Thank you for all you have given to the students of Berkeley High over the past 18 years. It was not every class that our daughters were willing to discuss at the dinner table. (In fact, it may have been none.) But Politics & Power was different, as was World History. The classroom decor, the encouragement of sharing opinions, the remarkable ability to ditch school at the first whisper of a protest march – you created a place where kids could, perhaps for the first time, envision themselves as actors on the political stage. That was an invaluable gift to them.

Don't underestimate the impact you had on these then-young people. You touched, and changed, lives. Well done, sir. And thank you.

Ted Mermin & Claudia Polsky (parents of Talia '18 and Adrienne '21).

with care & gratitude,

Rebecca Haralabatos

I wanted to be sure to let you know how much you are valued by students, parents, and BHS staff! Every time BHS parents get together, your name shows up as a shining example of a gifted and caring teacher!

Thanks for treating students with intellectual respect, not dumbing things down for them.

Thanks for making them stronger thinkers and analysts.

You are a rare gem, a gifted and caring teacher!

Thanks for putting up with sharing the Choir room and the A101 Drama room, and for being gracious when the full cast of Macbeth walked in while you were in the middle of a lesson! 

My teen loved your Psychology/Sociology class, very lucky to get you before retirement!

I want to thank you for a wonderful year of teaching my teen, and for the years of teaching you have given to Berkeley High! 

You’ve earned a meaningful, fun, adventurous retirement!

Hope to hear where the next journeys take you.

Warm regards

Michelle Wolfson and Lilah Wolfson-Hecht ‘27

Your Politics & Power class was, hands down, our daughter's favorite class at Berkeley High. This class gave her space to indulge her inner politics nerd; sharpen her public speaking skills; elbow her way to the table in a room that happened, that particular semester, to be quite male-dominated; and step into the shoes of vastly opposing viewpoints (hello, Mitch McConnell!). Our daughter is now an international relations major in college who has held internships in Washington, DC, and who hopes to serve our country by working in U.S. government. Thank you for inspiring and nurturing her dreams.

Wishing you much joy and many adventures in your retirement!

Devra & Leif Nelson (parents of Raina, class of '23)

Best,

Your Favorite Student