Our Wildwood, Summer 2017, Volume 41

Backwards Glance

by Zoe Foxley ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ALUMNA, WILDWOOD PARENT

The Teacher That Stays With You Forever

“

I am grateful that Sherry’s final year at Wildwood coincided with my daughter’s first.

A Wildwood teacher for 37 years, Sherry Varon embodies the essence of Wildwood perfectly. As a child in Sherry’s class, I felt understood by her. Her intuitive ability to relate to children is a gift. In 2004 when I returned to Wildwood to be her associate teacher, I was transported back to my 5-year-old self, sitting by her on the carpet, listening to her read books aloud. I will forever carry that voice with me; it reminds me of the magic of childhood. While I feel crushed that my daughter Hazel won’t have Sherry for her second year in the Seal Pod (K-1st grade), I am grateful that Sherry’s final year at Wildwood coincided with my daughter’s first. The most remarkable thing I observed as Sherry’s associate teacher was how she addressed children as her equal, with respect, curiosity, and interest. As a young

20-something new to teaching, I was blown away by how this veteran teacher prioritized connecting with and learned from the kids she taught. Sherry is a relationship-based teacher. When asked about what makes Sherry rare, the Solmssens, a Seal Pod family, explained, “She’s more interested in what you have to say if you are under 4 feet tall than over.” The Hwangs, another Seal Pod family, said, “Sherry set the tone for a close community. We love that her classroom was always open early, welcoming us to spend time with the children and other parents.” Sherry gets to know each child. She discovers what they like, what their interests are, what makes them tick, and how they think. And she remembers them—even the ones from 37 years ago. “Sherry’s ability to remember anecdotes and incidents from generations of kids is amazing,”

Our Wildwood /Summer 2017 30/31

“

.

.

Sherry Varon receives a standing ovation at graduation from students, parents, faculty, and staff.