By JASON CHOI
After working at Jericho High School for almost 4 decades, Jericho High School co-principal Ms. Joan Rosenberg has announced her retirement.
Ms. Rosenberg is very devoted to the Jericho District. “I’ve been working in Jericho for 37 years. I grew up in Jericho, I was born in Jericho, I live in Jericho, and my three kids went through the Jericho Schools. I bleed blue and gold,” she said.
Ms. Rosenberg has had time to reflect on what she is proud of during her tenure, especially when she changed her role from guidance counselor to administrator. “Becoming people’s supervisor, who I had been colleagues with before, was my greatest accomplishment and in some ways also my greatest challenge. I believe it was a smooth transition,” she said.
Like so many others, Ms. Rosenberg did not expect to retire in the midst of a pandemic. She regrets losing the opportunity for in-person contact before she retires. “The part that I find very odd is that I’m a touchy-feely person, so not being able to see and touch people is very disheartening to me. I wish I could just walk the halls again, walk the T during the change of class. I think I would appreciate it a lot more now. I’d just love to be there in the morning when everybody starts walking in the door. I wish that I could have another faculty meeting and be face to face with the staff,” she said.
Whether as a guidance counselor, assistant principal, or principal, Ms. Rosenberg had an impact on her students and co-workers. Assistant Principal Dr. Artiles had many positive things to say about Ms. Rosenberg. “What I can remember most about Ms. Rosenberg is her dedication to the school and the community. I have never seen anyone who cares so much for the well-being of Jericho High School. So to me, that was highly motivating, and always pushed me to get to know the community better,” he said.
Superintendent Mr. Grishman also had words of praise for Ms. Rosenberg. “She has been a beloved guidance counselor, JTA President who was respected by every teacher in the district, an assistant principal and our high school principal who took over leadership at a very critical and controversial time. She did an amazing job calming the waters, and rebuilding trust and confidence in the administration. She always worked 24/7 to ensure our high school was the best in the nation,” he said.
Jericho High School’s new co-principal Mr. Cohen, feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Ms. Rosenberg. He said, “Ms. Rosenberg is woven into the fabric of the school and is an integral part of Jericho’s exceptional success. This year, I had the amazing pleasure of partnering with Ms. Rosenberg as a co-principal. I have learned from her, and greatly admire her leadership.”
Ms. Rosenberg cherishes her relationships, both past and present. The people she met during her career at Jericho mean the most to her.
While right now Ms. Rosenberg doesn’t have any definitive plans after retirement, she has a year-old grandson who she hopes to spend more time with. In addition, the Jericho Retirees Association has asked her to play a role. When asked what she will miss most about Jericho, Ms. Rosenberg’s answer was simple, “The people,” she said.
Ms. Rosenberg leaves with some advice for students. She said, “Keep your minds open. Keep your options open.”
Her parting words to her staff are, “Thank you.”
The Jericho community is so very grateful for all Ms. Rosenberg has done. She will remain in the hearts of students and staff, and be deeply appreciated for years and years to come.