Our Fantastic Faculty and Stellar Staff
Honoring Retirees Mark Aymar and Anne Marie Fries
Mark Aymar
My first interaction with Mr. Aymar was when I was in JK, and he held a concert (either at his house or at Parker, I do not remember). Our class, a group of four-to-six-year-olds, sat down in a small courtyard-style space and listened to him perform. It was incredible. That was my first exposure to live music and performance. That concert and the wonder he brought to me was one of my earliest memories of Parker.
Later at Parker, I picked up the cello, playing for a total of nine years. I would learn that Mr. Aymar was an Upper School Latin teacher. In between class periods, he was known for playing his guitar as the students walked the halls. While I never took one of Mr. Aymar's classes, he must have remembered me from those early days. When I would walk by as he was playing his guitar, he would say to me, “Still playing cello, huh Danny? Good man.”
I never took one of his Latin classes, nor figured out how he knew I was a cellist, but what always stood out to me about Mr. Aymar was how he found ways to make an impact on every Parker student’s life. He helped inspire my love of live music. He was always a friendly face in the hallways. He finds ways to connect with you on a variety of levels. He was a cornerstone of Parker and what it meant to build a model home where every individual was worth building a connection with.
Mr. Aymar, you will be greatly missed. Thank you for all you have done. Best of luck going forward.
Danny Avila ’16
It’s been an honor and a privilege working with you throughout the years. It has also been a pleasure working with your wonderful grandchildren. They are extremely blessed to have you and Carol in their lives. You will be missed by me and the entire Parker community. God bless you.
Willie J. Banks, Physical Education teacher, parent emeritus
Justin Brandon, Head of the Upper School
Congratulations on your retirement! You are and always will be one of my favorite teachers, not just of my time in high school, but of my entire school career. You allowed me to jump into Latin 2 as a freshman and always made me feel welcome in the fold. You went above and beyond in creating a new class so that I could continue to take Latin into my senior year, which would not have been possible otherwise.
You also, to me, are the epitome of a progressive educator. The way you would stand in the hall with your banjo was not just a way of being friendly, though of course it was friendly, but was also a kind of litmus test to see how kids were doing that day. You had a finely tuned understanding of the needs of your students, and every once in a while, that meant having a conversation about current events, or pizza toppings, before getting to the Latin. You expected students to put in the work they needed to do to learn, and you respected their potential and capability as learners.
You also knew how to interact with us as human beings, and that is not as common a skill as you might expect. You had kids bring in boxes of Dots if their phones rang in class. And once you even brought in White Castle because someone admitted to never having had it before. Your class, was without a doubt, one of my favorite things about Parker. And you are one of my role models for how to be a teacher. Thank you for being so completely yourself in the classroom, sharing stories about your life, playing music and getting us arguing about pizza toppings that work in omelets. And thank you for really seeing me, as a full human being, at a time when I sometimes felt less seen.
I have also truly appreciated our continued connection through the plays in the many years since I graduated high school. I love telling casts backstage that my Latin teacher is in the audience. I hope you will now have more of a chance to relax, make art and music and enjoy your wonderful grandchildren.
Warmly, Emma Brayndick ’10
Your kind, interesting, gentle yet strong presence will be greatly missed in the Upper School. You were a much beloved teacher and role model, especially for our boys. Jack brought home so many sayings, discussions, interesting tidbits that arose from your class. I am very sad that Paul will not get to have the Mark Aymar experience. I hope you enjoy every last thing about your retirement. Wishing you and Carol boundless adventures, quiet times, fun mixed with relaxation. You served your Parker community well and you will be greatly missed!
Warmly, Terri Abruzzo Callahan, parent emerita
I am so happy for you! Now you can truly join Carol in exploring Chicago and other parts of the country/world, eating long, relaxing meals together and listening to (perhaps even making!) music. Your even-keeled, concerned and thoughtful demeanor will be so missed at Parker and by me. You know what is important in life, Mark, and appreciate others. Here’s wishing you the best in knowing that you have many more fun-filled years ahead!
So happy for you,
Maureen Cuesta, 4th grade teacher, parent emerita
Maureen Cuesta, 4th grade teacher, parent emerita
I have enjoyed getting to know you in our time teaching together at Parker. I will always remember the many conversations we had about sports and life. I tried to soak up as much information as I could. I appreciated the kindness, thoughtfulness and wisdom you so easily displayed. I wish you well in retirement and thank you for being a supportive colleague over the years. Congratulations!!
