Memories of Miss McCormack
Immediately, I was flooded with emotions and memories conjured up from a time in my life that was so innocent. It was 1968 and Miss McCormack would be my kindergarten teacher. I instantly remembered her caring, supportive, and encouraging demeanor. I can remember many of my teachers throughout the years: Ms. Palermo, Ms. Oliveri, Ms. Booth, Mrs. Jurgenson, Mr. Evers, and Mr. Ericson, to name a few. But, it was Miss McCormack who left the greatest impression on me. Was it the chocolate chip cookies and milk breaks or the quick naps? No, it was that she noticed a young boy who had no clue what life would bring.
After moving up from kindergarten to 1st Grade at Burns Avenue Elementary School, I was surprised to see her as my teacher. She was moved up and I was lucky enough to have her for a second time. Miss McCormack, who would later become Mrs. Grumo, was still the same caring, supportive, and encouraging teacher that she was just a few months before summer vacation.
Karl's 1st Grade Class Picture
I was all grown up and ready for first grade. I remember the cubbies in the back of the classroom to hang my coat and school bag. We started the day with the Pledge of Allegiance and introductions. We still had snack time and lunch in the classroom with my NFL Thermos lunch box. Once again, Mrs. Grumo was warm and cheerful. I remember sitting alone and in groups as Mrs. Grumo taught us the alphabet, cursive writing, and simple math. I remember raising my hand as if I thought I knew the answer, and like every other kid in the class, when Mrs. Grumo called on us, we shouted out the wrong answer. She had that caring and nurturing style. She didn’t hop on me for the wrong answer or tell me not to raise my hand unless I had the right one. She gently and caringly helped us all learn the correct answer.
