Mike Santiago by https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2 SpEd teacher, because full-time multi-tasking NINJA is not an actual job title. en-us 2020-06-10 14:49:04 UTC 2025-10-29 20:05:52 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f3c0.png You will most definitely be missed! Thank you for your advice throughout the past few years, and the words of encouragement. I wish you the best, and look forward to seeing you when you come back to visit. Thank you for helping me out when I had car trouble in the middle of winter- you are the definition of a good samaritan. Happy retirement! cvillacres1 https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621051924 2020-06-10 16:26:36 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621051924 Bill Loughran wloughran1 https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621064828 Hi Mike!

Congratulations on your retirement - I have known you for many years as a gentlemen and a mentor, and have had the great privilege of getting to know you these past two years as a great educator as well - not that I am surprising - you give your very best in all that you do - you have made your mark on the Satz school and your influence will be missed dearly!

Best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement!]]> 2020-06-10 16:33:31 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621064828 I'll miss you. I always enjoyed catching up with you at the copy machines! You deserve the very best during this next stage of your life! Wishing you an easy move and a relaxing life in Florida! https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621065227 Melissa Strouse]]> 2020-06-10 16:33:47 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621065227 Clear eyes, Full hearts stetreault https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621099397 There have been lots of times I've said to myself, "I wanna be like Mike!" I hope to someday manage to learn the secret of maintaining an air of calm as well as you do. Even when you might not feel it inside, your equanimity through so many different situations has been an amazing example and a calming influence on students and adults alike. That and your kindness have left indelible marks on the students lucky enough to pass through your care. Thanks for being such a great example to us all! I hope your retirement lets you continue to enjoy that calm, and that you can focus on the joys awaiting you, rather than being pulled in a thousand different directions! 

-Steve Tetreault]]> 2020-06-10 16:52:33 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621099397 Miss You!!! https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621174808  Hi Mike,
To one of the best people in our school....I want to wish you good health and happiness in your retirement.  You will be missed greatly!!! Who will I chat with about PC basketball ? :(   I will miss your restaurant reviews as well. I'm so sad to see you go but wish you 
endless days with your friends and family.  You will not be forgotten...you are special! All the best....take care.
Thank you!
 Congratulations!
Giovanna]]> 2020-06-10 17:38:43 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621174808 Congratulations! Enjoy the next chapter of your life... https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621194200 Jamie Brown

]]> 2020-06-10 17:50:15 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621194200 Congratulations! ahoward1906 https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621249829 Mike, congrats on your retirement my friend!  I'm not going to lie and say that I'm not a little jealous, because I am.  But you've worked hard, served your time and you deserve it.  Wishing your health, wellness and joy in your future endeavors...hopefully we'll cross paths playing fantasy football or betting on the NCAA tourney once again!  Take care!

~Art]]> 2020-06-10 18:26:39 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621249829 Mike, https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621255346 Congratulations on a well deserved retirement. I will miss your warm smile, gregarious personality, and general warm demeanor. But most of all, I will miss your infectious positive view of the world, your "glass-half-full" attitude, and your compassionate nature. No matter how my day was going, you always made it better....you made all of us all better, and for that I am so grateful. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all the best in your next chapter. I have no doubt it will be filled with adventures, laughs, and cold drinks!
Miss you already,
Marissa (& Gene) Crimoli]]> 2020-06-10 18:30:19 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621255346 Mike: stevebalzarini75 https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621420824 I know this isn't your first career and probably not your first retirement ... but CONGRATULATIONS are certainly in order. Your heartfelt way of working with students always made me admire you. Enjoy the southern lifestyle but don't ever forget the Bronx! -- Steve]]> 2020-06-10 20:34:29 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621420824 To my Fellow Yankee Fan https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621421020 Dear Mike,
Welcome to the Club!
I know for a fact that you will sorely be missed as a wonderful teacher and advocate in the SpEd department! Your calm and positive vibe was such a treat for students and colleagues alike. Enjoy your new chapter in Florida. Going to miss you in Asbury Park. Rich and I wish you all the best as you are so deserving!
Gen Bennett]]> 2020-06-10 20:34:38 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621421020 Mike, https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621522713 Last December you outlined you future game plan when we chatted at Kathy Logan's holiday party. I wish you health, happiness  and a wonderful retirement! You've earned it.
Rosie Unhoch]]> 2020-06-10 22:17:45 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621522713 Mike, https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621694724 I will never forget those good years we spent together teaching World History.  And who can boast that their teaching partner brought them samples from the best NYC steakhouse!!!  I wish you all the best!

