Park Elementary Says Goodbye

This is a sad time at Park Elementary, as we get ready to say goodbye to Mrs. Jane Banyas, Mrs. Regina Takos, and Officer Vito Faiello.  They made a huge difference in the lives of many, many children, and they will be missed.

Mrs. Jane Banyas is leaving us after 24 years with the Steel Valley School District.  She has been a teacher for 50 years!  Mrs. Banyas grew up in the area and graduated from Munhall High School.  When she was little she wanted to be a teacher, and teaching at Park Elementary was always her dream job.  Her years here have been a dream come true!  Mrs. Banyas is looking forward to going to bed when she wants to, and not having to wake up early in the morning.  She also plans to do all of the things she hasn't been able to because of work - going to the next Daytona 500 is at the top of the list!  Mrs. Banyas is going to miss reading stories to the kids, and watching her former students grow up to become teachers!

We are also saying goodbye to Mrs. Regina Takos.  Mrs. Takos, also known as SuperTakos, has been teaching for 29 years, almost all of which she spent with the Steel Valley School District.  She was a Reading Specialist at Barrett Elementary for five years and then spent 15 years at the Middle School.  Some of that time overlapped with her time at Park, where she has been the librarian for the past 11 years.  Mrs. Takos is looking forward to going on vacation between September and May, which she has never been able to do because she didn't want to call off.  She is going to really miss the kids and sharing books with them.  Knitting Club has been the highlight of her last few years!

And after 11 years at Park Elementary, Officer Vito Faiello is saying goodbye.  For the past 11 years, Park students started their day off right with a warm smile and heartfelt welcome from Officer Vito.  And throughout the day, kids always knew they could count on a kind word from him whenever they crossed his path.  Officer Vito has a lot of work he plans to get done in his retirement, and he can't wait to spend time with his family, including his three sons, five grandchildren, and his beautiful wife Colleen, who volunteered here daily this school year.  Officer Vito has had a lot of fun the past 11 years, and he will really miss everyone.  He said that it has been a pleasure for him to work with the students, who have been great!  Officer Vito is especially grateful to the Park teachers and staff for making him feel like he was really part of the family (which he certainly was!).

Mrs. Banyas, Mrs. Takos, and Officer Vito - THANK YOU!  Park Elementary School is a better place because of you, and you will be missed!  Enjoy your retirement - you earned it.