Terry Davis, Physical Education teacher
I was lucky enough to have you as both an English teacher as well as Latin. Thanks to your tutelage I grew a thorough appreciation for Rome and the ancient world and went on to study another two years of college Latin along with receiving a classics minor. I will always remember how interesting and engaging you made a subject that many call stale and boring. To this day, every time I hear “Wild Horses.” I still fondly remember my favorite passive periphrastic: “tears must be cried.” I wish you all the best as you enter this next chapter. Eamus Mr. Aymar!
Mike DeGraff ’02
I wish you the very best as you enter your next phase of life. You have always been a kind and welcoming colleague for me personally and a point of pride for Parker as a faculty member. We will miss you dearly! Enjoy your wonderful family and the time you have well earned in your retirement.
Warmly,
Karen Fisher, Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid, parent emerita
Karen Fisher, Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid, parent emerita
Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for all you have done for our school and our students all these years. I wish you the best for the next stage of your life. You deserve the rest and freedom retirement allows. I’m sure Carol and other members of your family will be happy to share more time with you. I will miss our lunch conversations! It was always such a pleasure to run into you and chat with you in the cafeteria. And we will all miss your musical performances! Thank you for enriching us by sharing your many talents with us all these years. And thank you for your kindness. Enjoy your retirement!
Sincerely,
Maria Foustalieraki, Lower and Intermediate School music teacher, parent emerita
Maria Foustalieraki, Lower and Intermediate School music teacher, parent emerita
Mr. Aymar was my 6th grade English teacher, but Mark has been my storytelling, one-liner-delivering, philosophy-challenging co-worker for many years. It has been a pleasure getting to know Mark as a colleague, as an artist and as a friend. Mark, I hope your thoughtful approach to life serves you well in the next phase and that you continue to spread kindness and good humor to those around you.
Alex Franke ’99, Director of Auxiliary Programs
I have really enjoyed the 13 years we got to spend as colleagues. You have always had a way of making every conversation feel meaningful. I will miss running into you at school because it always brightened my day. I wish you all the best in your retirement.
Take care, Marcie Frasz, 8th grade Spanish teacher, parent
Thank you so much for your many contributions to the FWP community! I shall personally miss your kind greetings as we passed each other in the hallways. You and your family have played a part in my years as an educator—for that I shall always be grateful! I hope you enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
With appreciation, Ed Garza, Middle School drama teacher
Congratulations on such a successful career! I wanted to write you this letter to express my gratitude and appreciation for all you did for me when I was at Parker. It seems like just yesterday I was a freshman in your Latin I class. I didn’t know if Latin would be the right fit for me or if I would continue on with it, but I quickly learned to love your class. You created a great classroom dynamic that was fun and engaging. I am never typically someone to express my favorites but you were by far my favorite teacher at Parker. Whenever I think of Parker, you definitely come right to mind along with all of the amazing memories that were held in the Latin classroom. It was enjoyable to have you as a teacher for four years as well as the same classmates. Now that I am in college, I realize this was a special experience because I was able to grow a relationship with a teacher in a small classroom. To give you an update, I am going to be a senior at WashU. I am a psychology major and have minors in global health and the business of social impact. I took one semester of Latin at WashU and it was a challenging course but I could not have made it through without everything that you taught me. In fact, I remember talking to my mom on the phone asking her to send me my old Latin notes from high school. Thank you so much for all you have given me. I hope you have a great retirement and hopefully after the pandemic is over, we can catch up.
Best,
Danielle Gilfoyle ’17
I will never hear Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” without thinking of you. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement!
Sophie Grimes ’03
Wishing you a long and enjoyable retirement! You’ll be missed! I know I’ll miss our bus ride chats.
All the best, Jasmine Hart, Middle School assitant teacher
I vividly remember Dylan’s 6th grade experience with you. It was one of his favorite years in school, which says a lot coming from someone who struggled so much. Your kindness, patience and encouragement will always be remembered. Thinking about your retirement also reminds me of all the fun dinners, picnics and parties we all used to have. It was a lot of fun. Thank you for your dedicated service to our community. You will be missed.
