Educational Excellence Since 1912
Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating students in PreSchool through Grade 12

Saying Good-Bye to 35 ‘Fantastic’ Years

Jodi Amatulli
When Donna Lyons looks back on her 35-year career at Hamden Hall as a first-grade teacher, she can ascribe the experience to one word: Fantastic!
“Teaching at Hamden Hall has been a wonderful gift,” Donna said, who retired in June.
For Donna, it all began when she met a former Hamden Hall first grade teacher while doing volunteer work for the New Haven Junior League. Through that teacher, Donna became a frequent substitute teacher for a year at Hamden Hall. The following summer, Randal Simon, the Director of the Lower School, and Headmaster Dick Dolven, offered Donna a full-time job.
“The enrollment had increased and they needed another first grade teacher,” Donna recalled. “I accepted with enthusiasm!”
And she has never looked back.
“The school environment, the faculty, the staff, the families, and especially the students have made this a loving and rewarding experience,” Donna said. “Educating the children and watching them grow and develop academically, socially, and emotionally has been very gratifying. “
For Donna, teaching was “never a job” but a labor of love.
Head of School Bob Izzo said it will be hard to think of first grade at Hamden Hall and not think of Donna.
“For 35 years, Donna helped shape young minds.” Bob said. “We'll miss her collaborative work with our Lower School faculty and her individual teaching style that made an impact across the curriculum. We wish Donna the best in her well-earned retirement. “
Terry Porto, who taught first grade with Donna for 31 years at Hamden Hall, also extends her warmest wishes to her longtime colleague.
“Donna and I always got along, never had a disagreement. I think that’s pretty unique for two women who worked together for such a long time—side by side.” said Terry Porto, who retired from Hamden Hall last year.
Terry quipped that she and Donna lived and worked by a motto: “First grade is more fun than a picnic!”
“So each year—in the middle of winter—we’d have a summer picnic,” Terry said. “It so much fun. We’d have music and the parents would bring in food. We held our winter picnics for several years, and we just loved them.”
Terry also recalled a very playful side of Donna, pointing out one Halloween where Donna pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes.
“She had dressed up like a witch—full garb—mask and all,” Terry said. “It was such a great disguise that even I didn’t recognize her.”
Terry said that she and Donna, whose classrooms were always next to each other, worked in collaboration on every project that came their way, and that it was “always just a pleasure to work with Donna.”
 
FEELING THE LOVE
For Donna, the respect and fondness for Terry is mutual.
“I want to give a heartfelt thank you to all my Hamden Hall colleagues, co-workers, and administrators—past and present—and particularly my dear friend Terry Porto who I taught with for many years. Everyone has always been supportive, caring, and giving—not just to me but also to the students and their families throughout the years. I will dearly miss Hamden Hall.”
Donna said, however, she is “moving on” to devote more time and attention to her family: “My husband of 49 years, Dan; our daughters Amy and Monica; our son Daniel and his wife Kristen; our three beautiful grandchildren, Macy, 16, Dylan, 13, and Marlee, 10; and our cute little pug, Brady. And of course, I will be spending more time at our home in Nantucket!”
Donna notes that Monica and Dan attended Hamden Hall with Monica graduating in the Class of 1994. Donna shares a special bond with Monica, as she has followed in her footsteps as a teacher in our Lower School.
Donna said that working alongside her daughter was an added bonus to her career, and she quips that Monica will keep her posted on “Hamden Hall Happenings!”
“Love you all!” are Donna’s parting words.
 
—Jodi Amatulli
 
To make a gift in Donna’s honor, please call the Office of Development at 203.752.2616 or click here:
 
 
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