RADNOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

ALUMNI LETTERS

Updated May 1, 2001

The Radnor Alumni have submitted many letters of support to keep the Radnor Middle School in downtown Wayne. ALL letters were forwarded to the School Board AND Candidates. Several School Board members and Candidates have expressed their gratitude for the Alumni's support. 

This is a sampling of the letters.

Posted May 2, 2001

Ask any Radnorite, or even people in the neighboring communities, where

the center of Wayne is and they will quite easily place a pin at the

intersection of Lancaster and N. / S. Wayne Avenues. The reason is

simple. All the elements needed for a village exists within one block,

transportation, churches, commerce, banking, industry, the arts,

library, post office, newspaper, school and firehouse. The only missing

elements for Norman Rockwell might be a police station and hospital.

There is a care facility for the aged though and it wasn’t so long ago

that a policeman used to operate the light from a little booth and hold

the walk signal for pedestrians. Norman Rockwell couldn’t paint a

better representation of a town than this naturally evolved center that

has refined itself through the last century with such a strong sense of

community.

The history of sacrifice of our citizenry was never so apparent as when

the town stopped for the service at the War Memorial just across from

our school. The young lives represented on that wall had attended my

school and defended Radnor’s honor in sport and academia shortly before

making the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country and community on

foreign soil. They knew, because they had learned within the heart of a

real living community, just what citizenship was all about. They sat

just as I had in a third floor class and looked out to see the tops of

the churches and stores. They had heard the volunteers as they heeded

the siren and rushed in from their work to ride a fire truck to save

lives and property. They shopped in the stores, drank sodas at the

counter of Woolworth’s and met with some of the people daily who worked

in and made up this village.

Some of the stores have changed and the siren part of the firehouse is

quiet now but the lessons of what makes a town what it really is are all

very real and alive. This surrounding “classroom” teaches every day,

just by contact, what civic pride is. There used to be a course offered

in high schools called citizenship but, anymore it's not offered in most

schools. Maybe it fell out of favor, maybe it seemed too bogus to the

students when put in books but I believe the course can’t really be

taught. Instead, it must be experienced and reinforced on a daily

basis. If you consider a community like a living tree then the schools

must be in the root structure feeding the trunk. What better placement

for the physical structure of our middle school years then to be as a

large tap root placed at the heart of a community. Thereby feeding and

being fed on a daily diet of citizenship building a good solid sense of

civic pride side by side with the firefighters, postmen, librarians and

business leaders of our community. All the while across the street from

the names of former Radnor students who gave so much back.

After moving out to California in the late 80's, I found myself settling

in the town of Orange, CA.. What was the attraction of this community?

Simple, a sense of history and a community that treasured that history

and has made it the basis upon which their reputation is built.

For most towns / cities in Southern California, there sense of history

only extends back to the 1950's or 1960's. Don't let the fact that a

200+ year history is such a part of life in the greater Philadelphia

area let you take for granted the importance and role that the Middle

School plays in cementing Wayne as an incredibly livable community.

Without the school at the heart you have only the past and present and a

disjointed future where kids go off from the community to learn facts

and go home to surf the web. Meanwhile none of the people in the town

will have daily contact with the students so school taxes will only be

the concern of those who have school age children. Goals of the

community will turn inward and selfish and the only “planning” will be

for the present with a fractured, factionalism community future. In the

words of Joanie Mitchell “darn it all you don’t know what you’ve got

till it’s gone…”

Sincerely,

James W. (Jim) Butz

With all due respect, how can you consider removing this hub that is so integral to what makes Wayne a community and not just any other small town with no heart.

