When St. Nicholas students return to school later this month, one person will be missing for the first time in almost two decades. Veteran first-grade teacher Helene Mihalcik has retired after 17 years. Mihalcik came to the El Monte Avenue School in 1987 after years in the Cupertino Union School District.
“Helene was completely dedicated to our first-graders and prepared them well for the challenges of second grade,” said Principal Matt Komar.
“Our daughter learned a lot in first grade,” agreed parent Gary Cavalli. “Ms. Mihalcik has a real knack for understanding each child’s particular strengths and weaknesses.”
Mihalcik started a number of first-grade traditions at St. Nicholas, including the Polar Express Party and the annual field trip to the Teddy Bear Factory in San Francisco. Every December, first-graders in bathrobes and slippers were treated to a reading of the Caldecott Award winning book “The Polar Express.” The “ride” ended with hot chocolate, cookies and a jingle-bell necklace for all.
According to Komar, Mihalcik doesn’t plan to leave teaching altogether. “Helene will continue to work with children, most likely in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, closer to her home,” he said.
Several years ago, Mihalcik was honored, with two other teachers, for 15 years of service with St. Nicholas. Three trees were planted on campus as a tribute to the educators.
Colleen Rooney will step into the first-grade role in August. “My teaching can be described by one word: passion,” said Rooney. “I love teaching and the students I teach. They are who I work for. I create opportunities for students to learn through action – manipulating objects and really interacting with the material.” Previously, Rooney taught at St. Clare’s in Santa Clara and in the Oak Grove School District in South San Jose.
There are still some kindergarten-5 spaces available for the new school year. For more information, contact Principal Matt Komar at 941-4056, or logon to www.stnicholasLAH.com.
