Teacher Returns To Help Stewart Students Research School History

Retired teachers John Ford with Stewart School Quest students.

Retired teacher John Ford-a 30-year veteran of Stewart School and founder of the school's Mathletes, fifth grade environmental trip, and store-returned to Stewart in January to share first-hand knowledge about the origins of these and many other programs that Stewart School students experience every day.

Mr. Ford was invited to speak by fourth and fifth grade Quest students, who are conducting primary research into the history of the school. The project began last fall in anticipation of Stewart's upcoming 70th birthday celebration scheduled for Tuesday, May 15.

A winner of the Mathematics Teacher of the Year Award in 1987, Mr. Ford shaped many programs at Stewart and played an integral role in laying the groundwork for the school's recognition as a National Elementary School of Excellence.

Mr. Ford began Stewart's Mathlete competition. In 1986, the school placed first in the county and third in the state. "This achievement is a legacy that has inspired interest and enthusiasm for Math throughout the school that continues until this day," Principal Marie Braccia, Ed.D., said.

As a classroom teacher during the 1960s and 1970s, Mr. Ford participated in the "Mod Quad," a team teaching project. Throughout the years, he was a mathematics remediation and computer instruction teacher, chaired the 50th Anniversary committee, served as building representative to the Teacher's Association, and participated in district-wide computer and mathematics committees. After he retired in 1996, Mr. Ford continued to work with the Mathlete program until 2001.

Mr. Ford reminisced with students about these activities and shared his thoughts about the mystery of the shamrock on cornerstone three. Quest students have been hunting through documents to see if they can determine the origin of the shamrock. There are many ideas on the matter, but, so far, the students have been unable to locate any documentation to explain the shamrock's presence.

"The students enjoyed John's visit and are grateful to him for providing yet another piece in the puzzle leading to a full picture of Stewart School's past," Quest Teacher Dolores Volpe said. Watch these pages and check the website (www.gardencity.k12.ny.us/Stewart.htm) for updates about the Quest History Project and Stewart School's 70th birthday celebration.