This school has survived:

• The continuous blare of the volunteer fire dept. horn blaring into the ears of countless children
• The wearing of clogs and their banning due to noise; only to have them return 20 years later;
• The small observatory in astronomy class where students held hands behind the teacher's back and stared up with awe at our universe
• Wayne Pizza sodas and slices after school
• Mrs. Griffiths' prediction surveys of who we would go to the Prom with and where we would be in 20 years
• Mr. Springer's Electric Guitar Lunch
• Mr. Kime's towering above us with a booming voice that frightened but from who you always learned
• Mr. Fishers' endless commitment to helping no matter how many tries it took
• Mr. Gibson's whistle blowing
• a track that has been re-paved more times than you can count
• Baseball/basketball/football/field hockey/lacrosse games that brought the town together throughout the year
  

What made Wayne Middle School unique and what keeps it unique is that it IS centralized in a town where parents and children and teachers can walk from home or gather after school for sports and assemblies. It allowed children to come from many elementary locations into one central location where they saw new faces and learned new cultures simply because universes had to collide into one place -- Wayne Middle School was that place, and should stay that place.

I sincerely hope you do the right thing for a long-standing community, and not some near-term gain that will -- in the end -- alienate children from teachers, townspeople from students and adults from town leaders.

Sincerely,

Colleen Challenger,
Wayne Middle School, 1981 - Radnor High School, 1985  - Purdue University, 1989 - George Washington University, 1992

Colleen Challenger | VP Marketing & Communications
p. 212.324.3256 | f. 212.324.3277
90 William Street; 16th Floor
New York, NY  10038
www.site59.com

Hi Tim:

I feel very strongly that the Radnor Middle School should remain in

downtown Wayne. Part of the educational process is learning about one's

community and being a part of it. I attended Radnor Middle School in the

1970's and the school's integration into the community was an important

aspect of learning about my own place in society, and the place of

education in communities. I am now the director of a gerontological

research and education institute at a major university. We are very

involved in our urban community, and this was easy for me, having grown up

with a model of how to do that.

Sincerely,

Peter

Peter A. Lichtenberg, Ph.D., ABPP

Director of the Institute of Gerontology &

Associate Professor of Psychology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences

& Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

87 E. Ferry Street

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI 48202

313-577-2297 phone

313-875-0127 fax

(This is GREAT)

Dear Fellow Radnorites and School Board Members,

I moved to Radnor in November, 1968 and attended Ithan Elementary. The first

person I met was Mike Cox. He attended my 40th birthday last summer!

My first day of school, I missed bus 8 and walked home. Past the Marcus',

Balbirnie's and Smith's. (I transferred years later to Denison University

and the only person I knew on campus was Shelly Smith 78').

I attended Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church (as often as my parents could

conjole me into going) and met kids from all five of the Radnor Elementary

schools there. When the middle school years began, I knew more kids than

most other sixth graders.

Mr. Paist was our math teacher who had to endure loud roudiness when the

noon firebell blasted right outside his window over the firehouse (did you

say something? speak up sonny).

The animal trophies lined the third floor hallways and Mr. Trama was in

charge (or else a Judo match could be called).

Mr. Silcox's Electric lunchblock (where I met the McShane girls; sure wish I

could have played the guitar).

Pingpong in the halls outside the cafeteria, wood shop, and MR. Virgilio for

gym.

Waiting in the rooms for the bells to ring, we'd play paper football games

or hockey with coins on the "modern" furnishings.

It was cold walking to classes in the "C" building.

My first business venture was to run up to O'Brien's newstand, buy 5 cent

bubble gum and sell it for 25 Cents I wish I could tell you I invested the

profit in Berkshire Hathaway). Of course, Mrs. Hoxie could always find gum

in Dana Corbo's mouth no matter how well he could hide it (or maybe he just

liked Mrs. Hoxie that up close and personal?). Someone wake up Cliff

Roach,(the hero I recently read about in the Phila Inquirer).

When the Flyers won the Stanley cup, nobody was more understanding of all

the absentee notes than good old Mr. Sulpizio. He spoke loud AND carried a

big stick. I found myself in his office more than I should have been. He

also guided me in doing the right stuff which has paid off throughout my

life. Sorry Steve W. about that punch.

When they (and now I know who "they" are!!!), tore down the "C", I went

beyond the fence and grabbed a brick. I still have that brick. It

represents so much of those "Wonder Years" of my adolescence. I hope that

the school board finds a solution to their building problems that seem to

necessitate tearing down the rest of our school through some other means.

