School District Bids Farewell To

Retiring Nurse Dee Cupole

By Steve Bonanno

After 30 years of tending to the health needs of Newtown’s students, Newtown Nursing Supervisor Alice “Dee” Cupole is retiring. Commenting on her departure, her colleagues shared nothing but the highest regard for her.

“She’s a very generous and caring person,” said Reed Intermediate School nurse Pat Philipp. “I got my job from her, and she’s the only supervisor I’ve ever had, so she basically taught me everything I know.”

Ms Cupole has worked primarily at Newtown High School (NHS) since the beginning, but over the years has helped at every other school in the district. While she is looking forward to her retirement, she said she is going to miss her life as a nurse.

“I’m going to miss the day-to-day routine,” said Ms Cupole. “You get used to waking up, and doing the paper work, and taking care of the kids everyday.”

Over the years Ms Cupole has made a real impact on the district, according to her colleagues. She assisted in organizing the first simulated crash assembly at NHS, as well as all of the yearly health fairs.

“We’ve both been here a long time and she’s always been very efficient and gotten things done right away,” said District Health Coordinator Judy Blanchard. “She has set a high standard for us all with the amount of effort she’s put in and the level of caring.”

Looking back at her time in the district, Ms Cupole said she is thankful for the support Ms Blanchard has given the nursing department, as well as the support from Pupil Personnel Services Director Michael Regan, Newtown Health District Director Donna Culbert, Newtown Schools Medical Advisor Anna Paula Machado, and Health District Advisor Thomas Draper. She is also thankful for all the help and support of her nursing staff over the years.

When asked what events stood out to her Ms Cupole said, “The break outs of H1N1 [swine flu] and MRSA [methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus] a few years ago.”

Recently Ms Cupole was thrown a surprise party in celebration of her retirement.

“I thought we were going to the year-end picnic,” said Ms Cupole, “but then we ended up going to a restaurant.”

When asked what her plans for retirement were, Ms Cupole replied that she is going to spend a lot of time babysitting her 15-month-old granddaughter, Hayden.

“It’s sad for us to see her go, but I’m happy for her because she get’s to spend time with her new granddaughter,” said Ms Philipp. “I just wish her all the happiness in the world.”

The mix of bittersweet emotions is universal among Ms Cupole’s colleagues as they see their friend and partner leave.

“I’m very sad to see her go, she’s been a real partner running programs with me over the years and she cannot be replaced,” said Ms Blanchard. “But I’m thrilled for her to be able to move on and enjoy her retirement.”

As she gets ready to retire Ms Cupole said she is looking back fondly at her years in Newtown.

“I never expected to stay this long,” said Ms Cupole, “but I stayed and I’ve enjoyed all my years here.”