Denise Baker is retiring from Byron-Bergen Central School District after 33 years. The quote that best describes her years of service is from Winnie the Pooh. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard,” says Baker. “I was blessed that God placed me with all my little Byron-Bergen 'honey bees!’”

Baker was hired by former Superintendent Bill Hayes as an elementary Special Education teacher. Retired Principal Thomas Biondolillo assigned her as a Consultant Teacher for English Language Arts and Math to grades three and four. While at Byron-Bergen, she also taught Kindergarten, first and second grades and the Wilson Reading Program for the last ten years. 

“I was fortunate to have taught with a plethora of dedicated teachers, worked with an incredible support staff, enriched the lives of numerous wonderful children, appreciated our conscientious custodial people, and was grateful for the continual support and opportunities of our administration.  I have maintained lifetime friendships with colleagues and parents through the years.”  

Baker would like to thank Bill Hayes and Tom Biondollilo for providing the opportunity to teach for the Byron-Bergen School District. “Mr. Hayes and Mr. Biondolillo were strong administrators.  Together they displayed a perfect balance of integrity, passion, commitment, and motivation to their faculty and staff. In addition, I'd like to thank Judy Boyle and Donna Moscicki.  They were wonderful communicators, extremely knowledgeable, strong advocates for our Special Education students, and Donna created the inception of our incredible Preschool program.” 

In retirement, Baker is looking forward to spending additional time with her grandchildren, enjoying the winter months in Florida with her husband, Scott, playing in her flower gardens, and reading. Her travel plans include visits to Hawaii and the Top Ten Wonders of the West. “Our church group volunteers at House of Mercy and the Ronald McDonald House, so that's also on the agenda.”

“I hope I've instilled a love for reading in all my students, along with perseverance, and grit.  I've tried to instill confidence by telling them opportunities lie not so much in what we have, as what we do with what we have.  If you give one hundred percent, then you've tried your best.  But always keep striving!”