My first dance was in the girl's gym, my first fist fight behind the row of

bushes by the boys gym (I didn't win). My first mile around a track (didn't

win there either), my first detention (I'm innocent, I swear). My first

stab at entrepreneurship. My first encounter with an angry Janitor

(Butterball). My first musical instrument lesson. My first wood craft

(that I gave my grandmother who left it "back" to me when she died). My

first of so many firsts...

There's a new High School, I haven't visited, and really don't feel inclined

as I apparently wouldn't recognize the place. Let's not do that to our last

historic school building. After all, the first Radnor school house still

stands on Darby-Paoli Road. Why not tear that one down, certainly no one's

alive still who went there?

I was skiing this past winter at Blue Mountain with my kids. We had room at

our table for a bunch of teenagers to sit and enjoy their bagged lunches.

My oldest, at 10, felt uncomfortable sitting with these "big" kids. I got

to talking with them and found out they were from Radnor. Radnor Middle

School. We instantly had a lot in common in that old building, those

hallowed halls, the ins and outs. For all the ages....past, present and

future keep Radnor RADNORISH.

Thank you, for saving me the sadness of having to pick up another brick.

David G. Schwab

Radnor Class of 1979

I loved The Junior High, & think the "town" should support it.

Sue DiLella '74

Dear Tim,

I am a 1973 graduate of Radnor. I remember it well. I am not very good

at the computer, but am writing you to tell you that I do not want to lose

the middle school. I had some great times there and hope it will always be

there for my kids to see.

I will support you. Let me know how.

Gabriele B. Polli (Parshley)

Dear Tim:

We just received your email concerning the Radnor Middle School's present

location in downtown Wayne. We feel it's a huge asset to our town. The

children's presence is important to maintain our community's cohesiveness.

There is a certain atmosphere the children lend to Wayne reinforcing it as a

family place.

The downtown merchants benefit from the commerce from the children and

their parents. Having the children in a town setting gives them choices that

would not be available to them otherwise. We would sorely miss the Middle

School if it were moved.

Sincerely,

Ellen and Alan Epps (RHS '75)

Dear Tim, Although i no longer live in Radnor township, let alone the state of Pennsylvania, I was heartbroken to learn of the proposed closing of the middle school! There are more than one reason that the powers-that-be should seriously reconsider , although first and formost for me were the wonderful experiences that remain clear and potent. Mr Trama and Mr Boston and Silcox for the sciences, Mr Sulpezio for social studies [and later as vice-principal] and all of the other wonderful educators [and friends] that shaped my view of life. There has always been a certain aura to the middle school in general, and the place it held in the community. I don't believe that I am alone in decrying the destruction of cherished institutions in the name of so-called "progress". The middle school building and all it represents are exactly the reason that people move to the Wayne area. A slower, calmer way of life that is vanishing everywhere in America. Is this really progress? Although this letter may appear to be somewhat dramatic, that is only because I believe in your mission. Please pass on this e-mail if possible to the township board. Thanks for what you are doing. I'm sure that you are not alone in your commitment. Keep me informed re any progress. If need be, I will appear in person to state my case.   Peter Haase  1968-1970

Dave Finnell

Class of 75'

Sorry that I am unable to responded using the Angelfire Website. I thought you would still be interested in my opinion. Please feel free to forward my response to those you feel will listen. I am a Radnor Middle School Alumni and current Radnor resident. I also feel  that the Radnor Middle School is an asset to the community of Wayne and must be rebuilt there. If the members of the School Board continue to oppose the overwhelming majority they should be in jeopardy of losing their board seats.

Charles Robinson

340 Chamounix Rd.

St. Davids, Pa 19087

Tim
         Keep up the fight . Alot of great memories from the junior high.
(Showing my age).  I presently live in the North Penn school district  and if
you heard anything about us in the past few years I'm sure it wasn't all
good.  Keep the issue alive and keep it in the papers. Tug the heartstrings
and fight the good fight.  Believe me, if someone's political career is at
stake and they feel cornered that's when you can really pounce on them. Keep up the
good work and good luck.