Best, Barbara Hunt, Lower and Intermediate School Director of Studies, parent emerita
I have such fond memories of Mr. Aymar’s classes. I always appreciated his passion for teaching, breadth of knowledge and unique/engaging style to impart it. I had the pleasure of learning in both his English and Latin classes, and I learned how to box too! A triple threat who I’m sure will be missed at FWP.
Wish you nothing but the best, Casey Jacobs ’04
What a joy it has been to teach with you, not only on the 6th Grade Team, but as a language department member as well. You will be missed dearly, Mark. Thank you so much for all of your thoughtfulness, humor and musical genius. I will always treasure our “La Bamba” days! Congratulations on a job well done. Wishing you much joy in your new “chapter.”
Nikki Joseph, 6th grade Spanish teacher, parent
Congratulations, Mark! I hope that you truly enjoy your retirement and have joy, health and happiness for many, many years to come!
Ruth Jurgensen, Associate Principal, parent
Congratulations Mark on your retirement! We all love you!
From Terry Levy, parent emerita
Mark, I’ve appreciated having you as a colleague ever since we entered Parker in 1990. I don’t know how I would have survived those early department meetings if you hadn’t also been there. All these years, I have been impressed by your intellect, your insight into what goes on in the classroom and what happens outside of it, your creativity, the Mountain Dew song that you included me in and your sense of humor. It has been a real honor teaching with you and getting to know you. Good luck as you move on from Parker.
Mike Mahany, Upper School English teacher
While I will miss your signature hallway walk, concern for all, best grin ever and delightful sense of humor, I am happy for you, Mark, as you complete one milestone and begin another. We have shared so much together over these past 30 years—beginning our Parker career together, working together as 6th grade teachers and as department chairs and teaching one another’s family members. These are huge pockets of doing life together, and, for that, I am most grateful. Well done! You have left an indelible mark (pun intended) on us all.
Grateful to be your colleague and friend,
Robin (and Jonathan) Masters, 7th Grade math teacher, parent(s) emeriti
It has been an absolute joy to work with you at Parker. Thank you for making me laugh in our department meetings! I will miss hearing your banjo (ukulele?;)) echo through the halls! ENJOY this time....you certainly earned it! :)
Wishing you all the best,
Suzan Morrison, 6th grade Spanish teacher
Suzan Morrison, 6th grade Spanish teacher
Mark, my advisory buddy—It has been a pleasure working with you for all of these years. After this unexpected situation, I have gotten a preview of retirement, and I don’t think that I will be far behind you. Thank you again for being such an easy colleague to work with, and thank you for taking good care of my advisory in Latin for the past three years. I wish you and Carol well.
Pat Pagnucco, Physical Education teacher
This is just a quick note to wish you well in your retirement. I hope it is filled with a lot of bluegrass and not with much conjugating of verbs or declining of nouns. I hope you get to enjoy your family, including those grandchildren. I will miss seeing you in the halls and sharing views about some of the doings around the school.
All my best, Pick, 4th grade teacher, parent emerita
My sister Lorin's room was next to Mark, and I was able to share more than just a few seconds when I came to visit. He always had time to ask me how my daughter was doing, and we talked a lot about Rome where I live. I never felt that Mark was talking to me as Lorin’s sister, but as a friend. I looked forward to seeing him every year, and I’m sure that he will find many stimulating ways to explore his long, long, vacation to come—one that he much deserves. Good luck to my friend Mark!
Lesley Pritikin, friend
Mark—I refuse to say au revoir—you may be leaving your teaching behind but you will remain a dear friend. You have certainly earned this retirement—after years of dedication to your students and mentoring to so many of us, your colleagues. You have made my work so much more rewarding because I looked forward to coming to work each day, knowing I would have another day of lively conversation about so many diverse interests, from cooking to the beauty of the verb! And everything else in between. I am very happy for you and Carol—you will now have time to pursue so many things together! Félicitations!
With love and gratitude, Lorin Pritikin, US French teacher
I remember your Latin classes so fondly!! I was in your classes from 1998–2001 (class of ’01). Our class included Mia Scharphie, Sara Jacobson, Ben Page, Justin Lacaillade...a couple people I’m missing. We were a tight crew back then. (To jog your memory: I was “punk rock” and had short hair in various rainbow colors. I also wore a lot of mismatched plaid. I LOOKED GREAT.)
