Ms. Barrett, an aid here from the High School, is retiring. She has been working for 25 years, from all levels, elementary to middle school and then high school. Throughout those years she has met wonderful students, great staff, and has created wonderful memories with others. Someone who has made an impact on her is MDr. Guzzone, the school principal. “I feel fortunate to have met Dr. Guzzone when he started his career here, probably five years later, and to see all the wonderful changes that he’s done on behalf of staff and students.” Ms. Barrett states.
Her career has also been impactful not just to others but herself as well. She says that, “It’s been a worthwhile and challenging experience because I got to work with students who I felt I was able to make a difference in their lives. It’s really made me happy to feel that I was able to give that support once again on different levels.” Dr. Bennet the school physiologist, exclaims that Ms. Barrett, “was always super helpful and there when anybody needed her”. While asking around from others another aid said that, “She is a very genuine person and a hard worker. She is very insightful.”
Dr. Guzzone would also like to talk about our beloved staff member, “Ms. Jenn Barrett, a dedicated Teacher’s Aide for us at Wantagh High School, retires after many years of service that have left an enduring impact on our entire school community. Her commitment has meant so much, not only to the students she supported so compassionately and tirelessly each day, but also to all of us who had the privilege of working alongside her. Ms. Barrett consistently went the extra mile—ensuring every child felt cared for, every staff member felt supported, and that our school remained a connected and welcoming place. As one of the core members of the first-ever 9/11 Memorial Committee, she played an integral role in its development, and much of the committee’s meaningful progress can be attributed to her efforts and dedication to honoring that mission. While we know Ms. Barrett will not be a stranger and will always remain part of our Wantagh family, she will be deeply missed by all of us.”
Ms. Barrett is also known for giving a lot of spirit to students who aren’t even her own. She has been to all the plays, baseball games, Spooktaculars, and has dressed up for all the spirit weeks. She has been here and there always inspiring and giving so much love to students and their activities.
Though she has given so much, now it is time for her to leave. Ms. Barrett will still be at Wantagh since she lives here. So she will definitely be around, doing the 9/11 run since she’s in the committee, and tutoring. But she’ll also be traveling and enjoying her life a little more slowly. Thank you and goodbye Ms. Barrett!