                                                Steve Kohler  "75"

Dear Tim,
    Count me in.

Bob Conaboy
Class 0f 1972

How wonderful of you to take the time to try to save Radnor middle school. I

absolutely agree the loss of this building would be a true loss. I admire you

for trying to save such a wonderful piece of Wayne history. Thank you, Amy

Schwartz Broyles Radnor class of 1977.

Please pass on my request to SAVE THE MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Have a super day!

Carolyn

Tim,

I went to Radnor Jr. High a long time ago, 1965 or so and just the

memories after looking at the photo's are enough to get my support.

However I lost the e-mail address to the page. E-me the address please

and I'll save it. I will give you all the support I can from

California. Sincerely, Charlie Joyce

Tim, I visited your web site and added my comments about community schools

and intergenerational living. We live in a district that is entirely a

walking district, a true rarity, but we love it. It is easy for people to be

involved in the schools and there is a growing sense of community, despite

political challenges. We are constantly faced with the tough financial

issues of surviving as a very small school district, and often tempted to

merge with a larger district, but the value of the small community school to

our kids is immeasurable. You have a small piece of that with the Radnor

Middle School. Since I no longer live in Radnor, I'm not sure my opinion has

much value, but it seems to me that saving the Middle School is a worthwhile

fight, so long as educational quality is not compromised. Good luck, and I

hope whatever decision is made turns out to be in the best interest of the

children and the people of Radnor.

Tricia Crawford Coscia

Radnor Alumni, Morrisville School Board Member

Morrisville, PA

crawcos@earthlink.net

P.S. If you are interested in hearing more about our schools, and especially

our community and intergenerational programs, feel free to contact me. We

are truly a unique district, and we are on a very positive path despite

economic and social challenges. I really believe our small size and

intimacy within the community allows us to support and nurture our students

more effectively.

215-295-0488

To Radnor School Board and all interested parties:

It has come to my attention that the issue of preserving the Radnor Middle

School has yet to be fully resolved, despite an overwhelming majority of

local residents who want it to be kept as an integral part of the Radnor

community. I am an alumni of Radnor schools, graduating in 1978, and the

excellent education I received at both the Middle School and High School

allowed me to pursue my BA at Yale and later my MBA at Duke. When I look

back on the excellent education I received in Radnor, I can point to the

positive experience I had at the Radnor Middle school as the catalyst that

not only helped me immensely in my educational pursuits, but in life in

general. Working for SAP America, a company headquartered in Newtown

Square, I now live in the Boston area but get a chance to regularly visit

the "mainline" when in town for company meetings. I cannot imagine the

Radnor area without the Middle School -- it is an asset worth preserving for

both today's youth and future generations. It is an integral part of the

Radnor community and a representation of who we are, what we are capable of

doing, and of what we can all do and be in the future. Please preserve the

Radnor Middle School!

Regards,

Fred M. Isbell

Radnor Class Of 1978

==========================================================

Hi Tim,

Although I do not reside in Radnor Township or Delaware County, I still an a
property owner in Radnor and pay property taxes respectively.

It sounds like the school board is planning to tare down the Middle School
per your e-mail.  Are the planning a new school on that site?  Relocating the
Middle School?  Or some other plan?  

I would be interested in more information.  In my heart, I am conservation
minded and was sorry the see the building facing Windermear Avenue go down in
the early eighties.  I grew up across the street from the Middle School, on
Midland Ave., and have fond memories of playing on the field, and the
historic nature of the architecture of the buildings.

Please e-mail me more info if you can, or point me in the direction of where
I can learn more about the School Boards plans.  I would be interested in
getting behind your cause, but would like to know more of the facts.

Thank You,

John A. Montgomery
JonnMont@aol.com

Support for RMS Steve Pendergast 1960
Please keep me on your list.
This water problem is NOT new.
The Girls Gym was wet in 1955!!
None of our former boards wanted to deal with the problem.
The location is the "center" for Radnor Twp.
Thanks,
Steve