looking out for the children of Marion,” before giving him “If I Built a School.”  

Smith remarked that because of the Superintendent’s leadership “We’ve had so many changes over the last 10 years. We were great before and have only gotten better, and you have put us on a wonderful path.” 

She gave him “Doug Unplugged,” noting that they had often talked about the importance of unplugging from work. 

White responded, “I can’t think of a better place to end my career. The support from teachers students, made my time here so valuable and worthwhile 

Smith also honored School Committee members who have opted not to run for another term. 

Ron Gerhart was given “Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History,” by the School Committee  after serving three years and “Full Steam Ahead” by the Teachers Association. 

Smith gave Kate Houdellette“Shaking Things Up,” because the chair said she “definitely helped shake things up here” during her six years on the school committee. The Teachers Association gave her “Be You.”