Graniteville celebrates Pre-K, teacher of the year

By Pete Fontaine
Posted 6/23/17

Maria Petronio-McAfee, the popular principal at the Graniteville School, orchestrated what could be called one of the most impressive end-of-the-year closings in recent memory.

There were …

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Graniteville celebrates Pre-K, teacher of the year

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Maria Petronio-McAfee, the popular principal at the Graniteville School, orchestrated what could be called one of the most impressive end-of-the-year closings in recent memory.

There were presentations of diplomas in all the pre-k school’s classrooms that were packed with camera toting adults seeking the best possible picture of their favorite and beloved graduates. There was an amazing outdoor assembly that featured a class procession led by a student flag bearer. There were keynote addresses by Petronio-McAfee and Dr. Bernard DiLullo, superintendent of public schools in Johnston.

There were also colorful handmade signs and banners everywhere in Graniteville, none though that matched the school’s special slogan: “Where play is learning and learning is fun.” However, there were some other special words – printed in white letters on purple backpacks – that perhaps best described last Friday’s goings-on for a small group of smiling students.

“Packing up my year in preschool at the Graniteville School” was the slogan some students displayed once seated in the parking lot and following the parade of classes and awards assembly.

“We don’t use the word graduation in this school or others at this level,” Petronio-McAfee explained. “The administration has reserved that word for the (Johnston) high school students.”

Yet, there was as much ado during the fun-filled ceremony during which Petronio-McAfee announced that “our school was able to raise our Bright Stars rating from a 2-star rating to a 3-star rating and this comes along with hard work on the part of every person who is working her at the Graniteville School.”

Dr. Arthur-Paul Petrosinelli, the assistant superintendent of schools, said, “That is indeed a huge, huge accomplishment that everyone connected with this school – and others in Johnston – can and should be proud of, especially the faculty and staff here at Graniteville.”

Petronio-McAfee added: “It has been a wonderful school year for all of us. Our first year of our State Pre-K program was a fabulous success. Thank you to all who participate din this new venture.”

The principal, who also announced there would be several award presentations, said, “Thank you to the Graniteville staff for their hard work and dedication to the students of our school. You have left an imprint on the heart of each child that you have touched and I am eternally grateful for each and every one of you.”

Two people – Brian Rathier and Lorraine Tammelleo – were also honored with prestigious awards. Rathier, who is the Student Support Coordinator, Petronio-McAfee said, “It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I tell you Mr. Rathier is not only the Teacher of the Year for our school, but he was also elected as the Johnston Public Schools Teacher of the Year.”

“Brian’s moral compass leads the way for his work performance,” she said. “His organizational skills and moral decorum lead his judgment. His ethical philosophy paves the way for team building and collaboration between parents and colleagues. In short, Brian is the epitome of integrity, and honesty in the work place.”

Tammelleo, meanwhile, was announced as Graniteville’s Crystal Apple Award winner that Petronio-McAfee said “maintains confidentiality, acts ethically and with integrity and engages in professional growth activities and is courteous, considerate, responsive and respectful to all students and to every staff member out our school.”

“Lorraine is a team player willing to go above and beyond to help any children,” the principal said. “In this way, she embraces the idea of putting children first, believing that all children can learn. She is thoughtful and kind to every person.”

Petronio-McAfee also wanted it known that Tammelleo has worked in Johnston Public Schools for 30 yeas as a Teacher Assistant and a Special Education Teacher Assistant. She has worked at Sarah Dyer Barnes School, the Early Childhood Center and Graniteville School.

Two women who the principal called “special parents who have partnered with me on this journey this year” were also honored last Friday for their roles as parent coordinators for our school. They were Kylene Poeria and Ryna Seth who Petronio-McAfee presented with special gifts.

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