Hampton School District Honors Seven Retirees

HAMPTON — The Hampton School District would like to honor seven staff members who will retire from their roles at the end of this school year.  

Superintendent Dr. Lois Costa recognized each of the seven retirees — Timothy Lannan, Julie Jefferson, Sharon Tovey, Christine Strong, Susan MacNicoll, Kimberly Warburton, and Karen Bonsaint — during a School Committee meeting last week.

Timothy Lannan

Centre School Principal Timothy Lannan has served the District for 15 years. Since joining the district, he was able to build a Blue Ribbon School that was cited for achieving superior standards of academic excellence in 2014. Additionally, Lannan has worked to create Professional Learning Circles that have embraced the science of reading, data-driven decision making, early interventions, and the whole child.

“I have had the pleasure of calling Mr. Lannan my colleague and friend who also
shares the same birthday,” said Dr. Costa. “We wish you all the best in retirement.”

Julie Jefferson

Julie Jefferson began her work at Marston School in January 2003. She has always been a welcoming face at the Marston School – answering the phones, assisting families, helping students, and supporting our Hampton families.

“Mrs. Jefferson has the ability to organize her work, complete her tasks in a timely manner, and work with everyone, all with a smile,” said Dr. Costa. “Please know how much we have appreciated your 21 years of service. Best wishes as you retire!”

Sharon Tovey 

Sharon Tovey has played a huge role for the district as a Crossing Guard, Dining Room Monitor, Clerical Support, and Aide for Marston School. She has been with the district for 19 years, and has used her reliability, kindness, and sense of humor to foster relationships with staff and students alike. 

“I am confident that Ms. Tovey can do anything she sets her mind on doing,” said Dr. Costa. “To say that she has been a delight to know and work with would be an understatement.”

Christine Strong

Christine Strong, Paraeducator at Hampton Academy, has worked within the district since 2000. Strong has demonstrated her commitment to professional development and has participated in many offerings from the NEA and the Bureau of Education and Research. She has served the district by using her knowledge about strategies that support special education students, including how the brain learns, how to motivate challenging, uninterested, and hard-to-reach learners, and fostering
inclusive classrooms.

“What stands out most about Chris is her ability to be an effective member of her team, connect with her students, and provide meaningful support,” Dr. Costa said. “Best wishes, Ms. Strong! Thank you for 23 years of service to our district!”

Susan MacNicoll

Susan MacNicoll began her career in the district in August 2010 as Hampton Academy’s Technology Educator. During her time, MacNicoll was instrumental in Smart Board training, GeoGoogle Teachers, computer programming, Python
Computer Programming to teach STEM, and iPads in the classrooms. She has been commended for her presentation to the School Board and advocacy on behalf of our students and schools to support advancing technology in the district.

“Thank you Ms. MacNicoll for your leadership and service to our district,” said Dr. Costa. “It was through your leadership that our district has become a ‘cutting edge’ district with Shark News, podcasts, and innovative learning opportunities for our students.”

Kimberly Warburton

Kimberly Warburton has committed 40 years of service to education. She joined the district in 2001 as a science teacher at Hampton Academy and since has used her talents to nurture students to take risks and persevere with challenging tasks. Warburton is a positive team member who contributes ideas and energy to the school and school programs as well as after-school and extracurricular activities.

“It was no surprise that Mrs. Warburton was nominated for Teacher of the Year this past year! Thank you for all you’ve done for the Hampton community,” Dr. Costa said. “We wish you all the best in retirement!”

Karen Bonsaint

Karen Bonsaint joined Hampton Academy as a math teacher in 1984. Over the course of her career in education, there have been many changes including those that involved Highly Qualified Teaching Status, technology changes, special education changes, and accountability testing. Bonsaint easily adjusted to the changes and demands of her profession, as demonstrated by her evaluations and commendations. She has fostered a love of math and learning while challenging her students in this content area. Bonsaint is a master teacher, a member of the Hampton community, and a valued staff member.

“Mrs. Bonsaint leaves behind a lasting legacy of families she has impacted in her
40 years here, mine included,” Dr. Costa said. “For this, we are grateful and appreciative. Best wishes to you, Mrs. Bonsaint, as you retire. You will be missed!”