It was a hilarious class. From your mandolin breakdowns to contests to win a basket of pickled meats (gross), to “Beans N’ Swords” (i.e., eating baked beans and watching Gladiator after our final), I always had a blast. I still remember your “Cocktail Party Latin” line: “Latin? Oh, I took three years of Latin. Hic, Haec, Hoc.” I also remember “Dux, Ducis” (but do they, really? I’m still unsure...) and of course, “Cave Canem” (but pronounced “Cawe”). I still have my copy of The Millionaire's Dinner Party, with feverishly written notes, somewhere.
Thank you for being one of my favorite teachers. I never felt like I fit in at Parker, but your class made me feel so welcome. You deserve many happy years of doing whatever you want! Let’s hope the world recovers as quickly as possible so you can get out there.
Gratias tibi ago pro omnem!* *Sorry if this is wrong after all these years...Google helped.
Eliza Plous ’01
Thank you so much, Mark, for being such a large part of our children’s experience at Parker. They and we are fully cognizant of the extreme good fortune they’ve had sharing their formative years with you and the other dedicated Parker faculty.
Dick and Annie Rothkopf, parents emeriti
Thank you for four years of insight, curiosity, learning and growth. Out of my four years with you in Latin, learning the Latin language is just one of the many skills I’ve taken away from my time with you. More broadly, I’ve developed a love for language as a whole and a hunger to learn more. You’ve taught me to see text beyond the surface level and explore deeper meaning, digging to see all of the possibilities. Through learning Latin with you, I gained a whole new perspective on the structure of societal norms through our study of ancient Roman customs and traditions, especially through the CENA. Additionally, I’ve never failed to appreciate your knowledge of so many other topics, such as breeds of dogs and the OJ Trial, and I enjoy holding those conversations with you after class or in the halls. When I begin to learn other languages next year and beyond, I will remember the lessons you have taught me.
Jared Saef ’20
Thanks for always being a friendly face, a great conversationalist and a steady support for students. As a parent, I have always enjoyed seeing you, chatting and hearing about your varied interests. I am grateful for all you and Carol have given to the school, both as incredible teachers and grandparents. I hope you enjoy your retirement, your music and Lakeview!
Julia San Fratello ’80, parent
You were among the first and friendliest faces to welcome me to Parker when I first began working here. Since then, I’ve come to know you as a scholar, teacher, musician, boxer, coach and so much more. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to have known and worked with you for as long as I have, and your sense of humor and quick wit will surely be missed. Thank you for everything you brought to Parker through the years and to my life for these past 20! To bigger, better and brighter things for you and Carol in the future. Enjoy your retirement!
Nick Saracino, Director of Communications, parent
Congratulations! 30 years is one hell of a career, and some of my fondest memories of Parker are my workouts at Roscoe’s Gym. A career well done. Hope all is well.
Best, Ari Schiff ’08
I always looked forward to Latin class because not only did the material gave me a better grasp of both English and Spanish vocabulary, but also I loved your humor. Reflecting on my high school experience, I realize that the classroom moments I look back on the most fondly are the brilliantly innocent questions like, “Is this dog cute?” (while we’re taking a test) or the funny commands like, “Shut the barn door.” I have many memories of teachers, particularly at my elementary school, who did no more than what their job description required. Thinking about those teachers makes me appreciate you even more because you always engaged with your students and took their ideas seriously, which instilled in me a feeling that my contributions mattered and merited respect. I know that every other student who has ever had you can confirm this. Thank you for teaching me not just Latin but also about music (I always enjoyed hearing you play “Mrs. Robinson”). Thank you for going above and beyond to inject joy into every student’s day!
Ian Shayne ’20
Mr. Aymar is extremely supportive and enthusiastic about Latin. He has the best, funniest sense of humor of anyone I have ever met, and he always made me laugh in Latin class and in the hallways. I am so happy that I got to have him as a teacher, and I’ll miss him!
Paige Shayne ’20
I hope you, your family and your beautiful grandchildren are doing well. Congratulations on your retirement and an impactful career at Parker! Last week, I explained Latin prepositions to my wife and walked her through your mnemonic devices: “ab, cum, de, ex, in, sub, ad, ante, in, per, post, trans,” coupled with a rubber chicken. That was 16 years ago and I can still recall your lessons like it was yesterday. You made learning Latin fun and memorable. Outside of the classroom, I always appreciated how you took the time to play music in the hallway, say hi and get to know students in fun and engaging ways. Mr. Aymar, thank you for all that you taught me at Parker both inside and outside of the classroom. Your work will continue to stay with me and always remind me of what it means to be part of a model home, a complete community and an embryonic democracy.
