OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Linda Kaminski, a teacher at Wheelock, is set to retire from the Fredonia Central School District at the end of the school year. Kaminski, left, is pictured with Wheelock Principal Amy Piper, right.

Linda Kaminski was met with a standing ovation in the Fredonia High School Library as her decision to retire from the Wheelock School at the end of this year became final. The Board of Education, administration, and guests in the audience stood to applaud 38 years of Kaminski’s dedication to giving the children of Fredonia a memorable start to their education journey.

Board President Steve Johnston said the moment was a reminder why the members of the Board volunteer their time to serve the school community. “It’s a people business, and you’ve done an amazing job,” he said to Kaminski. “Thank you so much.”

Kaminski went to Fredonia herself before later becoming a teacher in the same halls she once walked as a student. She has spent nearly four decades setting students up for a positive experience at Fredonia like she had.

“It has been a true pleasure teaching at Fredonia,” Kaminski said. “… Being able to teach so many kids, and being touched by them, they made me a better person.”

Kaminski will retire from her role as an Early Childhood Teacher at Wheelock on July 1. She becomes the district’s eighth retirement resignation this year, including fellow Wheelock pillar Ellen Foley.

Wheelock Principal Amy Piper fought through tears to describe Kaminski with a series of adjectives. Piper commended her strength, leadership and kindness, as well as her creativity, empathy, and sincerity. Piper recalled the pride she felt to bring Kaminski with her to a national conference in Nashville, Tenn., and noted that she learns from Kaminski herself every day they work together at Wheelock.

Piper said to Kaminski, “I cannot imagine Wheelock without you. It’s going to be surreal. Just, thank you. I have so much admiration for you, my friend.”

Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox described Kaminski as a “well-known, well-respected, professional, caring adult within the district.” He said that her classroom has a clear plan with routines, procedures and protocols for students to follow. “It’s really impressive to watch,” he said. “The environment is calm and consistent, and things run very smoothly. There is a focus on play, and also problem-solving. It’s certainly apparent that you see somebody who enjoys what they do, and have become a master teacher in their field.”

Kaminski has taught the students of several Board members in her time with the district. Board Vice President Lisa Fortna’s four children were in Kaminski’s class, and not only is Board member Kevin Martin the parent of one of her current students, his wife was in Kaminski’s class, as well. Fortna joked that she would not make a motion to accept Kaminski’s retirement, and the Board passed the resolution with regret.

“I was really not looking forward to this evening,” Fortna said, noting that she also fought back tears upon Kaminski’s retirement becoming official. She called Kaminski an important part of the district and a part of her family.

“I have four kids that got a beautiful, strong foundation in your classroom in kindergarten, which I know carries with them still,” Fortna said to Kaminski. “You will be very, very missed.”