Jon Schultheis]]> 2020-06-11 02:00:59 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/621694724 Mike, https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/622433295 Your love of sports is only topped by how much you are a good sport.  You came into our classroom and got covered in glitter, hung projects from ceilings and off walls, put up with my crazy antics and still came back for more.  Enjoy retirement.  You deserve it!
love, 
BB]]> 2020-06-11 13:20:28 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/622433295 Congratulations! akillean https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/622482040 Mike I am so very happy for you as you begin yet another chapter in your life . Wishing you a long line of days filled with sunshine and smiles. I am so glad that we got to know each other, and hope that we cross paths again in the future...maybe in Colorado! 
Enjoy every minute of your retirement. 
~Alicia]]> 2020-06-11 13:49:16 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/622482040 Enjoy! https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/622531698 Mike,
I want to wish you and Emily a enjoyable next phase of your lives with your retirement!You are truly a great person despite our sport teams differences! My hallway buddy for many mornings at our Satz post; which led to some great conversations. Thank you for being you and for being a wonderful teacher ,friend, and coach. I was so happy to coach Satz basketball this year and all the help you provided along the way. You deserved that undefeated season!! Enjoy what life has to offer in Florida and possibly some Met games for future spring training games:) I will miss you but  not your bologna  lunches!

Love,
Heather Bailey]]> 2020-06-11 14:18:03 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/622531698 Hey Mike - https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/622770219 Your name caps off a list of Satz retirees that will be sorely missed. This retiring class carries the weight of the '92 dream team and you my friend are wearing #9 ... Well #23 on your NBA rosters. Your insight over the last 10 years of my career at Holmdel has been much appreciated. Whether it came to teaching, coaching, or life in general you always took the time to offer your advice and ALWAYS had everyone's best interest in mind. The interest you took in all things Holmdel and your daily positivity was inspiring and made me continue to look for the best in every person and situation. I enjoyed our conversations at our morning posts,  hallways, baseball fields, basketball courts, and as far south as Washington D.C. I will miss seeing you at work all the time an hope to run into you somewhere during your retirement.

Congratulations. Tell Emily I said hi. Enjoy.

Chris Arecchi]]> 2020-06-11 16:27:12 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/622770219 Hi Mike, https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/623091841 I'm not going to lie and say I'm not jealous because I am! I have known you for many years and we have had some great conversations about sports, life, kids, and my cart (inside joke). As I said in my video you are an amazing teacher, colleague, coach, and person. You are so passionate about everything you do (yes even making your lunch & that amazing sub salad!) We will not only miss you but the students coming up to Satz are losing out on an amazing educator. I wish you and Emily the best in retirement and how fitting a Yankee fan live in the land of the Mets in Port St. Lucie. Thank-you for keeping my dreams alive each year when baseball season starts about the Mets winning a championship🤪. You are the best..good luck and enjoy!

Love,
T. Kelly]]> 2020-06-11 20:12:52 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/623091841 Mike, https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/623198492 I’m really annoyed actually that this is it (and jealous of my colleagues who had the opportunity to work with you for so much longer). I will miss your smile, your waves through the “fishbowl” separating us in the front hallway, your honesty in every meeting, and talking Yankees or fun weekend plans. But most of all, I’ll miss your encouragement and advice (as you’ve gotten me through a lot of tough days). When this whole thing blows over, and you’re back up visiting this neck of the woods, we’ll all head to the stadium to properly celebrate you. Have a very happy and healthy retirement and please keep in touch to make us jealous of the good life!