Jerome Simmons ’06
Mark querido,
May your new journey take you toward much happiness and continued fulfillment of your dreams.
Fondly, Marsha Brumleve Wagner, former Upper School Spanish teacher
Mark, you were an important part of my life and the lives of Megan and Kevin. As 6th grade English and history teacher, you were the calm in the storm, always ready to help and be a solid colleague in the Middle School. When you moved to the Upper School, you were missed, even though we saw you in the Upper School halls and the lunchroom and at all school events for Gabby, Michael and Joseph. You held Kevin at Indian Boundary Park when he was just a few months old and then taught him when he was a 12th grader. He says that you are one of the most genuinely nice people he has ever met. And Megan has already written a memory, so I won't repeat the many things you have done for and meant to her. We will miss you.
Peg Zerega, 6th grade science teacher and parent emerita
Anne Marie Fries
Anne Marie, it has been an honor and a privilege working with you. I hope you find retirement a blessing. You will surely be missed by me and the entire Parker community. God bless you.
Willie J. Banks, Physical Education teacher, parent emeritus
Are you sure you are old enough to retire?? I can remember the day you started. Fred, Dick Holland and I had traveled all over the East Coast looking for a science teacher, and here we had the best in our own backyard. I have appreciated your good humor and flexibility over these many years, and I wish you a very enjoyable retirement.
My very best wishes, Harriett Cholden, former 5th grade teacher
You have been an amazing friend, mentor and colleague over the past 10 years. Your laughter and energy were a warm and welcoming presence from the moment I started to work at Parker. Your vision for developing happy, creative, inquisitive scientists and engineers in the students you work with is truly inspiring. Thank you for all of the hard work you put into kick-starting a robotics program at Parker that has grown into a mainstay of the institution. Your signature ebullient laughter should be recorded and not only put in the Library of Congress but etched into the next golden record that we send off into space. So many joyful memories and playful projects came out of your classroom. I look forward to hearing what your next phase brings and visiting you at your cabin in the woods.
With love, Adam Colestock, Intermediate and Middle School STEM and Coding teacher
Congrats Anne Marie! Didn't we have some great times celebrating Friday years ago. Remember the wing dings and the box of wine that you brought?
Fondly, Shirley Conant, former 1st and 2nd grade teacher
I am so happy for you! Now you can truly enjoy those grandchildren of yours and spend more of your time having fun, rather than commuting! Your effervescent personality and contagious laugh will be so missed at Parker and by me. The Cuesta family was so fortunate in you being both boys’ 8th grade advisor. You shaped Nico and Ale, mentored them and helped them in ways you probably will never know. Here’s wishing you the best and many more fun-filled years ahead!
So happy for you, Maureen Cuesta, 4th grade teacher, parent emerita
Congratulations on your service and commitment to teaching. I want to thank you for your inspiration and motivation during my early years at Parker. I will remember the 8th grade trips and the time we all spent together as chaperones telling stories and having fun. Your laugh is one of a kind and I wish you well in retirement.
Terry Davis, Physical Education teacher
I wish you the best as you enter this new phase of life. You have brought so much to Parker and you will be dearly missed! Be well and enjoy!
Karen Fisher, Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid, parent emerita
Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for all you have done for our school and our students all these years. And thank you for teaching and inspiring my own kids, Yiorgos and Alexandra Takoudis! I wish you the best for the next stage of your life. You deserve the rest and freedom retirement allows. I will miss your smiles and unforgettable laughter! Enjoy your retirement!
Sincerely, Maria Foustalieraki, Lower and Intermediate School music teacher, parent emerita
While I could never reduce Anne Marie’s contributions to my life to a single thing, her influence can be symbolized by a sound: THE LAUGH. Anyone who knows Anne Marie also knows her laugh—boisterously echoing down the halls—erupting from small conversations—invading your dreams. As her student, this laugh could reset the room, pull you out of a frustration, break the tension with a classmate. As a colleague, this laugh, resonating from another wing of the school, could remind you to calm down, look for the good and see beyond yourself. While any laugh can make you smile, Anne Marie’s laugh is so distinct that, upon hearing it, you cannot help but picture its source and find solace in imagining the towering, kind sincerity of Anne Marie. I believe that the hallways of Francis W. Parker School will echo forever with the kind sincerity of Anne Marie Fries.
