Head O' Meadow Elementary School students and retiring Principal Barbara Gasparine were celebrated at the school's annual end of the year assembly on June 6. The full-school gathered in the school's cafetorium for the event.

Students who participated in a number of school programs were honored at the event. Members of the school's Math Super Star Program and Math Olympians Team were given awards by Math/Science Specialist Chrissie Pierce.

"It's been another great year for math at Head O' Meadow," said Ms Pierce.

Next, Physical Education teacher Steve "Coach" Dreger recognized all of the students that had achieved fitness goals. Students stood up to be recognized for the accomplishment. Later, parent volunteer Kristen Mattera, who organized and facilitated the school's geography program, recognized students who passed tests in the program throughout the year. Student members of the School Community Team (SCT) were also honored during the assembly for completing community service projects.

"Head O' Meadow is proud of you," Ms Gasparine told the SCT members.

Near the end of the assembly, Ms Gasparine was surprised with flowers in recognition of her upcoming retirement at the end of the school year. The assembled students also sang the school's song in her honor, and fourth grade students were led by music teacher Cindy Holberg in singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Ms Holberg said the students had worked to sing the song as a surprise for Ms Gasparine in recognition of her love of rainbows.

Ms Gasparine told the assembly she had planned to visit individual classrooms to explain her retirement to the students. Instead, she asked the students what they thought retiring means. Students shared it meant she would not be going to work any more.

"I do love you, and I will always remember you and cherish you," Ms Gasparine told the students.