2 schools bid fond farewell

Next fall, the pupils will be divided among three other schools.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- An 88-year era of education is ending.
Roosevelt and Devon elementary schools will close for good at the end of the school year as part of the district's cost-cutting efforts.
June 4 marks the schools' last day.
Thursday afternoon Principal Melissa Watson opened Roosevelt to the public for one last look around.
She wanted the goodbye event to occur before displays of pupil artwork are removed.
A few people showed up.
Jim Brown of Warren, a member of First Presbyterian Church, was instrumental in starting the district's Adopt-A-School program. His church adopted Roosevelt in 1991.
"We give financial support and mostly volunteers to help students mostly with tutors," Brown said.
The church also offered an honors luncheon for Roosevelt pupils four times annually.
The pupils will attend McGuffey, Secrest or Emerson elementaries next year.
"There's some sadness, but the children visited their new schools and they're excited about going to a new school next year," said Watson who will be the principal at Lincoln Elementary next school year.
Years of memories
The building bears the hallmarks of a school, with its hardwood floors and small classrooms.
A framed photograph of President Theodore Roosevelt, donated by the class of 1919, hangs in the front entrance.
Joanne Luhaney-Thomas, who with 33 years is one of its longest-serving teachers, was fighting tears Thursday.
She's one of a group of six teachers who have spent most of their teaching careers at Roosevelt and have developed a strong bond.
"It's sad, but we had a Roosevelt reunion last week with all of the old staff members. We're going to keep in touch. It's going to work out," she said.
Luhaney-Thomas and two of the other longtime teachers, Nancy Cardarelli and Barbara Maxin, will teach at Lincoln next year.
Violet Stevens, a 16-year aide, shared Luhaney-Thomas' feelings.
"It's sad," she said. "All three of my kids went here. The oldest is 38."