Love,
Chelsea Crowley
]]> 2020-06-11 21:55:15 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/623198492 Dear Mike: https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/623842570 Congratulations!  Thank you for being an inspiration and a role model!  I learned so much from you, especially in the IEP meetings. You are a great teacher and you will be greatly missed!  Enjoy the next phase in your life!  May it be filled with health, happiness and an eventual World Series win from the Yankees! 
Love, Marianne Asaro]]> 2020-06-12 11:04:20 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/623842570 Dear HONEY, https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/624064038  Your continuous concern and dedication for your students made you a great teacher. You are truly a man of a million stories.  I will really miss our conversations about your traditions with your family and friends, restaurants and of course, the Wall Street gossip.
I wish you the best as you transition from being a "Yankee Guy" to this new and exciting move to Florida. I'll be thinking of you when you're enjoying the beach.
Hoping and Emily enjoy your well deserved, relaxing time together.
I'm sure Melissa, family and friends will be visiting all the time. 
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best of health and happiness always, Love, Donna Russoniello (HONEY)]]> 2020-06-12 13:54:34 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/624064038 CONGRATULATIONS! mcaliendo1 https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/624070582 Mike,
Such a well-deserved milestone and accomplishment, though selfishly, I am not sure how Satz functions without you. I have always admired the way you are both firm and encouraging to your students, so that they want to work hard to rise up and impress you without intimidation. You have been  a safe harbor for so many of our students and athletes, and I know that your absence will be felt. I hope that this next chapter is relaxing and full of joy.
With love,
Melissa Caliendo]]> 2020-06-12 13:58:21 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/624070582 Mike, https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/624288504 You are the GOAT!! I will miss having you around because your presence was calming in a hectic environment. You are one of the most amazing people I have ever met. Your ability to be patient, kind and nurturing as well as giving tough love when needed will be missed by students and staff.  Enjoy this greatly deserved time off!
With love,
Jen Flynn ]]> 2020-06-12 16:09:35 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/624288504 Mike, https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/624705902 I don't even know where to begin! I can't imagine Satz without your smiling presence.  Your love of life is unmatched and I could always count on you to brighten my day, even if things were bringing me down.  You knew how to inspire even the most difficult student, and soften even the most stubborn teacher:) I wish you and Emily a beautiful retirement filled with good food, lots of laughter and at least a few Yankees championship wins:)
Love,
Lisa Imbro]]> 2020-06-12 23:55:51 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/624705902 Dear Mike, mgerbino3 https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/625086079 So I guess you really are retiring.  Who is going to unlock my door now?!?!?
You know I am forever grateful for all the years we taught together.  (Watch the video again for a refresher!) Simply put, you are the absolute best person I know. Satz is saying goodbye to a wonderful teacher and incredible man.  Whether it was a smile from down the hall, a glance at your watch as I walked in at 8:01 am, a look from the back of the classroom that told me exactly what you were thinking, all our “private” math jokes and favorite knee slappers, or all the stories of how you managed to get “in trouble” at home, you made coming to work so much fun. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your words of positivity, encouragement and support through the years.  Your “check-in” phone calls during the particularly challenging times were always a source of strength, hope and comic relief.  I could go on and on, but I suppose I should wrap it up. I’m going to leave you with a few words and phrases that should bring back memories:

-Shocker!
-The sharpener is brokeEN.
-Going to the dentist at tooth hurty.
-Here we go….REPLY ALL
-Ticonderogas
-It’s so hot in here!
-O is a letter. 0 is a number.
-NEGATIVE!!!!

Congratulations on this much deserved retirement. I will miss you terribly. Wishing you and Emily health and happiness as you start this new chapter in Florida.  I have no doubt that you will continue to have a better social life than I ever will!

