Thank You Ms. Rodriguez

By Divya Palmerson

June 15, 2026

After many years working here at JMS, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Mrs. Rodriguez and Physical Education teacher Mr. Burkowsky are retiring this school year. In this article, we interview Mrs. Rodriguez as she reflects on her time at JMS.

Ms. Rodriguez has been here for 26 years, and teaches the Family and Consumer Sciences Class, or F.A.C.S., as well as the elective, Little Chefs, for eighth graders. F.A.C.S. has a varied curriculum, ranging from cooking, sewing, and career related projects. Little Chefs focuses primarily on cooking and baking skills. Over the years, she has been a part of many activities in the school, such as the JMS Yearbook and JTPO, which manages the publicity for Jericho’s theater productions. Currently, she is also on the Shared Decision Making Committee.

Throughout her years of teaching, Ms. Rodriguez has created a lasting impact on a countless number of students by helping them develop important life skills. While discussing her career at Jericho, she said “The impact I hoped that I have made on my students was helping them gain independence, whether it’s knowing how to make a quick meal, or sew on a button that fell off a shirt.” The values she instilled will benefit students throughout their lives. Her influence on our school will remain evident long after her retirement through the example that she set for her students and her fellow educators.

As Ms. Rodriguez closes this chapter of her life, she reflects on her career with gratitude. While discussing her time here, she said "I loved working at Jericho. This district has been so good to me." Her years of dedication have left a lasting impact on the school community, and her retirement truly marks the end of an era. In her time post-retirement, she is excited to enjoy new opportunities. She is planning on traveling, especially during non-peak season, and opening her own online cookie business. Though she will be missed by her students and colleagues, her commitment to our school will always be remembered.