With a full heart, I share news of the retirement at year’s end of our dear Mrs. Nancy Galgano, longtime Director of the Lower School. And with a glad heart, I share news of the succession plan.
For 21 years, Mrs. Galgano has been a leading presence in our halls and classrooms, Beginning with us as a Second Grade teacher, she soon was tapped to lead the Lower School. With deep Catholic wisdom, a deft maternal touch, a love of children and of learning, and a firm guiding hand, she has been a shaping presence during PA’s formative years and beyond. Her “DNA is woven in,” as a popular phrase goes. Speaking personally, Nancy is a dear friend and very treasured colleague and advisor. She has helped form a generation, as well as all of us professionals around her.
She shared the following with faculty and staff members last week: “When I first arrived in 2003 as a second grade teacher, I was honored and thrilled to be part of the important work being done here in leading young children to love God, their families, and our beautiful heritage. Through the years and especially the seventeen years spent as Lower School Director, that first sense of honor and excitement has never left me. I am most grateful for this opportunity and for all the wonderful memories of those years. While some relationships will be maintained, it will be difficult to leave the many amazing people with whom I am privileged to work every day. Being a member of the Providence community has helped me to grow professionally, but more importantly as a person and as a child of God. The staff, the children, and the families have all contributed in so many ways to this journey. I’d also like to thank you personally for all of the support you have given to me. Although this moment is filled with mixed emotions for me, I’m excited to find out what is next for me in God’s plan. Of course, it will include plenty of family time. I will be praying for you. I’m proud to continue to be part of this community as an alumni mom and as a grandma. I can’t wait for Grandparents’ Day!”
And now with a glad heart, I am happy to announce that Mrs. Kelly Harrington will assume duties as Director of the Lower School this summer. Mrs. Harrington is known to many in the PA community already, having served at PA for 17 years as, in succession, 4th Grade teacher and head varsity softball coach, Pre-Kindergarten Coordinator, Middle School Director, and then as Upper School Director. She holds a K-12 principal’s license. She is a woman of great faith. She is a teacher’s teacher. She loves kids, and has a passion for supporting them. I cannot overstate how thrilled I am about this appointment. Our Lower School is very blessed.