With Love,
Melissa

]]> 2020-06-13 14:18:24 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/625086079 Hi Mike, https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/625159566 Wow, it finally happened! But, if I   remember correctly you did this once before.  Time to make it really official.  Enjoy this retirement, you certainly deserve it. I hope you get to go to many Yankee games.  Miss you.
Love, Diana]]> 2020-06-13 16:00:48 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/625159566 Mike-- https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/625164055 It's hard to know where to begin. You dreading Reyes coming off the bench @ RHS? Your first class w/ me arguing King Kong would beat Godzilla! Fast forwarding to "Bounce & Buffy" and throwing players around like a rag-doll!  With so many stories and good times it's hard to just pick a few. When I'm lucky enough to join you in retirement and look back on my 30+ years @ Holmdel, meeting you and our friendship will be at the top of my list. Even though we will be down to Florida and you'll be up in the winter I will miss our everyday talks on the world of sports and how our teams at Holmdel are doing. There's still many nights ahead so this isn't the end but know you're the man and there will never be another like Mike Santiago @ Holmdel--You're simply THE BEST!!
Sean]]> 2020-06-13 16:07:55 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/625164055 Dear Mike, cdesimone5 https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/625237657 It has been an absolute pleasure working with you and sharing students with you these last 3 years.  I always appreciated your guidance and perspective when I came to you about a student or a special ed related concern.  Wishing you the best on your retirement, enjoy this next chapter!
Love,
Christina DeSimone]]> 2020-06-13 18:03:19 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/625237657 mgerbino3 https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/625299253 2020-06-13 19:58:11 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/625299253 Congratulations! https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/625854887 Dear Mike, 
It has been a privilege getting to know and work with you this past year.  I wish you the best of luck and happiness in your new chapter!
-Emily Wright

]]> 2020-06-14 12:37:18 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/625854887 Hi Mike, https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/626301004 My congratulations on your retirement and wishing you happy days after Holmdel. New state, new home, new chapter! I will miss seeing you on the Spring Lake boardwalk but will think of you when watching the Jets. Maybe I might even root for them in your honor when football resumes - on second thought - Go Steelers!! You are one of the nicest guys I ever had the pleasure of working with. My best to you and Emilly and enjoy life to the fullest. LOL - Alana Lazar]]> 2020-06-14 20:02:09 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/626301004 CONGRATULATIONS! cmsimonelli https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/626474584 Mike,
I am going to miss our talks, our laughs and certainly all of the "best restaurants" to check out on the weekend!!   There aren't enough words to say thanks to someone who touches so many peoples heart! You are a wonderful person who lights up the room, you are a caring educator that has changed so many students lives, you are an incredible colleague and to top it off, you have a great sense of humor!  
I will miss you so much, but I am so happy for your next chapter in life!  Enjoy Florida and when I am there I will certainly look you up so we can go grab a bite to eat and catch up! 
Happy Retirement! You deserve it!
Love Chantal]]> 2020-06-15 00:01:15 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/626474584 Hey Mikey! https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/626580554 Look at you, retiring already! I guess you will have to make your baloney sandwiches at home from now on. Your positive attitude and compassion will be greatly missed. Enjoy your retirement, but don't be a stranger! 
Love,
Carolyn Broadhurst]]> 2020-06-15 02:37:35 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/626580554 Mr. S.! https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/627137022 I am going to miss you so much!  Who am I going to walk in the building with in the morning? I always loved hearing about your weekend adventures to watch games, go into the city, hanging out with old friends, trips to see Melissa and of course the restaurants you would stop at. I will even miss seeing you assemble all the different parts of your lunch in the fat room! Ha! The thing I will miss the most is all the wisdom and advice you gave. I will truly miss seeing you and hearing your voice everyday. Enjoy your well deserved retirement with Emily! Love you much.
xoxo,
Barth]]> 2020-06-15 10:51:14 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/627137022 Dear Mike, https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/627629477 Well, Satz is losing their angel!!! What a sad day for us, but such a happy time for you and Emily.  I think I speak for all of us when I say that one of the brightest lights at Satz will be gone.  I will miss you every day, keep your positive spirit and spread some more sunshine to Florida!! See you there!
Love, 
Colette Rafferty]]> 2020-06-15 16:19:18 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/627629477 Congrats https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/627659066 Mike,
Congrats on your retirement. I don’t know whose sandwich I am going to be jealous of during lunch time now. Your positive attitude will be truly missed at Satz. Enjoy!! 
Love,
Christen ]]> 2020-06-15 16:38:37 UTC https://padlet.com/cmsimonelli/6zt7kgaa8jww27v2/wish/627659066