Sippican School students bid farewell to three long-time staff members who will retire at the end of the month.

Deb Almeida, Ann Bartnowski and Susan White received official citations, flowers and gifts at a school assembly attended by all students Friday morning.

Principal Lyn Rivet opened the assembly.

“There are many, many important people we need to recognize and give thanks to,” Rivet said. “They gave 110 percent and have worked really hard.”

Almeida, a third grade teacher, and White, a kindergarten teacher and the school’s computer lab instructor, served the school for 34 and 17 years, respectively.

State Rep. Bill Strauss awarded each a citation from the House of Representatives for their dedication and service to the school.

“It’s an amazing thing to have had such a long career in one place,” Strauss said. “The school will change when you leave. There will be a new dynamic, but the impact you’ve had won’t be soon forgotten.”

After Strauss, fourth grade teacher Nicole Radke presented both with citations from the state Senate. She hugged Almeida and wiped away tears after the presentation.

“I’ve known her for 40 years,” Radke said. “Our families grew up just down the street from each other.”

As a child, Radke said she was close with Almeida’s family and participated in Girl Scouts with her children and they often played together.

Last year, Radke sent a letter to the Marion Teacher’s Association to nominate Almeida for the group’s annual merit award.

In the letter, Radke described Almeida as a “thoughtful, compassionate, caring individual…She has supported and challenged students so each can reach their maximum potential.”

Teachers have benefited too. Almeida has mentored nine current faculty members. For her efforts Almeida earned the association’s 2013 merit award.

Janice Proc, president of the Marion Teacher’s Association, praised White’s work in the computer lab.

White was on the panel of teachers that hired Proc 22 years ago. She said at the time the lab was confined to a tiny space. Under White’s leadership the lab now boasts the latest technology for students.

Proc handed both certificates of recognition from the Marion Teacher’s Association.

“Congratulations ladies,” Proc said. “I love you both.”

Following Sippican School tradition, the retiring teachers chose artwork that will adorn a wall in the school.

Almeida chose a classically-styled piece titled “Mother and Child” that depicts a mother and daughter in a rowboat.

“This holds a special meaning to her,” Rivet said.

White chose a piece that is a photograph of a dog wearing glasses seated behind a keyboard. It's a nod towards her work in the computer lab.

“It’s titled exactly what it looks like, ‘A golden retriever wearing eyeglasses at the computer,’” Rivet said.

Later, Rivet and Assistant Principal Sarah Goerges sang a song for White. It was sung to the tune of “Oh Susanna,” but the principals altered the lyrics.

“Oh Sue White/Don’t you cry for me/For I work in Sippican School/With a laptop on my knee,” they sang.

Cafeteria aide Ann Bartnowski was called to stand with Almeida and White. For 14 years Bartnowski has served food to students at Sippican School. Her easy-going demeanor with the students and warm greetings to them through the years was recalled.

A number of books were donated to the school’s library in each of the retiree's names from fellow teachers.

Each also received red aprons signed by the third grade class. The students then individually offered advice for the three to follow in retirement, should they become bored.

“Get a new hairstyle,” said one student.

“Go on a picnic,” said another.

“Visit the school,” offered a third.

At the end, Almeida offered thanks to all the teachers, parents and pupils she’s helped through the years.

“It’s been a blast,” Almeida said.

White offered a word of advice for those at the assembly.

“I’ve had the pleasure of loving my job,” White said. “My advice to you is to pick a career you love so every day when you go to work you’ll be as happy as I am.”