South Colonie School District
Diane Irving, a classroom monitor for Special Ed students, has retired from the school district after 22 years. Her co-workers recently celebrated with her and Secretary Treasurer Tom Quackenbush attended to present her with some Teamster retirement gear.
Our Teamster sister looks back on her years working with the students. "In my early years I was in the classroom assisting some students with minor disabilities and as time went on I was working with students with greater disabilities (mostly autistic) and eventually was working with kids in self-contained classrooms. My last 4 years was at the High School in a Life Skills program with many of the students being non-verbal and we would take them into the community each day teach them life skills. Before Covid we would take them grocery shopping and they would find items on our grocery list, they had volunteer jobs at a few locations like Habitat store on Fuller road, the Garage Sale store and Goodwill on Central Ave. We also volunteered at the Humane society and American Cancer Society and the Regional Food Bank.
So much happened in my 22 years and every time I talk about my job I get a big smile on my face."
Michele Johnson, Shop Steward, says "I met Diane 20 years ago when I started working at Forest Park school. Diane was the one person who always had your back and kept the monitors a united group. Even when the job was difficult she had a way of making us laugh. Diane had a true commitment to her students that will definitely be missed!
I will miss the way she gave me advice that always made sense! Thank you Diane!!"
Let's wish our Sister the Best of Luck as she embarks on a new chapter of her life!
Congratulations Diane!!!

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