Alex Franke ’99, Director of Auxiliary Programs
Oh Mylanta! How do I write this? Anne Marie, there are so many things I will miss about you. Your hugs, laughter, wisdom, kindness, strength, sense of humor and perspective, to name a few. The memories of the experiences that we have shared and everything I have learned from you will stay with me forever. Thank goodness for Facebook memories! I treasure the time we spent together as colleagues and as friends. My favorite legacy you leave is our dear LOL. All those lunches and sleep-unders will live on. Take care , my friend! Love you always!
Your friend, Marcie Frasz, 8th grade Spanish teacher, parent
I shall forever be grateful to you for your thoughtfulness, support and humor. I recall many an 8th Grade Play when, were it not for your hard work with costumes, I don’t know what I would have done. Moreover, your kind words and perspective certainly assisted me in my journey as an educator. Thanks so much, Anne Marie—enjoy your much deserved retirement!
Love, Ed Garza, Middle School drama teacher
We love you!
Valerie Ginnan, Intermediate and Middle School Learning Resources teacher, parent
Congratulations Anne Marie on a wonderful career. We are so grateful for all you’ve done for Josh. Wish you were sticking around for our 4th grader, Evan. We will miss you.
Susan Gradman and Jeff Gourdji, parents, parents emeriti
Thanks for being such an awesome, supportive and lively presence to so many Parker students. I will never forget your warm laugh, and I’m sure it will continue in your joyful retirement.
Sophie Grimes ’03
You know how I feel about you and your class. You have been a gift to my daughter Charlotte as you were to my husband John [’94] so many years ago! Your creativity and ability to engage the students in learning is the epitome of the best of Parker. Hearing Dan read off what you have been involved in shows the mark you have left on Parker and every student that has come and gone—with so many more to come. Lorado Taft, the DC trip, the science fair—the list went on and on. I could argue those are the defining activities of the Parker experience. At least they have been for Charlotte. I saw her brain turn on with all of your projects this year. You taught her to love science and for that we are so grateful! You will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know you via the love of learning you instilled in their child. Thank you!
Stephanie Harris, parent
Wishing you a long and happy retirement! You'll be missed but never forgotten.
I'll miss seeing you around Parker!
Best, Jasmine Hart, Middle School assistant teacher
Your enthusiasm for science and your being there as an early model for me that women and girls do science too truly shaped my life. I don’t know that I would still be involved in science, if it were not for your early influence.
Maki Hattori ’99
Ms. Fries! You had a tremendous impact on me as our grade head in 8th grade. You were always so warm and understanding and judgment-free. You really understood adolescents which is a REALLY hard thing to do. On our class trip to Washington DC, I had the first of what I now understand to be panic attacks. You immediately calmed me down and made me feel so safe and protected. You were a real rock for all of us kids going through puberty and helped us feel less weird. It was clear you loved what you did and you infused that enthusiasm into your students as well. Best of luck in your retirement!
Alana Heber ’05
It seems like only yesterday that you joined the faculty of FWP straight out of National. In fact, yesterday was 44 years ago! Congratulations to you on such a long and fruitful career.
Dick Holland
What can I possibly say to express my gratitude for your presence in my life? Our years together as a 5th grade team are my fondest memories. Remember when we backed up science to my language arts time slot and team-taught a unit together, ending with a student sharing using all the brand-new technology we had available? My favorite sharing was the one when the kids tested all the water in the drinking fountains around school. Remember when you and Cliff agreed to have the Columbus ship scene in the science room, and Mark and the kids transformed your room into a huge ship with the audience on board with the cast? You had to do science in the homerooms and in the hallways for a month! We were quite a team back then. Remember the Friday night outings eating out or sitting on Chris’s porch talking and talking into the wee hours of the night.? But, most of all, there is Taft, that special place we share. No words are necessary. I am so happy for you, but it is hard to think of Parker without you.
Love, Barbara Hunt, Lower and Intermediate School Director of Studies, parent emerita
I loved attending your science classes and can remember your warm, positive and captivating personality to this day. Wish you the best in your retirement and thank you for the impact you had on many many many of our lives.
