Elizabeth Collins — Elizabeth Collins had an impeccable reputation at Waltham High School for the 37 years she taught as a member of the Social Studies department.  Her kindness was mentioned by so many of her co-workers and former students. She began her years in Waltham in September, 1970 and retired 38 years later. At her retirement dinner staff and several former students spoke about the profound effect she had on so many young lives. Memorably, former student Paul LeBlanc, the President of Southern New Hampshire University, traveled back to Waltham to surprise her that night and shared his admiration for her exemplary teaching, as well as the human values she embodied and transmitted to the young men and women of her classes.

Elizabeth created the Psychology course at WHS and was the primary reason for it flourishing as one the most respected and popular courses at the school. As Norm MacDonald recently said, "No one ever had a bad word about Elizabeth for all the years she taught." Others remembered her attending extra-curricular sporting events each year to show her students her support. She also served annually on the scholarship committee and was known for particularly representing needy seniors who would most benefit a boost financially. 

Miss Collins will be long remembered.

                                         Submitted by Stephen Goodwin, Director of Social Studies (retired) 

Colleagues in the News

Students We Remember and What They Are Doing Now

Health Insurance Update

The City of Waltham health insurance Open Enrollment period will be held May 1st – May 12th. 

Representatives from our health insurance carriers will be available on Thursday, May 4th at Government Center Auditorium from 10:00am – 4:00pm. 

Updated documents for our current plan offering and monthly premium rates will be posted on the City of Waltham website in May on the Human Resources/Insurance page. https://www.city.waltham.ma.us/human-resources-department/pages/insurance-0

 Benefits are prepaid by the City one month ahead..  The new monthly premium rates will be effective June 2023 – May 2024 for coverage July 2023 – June 2024. 

 Catrina Rueckwald — Payroll Supervisor

 Treasurer’s/Payroll Department, City of Waltham

610 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02452

Benefits/Health Insurance: 781-314-3270

Benefits@city.waltham.ma.us

Recently one of our members had the opportunity to meet a few current Waltham High students who are a part of a Nursing Program begun this year at the high school.

Such a program existed years ago and was discontinued for a variety of reasons.  Recently, maybe in part, because of COVID a new program was instituted.  While a patient for a few weeks in a local nursing/rehab facility this colleague was introduced to these students.  Their program attracted attention because patients seeing a young, pleasant smiling face on a regular basis is uplifting for them.

The students get an opportunity to see some of the daily activities that they will be involved in if they follow their career path to fruition. Under the guidance of their instructor, Mrs. Fournier, they are getting a good opportunity to realize how important their demeanor, as well as their knowledge is to the residents. 

Further, technology is a challenging addition to the health care curriculum.  The Occupational Education Program utilizes the most updated technology.   Our schools need these programs to prepare our students for their career.

And if COVID has taught us nothing else it has made us all aware of the need for additional well-trained nurses.

 A word from Amy (Ferolito) Gullotti , BSN, RN, (Class of ’87) now an Intensive Care Nurse at Emerson Hospital.  “The Health Careers Program was one of my most enjoyable memories of Waltham High School.  The class, led by Ms. Andrews gave me a true taste of what a career in nursing or any health care field would be like.  We discussed human anatomy and physiology, learned basic skills such as first aid, medical terminology and more advanced skills such as CPR, taking blood pressure and vital signs.  In year two we were able to apply those skills in various nursing homes and health facilities in Waltham.  This program, I believe, helped me decide at an early age what I wanted to study in college.  I felt better prepared than others in my first year of nursing school and have been enjoying my career as a critical care nurse ever since.”

Thank you to Judy Ferolito and her daughter, Amy (Ferolito) Gullotti for sharing their experience with us.

The following was printed in the March 2023 REAM Connections newsletter. 

RETIREMENT ~ submitted by Deborah Barrett, REAM member

R eimagine your life

E stablish new routines

T ry something new

I nitiate more family gatherings

R ead all the books you never had time for

E njoy “sleeping in” after a late night out

M ake music part of every day

E ngage in regular physical fitness & fun

N ever say “no” to lunch with friends

T ravel and expand your knowledge of people & places

 The above is my acrostic checklist after 10 years of happy retirement. Enjoy!

Teacher Retirement Party

Place: PAINE ESTATE

Date: THURSDAY, JUNE 8th

Time: 2:15 - 5:00 pm

$25.00 per person includes hors d’oeuvres, non-alcoholic beverages, dessert, gifts, gratuities

$35.00 per person includes hors d’oeuvres, alcoholic beverages, dessert, gifts, gratuities 

Please RSVP by Friday, June 3 

→ return to Ann Copeman at WHS Switchboard/Main Office (Cash only, no checks)

→ or venmo Vanessa Connors @VanessaConnors [Last 4 - 9622]