Casey Jacobs ’04
How lucky am I to have been blessed with so many wonderful memories and laughs with you, my friend. I have enjoyed working with you as a colleague, friend, and teacher and advisor to my boys. You are truly a special person and will be so missed!! Enjoy your well-deserved and exciting new chapter in your life. Now we really have to have a FISH KEG reunion!
Nikki Joseph, 6th grade Spanish teacher, parent
Congratulations on your retirement! I hope it brings you plenty of joy, peace and time with family and friends!
Ruth Jurgensen, Associate Principal, parent
As we all know, a picture is worth a thousand words, so I wish I had a photo from the 1970s showing me smiling next to my energetic, creative and kind LS science teacher. Since I don’t, I want to tell you that when I think back on you and that science room in the Little School above the kindergarten classrooms and all the activity that went on there, my memories are so fond. You made an impact on me as a student and I was thrilled that each of my kids also had the pleasure of learning and growing under your guidance. Experiencing your magic again x 3 from a parent perspective was truly a treat. Sending you virtual hugs and wishing you the all the best in your next adventure (but saving a real hug for when that is a thing again!).
Warmly, Ali Kagan ’87, parent
You’ve been one of the best teachers and have taught one of my favorite classes I’ve ever taken. You always make things a lot fun, and you always raise the spirits of the room or many rooms we’re in now. Despite not being able to do it for long, baking club was so much fun, and you really worked with me to make it happen. No matter how much of a disaster the club was, you were always willing to help and work with us to fix the problem and have fun doing so. It’ll be sad to go back in September and not have you teaching. Thank you for being such an amazing teacher and baking sponsor!
Arjun Kalra ’24
Wow! I'm a little disappointed in you—I thought that we would go out together. But I’m also happy for you, and I wish you the best as you move on and spend more time with your grandchildren. I have loved every single minute of teaching with you. I loved being on the 8th grade team with you. I have never enjoyed teaching as much as I did with you during those years, as we laughed, shared weird stories about kids and wondered about Anmar. I'm sure that you will hear this dozens of times as people write and record messages to you, but your laugh perpetually rings in my ears. You make every room you walk into a happier place, with your laugh and your smile and your positive and infectious energy. I will miss you—enormously—and I hope that we can keep in touch.
Mike Mahany, Upper School English teacher
Two things: 1) I am so very happy for you, and 2) I will miss you terribly. And that is really all there is to it. Thank you for being one of the loveliest human beings I have ever known. The warmth that you bring to everything you do and to every person you interact with is truly your greatest asset. On multiple occasions, I have been the recipient of this warmth and kindness that you extend out of every pore of your being. You have been a beautiful gift to Parker School and to me. Personally speaking, my Megan so very much enjoyed having you as a science teacher—you were understanding of her gentle spirit and learning profile. For that, I will always be grateful. As for me, some of my fondest memories are of us working together—for so many years—as Department Chairs and the many laughs that we shared in Joe’s office. What a blast! Congratulations on reaching this huge milestone and for finishing well. Blessings to you and yours on your next adventure.
With gratitude and in friendship, Robin Masters, 7th grade math teacher, parent emerita
Congratulations, Anne Marie!
Angela Miklavcic, 7th grade science teacher, parent
It has been an absolute honor to work with you at Parker. I will miss seeing your smiling face and your infectious laugh echoing through the halls! ENJOY this time—you certainly earned it! :)
Wishing you all the best, Suzan Morrison, 6th grade Spanish teacher
Without even considering the number of students’ lives you’ve touched, it is amazing to think of how many colleagues you have connected with, inspired and nurtured in your time at Parker. I have only been lucky enough to be with you for six years and I can't imagine working with anyone else. Your positivity and energy (even after you’ve been up since 5 a.m. dealing with traffic before I even crawl out of bed!) motivates me to try to get to your level. I am so thankful for getting to work with you and have become a better teacher because of you. I don't know how the 8th Grade Team will manage planning for our trips without you! Honestly, there are so many other things I could include here about how much you have done for me, for our team, for the students and for the school—I just don't want to start crying all over my keyboard! I really hope we still get to see you every now and then somehow, some way. We all know how much you deserve your retirement, and all I can say is, I will miss you and we will never be able to truly replace you. Thank you :)
Tim O’Connor, 8th grade math teacher
I have to say that I thought we would go out together but I totally understand you retiring now. It has been a pleasure working with you through the years, and I wish you well. I have gotten a small taste of retirement the past few months, and it is pretty nice, I hope you love it.
Take care, Pat Pagnucco, Physical Education teacher
Congratulations! You certainly deserve retirement after surviving here for so many years. I have to say that one thing I always think about you is who you got in your advisory. I feel like you were given well over your “share” of tricky dudes. In my view, that speaks to your colleagues viewing you with great esteem and with belief in your ability to work with kids who might be challenging. No small thing, that. The other thing that comes to mind when I think of you is your laugh. Nothing signals joy like your side-splitting laughter. I hope your retirement is filled with laughter and not too many tricky dudes.
All my best!
Pick, 4th grade teacher, parent emerita
Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! It was an absolute joy to be your student and advisee. Your infectious laugh, welcoming nature and the camaraderie you shared with your fellow teachers took the sting out of what could have easily been a very awkward 8th grade year for me and many other students. The energy and enthusiasm you put forth on a daily basis made entering your classroom a daily high point and is not something I will soon forget.
Thank you for always being there, and enjoy the hell out of retirement.
Mike Pomerantz ”04
Your students have been so fortunate to have such a kind, caring teacher and mentor in their lives. And we—your colleagues—are fortunate to have had you in our lives, too. I am excited for you and wish you all the best in this new chapter of your life—bon voyage!
With affection, Lorin Pritikin, Upper School French teacher
When we think about and discuss the benefits of a Parker education, you often come to mind as the example for our family of what dedication and commitment to education means. Our children have been privileged and so greatly influenced by your concern for their development and your wonderful sense of humor, too. We thank you, thank you, thank you.
Dick and Annie Rothkopf, parents emeriti
Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for all that you shared with us in 8th grade: spelunking, DC and so much more. I fondly remember ’01–02 as being full of laughs and fun lessons. Thank you for always fostering a fun and safe learning environment.
Jerome Simmons ’06
I remember Mrs Fries teaching me science in what must have been around 1st grade. Class was in the old Lower School, and she had us each plant a seed in an inch of dirt within a Dixie cup and put them by the window next to the radiator. I’ll never forget checking it every day and the wonder of watching it sprout and grow into a small plant. Mrs Fries made science class fun (and that’s not easy to do for a bunch of seven-year-olds) . It’s been 40 years since then, but she planted a seed of love of science and curiosity in me and I’m sure many others! Thank you, Mrs Fries.
Ethan Steinberg ’92
I will forever associate you with Lorado Taft. How gratifying it must be for you to see your idea come to fruition in such a meaningful and long-lasting manner. I can say with great confidence and pride that the lessons of Lorado Taft are at the core of the 5th grade curriculum, both before and after the actual trip. It has never been an isolated experience for the teachers or students. The deep connection and love you have for that place has been on display, for me personally, for all of my 24 years at Parker, and it is contagious. You leave Parker with many achievements, and providing students a chance to experience Lorado Taft is my favorite of your many legacies. We’ll keep the fire lit and remain grateful to you while continuing to tend to it.
I’ll miss you,
Jeff Stone, 5th grade teacher
You started at Parker as my years as a student were concluding, so we never met then, but you turned out to be an absolutely wonderful advisor for our daughter, Julie! Thank you for all the support and laughter we shared that year, and we all wish you many more good things in the coming years (and no more long commutes!)!
Jill Chukerman Test ’77, parent
What a marvelous run you have had at FWP. So many lives impacted. Congratulations on moving on to new pastimes and challenges. I can highly recommend it. Of course, the memories will follow you out the door. Hold them dearly.
Very best regards, Roger Wallenstein, former 7th grade English teacher, parent emeritus
I was never very interested in science, but I was interested in navigating how to be a sociable, fu, and respectful teenager. Ms. Fries helped me do exactly that! Through some of my weirdest adolescent stages, Ms. Fries gave me the confidence I needed. Her famous laugh could made all kids feel valued. Ms. Fries—When I think of Parker, I think of you. Wishing you many more laughs as you head into retirement!
Billy Warden ’05
One of the highlights of my day is coming in the door, walking down the science hallway, and saying “Hi Anne Marie! How are you?” and chatting about our weekends or evenings. This has been true for a long time, since we moved into the new science wing, so a LONG time. Of the many things I will miss about you, Anne Marie, this is the one that will matter to me the most.
Peg Zerega, 6th grade science teacher
Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.