Musketeer Monday: Tammy Walsh

Cordello Elementary School Media Specialist, Mrs. Tammy Walsh, is featured in this week's Musketeer Monday spotlight!  

Mrs. Walsh began her career in the Central Islip School District in 1997 when Alfano Elementary School was the Early Childhood Center. Two years later, when the Cordello Elementary School opened its doors in 1999, Mrs. Walsh was excited to have the opportunity to help design and set up the brand new library. 

Asked about her goals and the rewards of her work, Mrs. Walsh explained: "As Library School Media Specialist at Cordello, it is my hope that I am helping nurture a love of reading in the students; but I consider my role to have a much wider scope than that. I work hard to make the library a welcoming space at any given time a class may be sharing a read~aloud or favorite story, doing research on a composition, or participating in a variety of creative activities which allow them to explore new hobbies, build skills, and engage in collaborative projects. I love watching our students connect with a story or discover a new interest."

In her spare time, Mrs. Walsh very obviously loves to read, but she also enjoys working in her garden anytime the weather permits; however, her free time is filled with so much more, as she elaborates: "My weekends are filled with family time, not just with my husband and kids, but also with our extended family having game nights or sharing pot luck dinner. Family time is my favorite time! I have been married 27 years and have three incredible daughters and three beautiful grandchildren. Time with my family is my absolute favorite time," Mrs. Walsh continued. "It means so much to me that as my girls have become adults, we have grown even closer." Mrs. Walsh loves to travel with her family, have game nights, try out new recipes and restaurants, and binge their favorite shows!

Mrs. Walsh speaks fondly of her colleagues and the Cordello School Community: "Being part of the Central Islip Community and the Cordello Family is a role I am especially thankful for. The colleagues who have become friends, the families who I have the good fortune to get to know, and most importantly, the students who I have taught and mentored, have made my teaching journey one that I cherish."

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sharon A. Dungee, shared her thoughts about this extraordinary School Media Specialist: "Mrs. Tammy Walsh sets the platinum standard and example for what every School Media Specialist and children's librarian should represent. When Cordello Elementary School first opened in 1999, Mrs. Walsh was presented with the opportunity to help design the school's library and create a warm and welcoming literary environment. Her insight and thoughtful contributions helped establish this tone which the library reflects from the moment you enter this literacy center. For 26 years, children have been engaging in so much more than checking out library books," Dr. Dungee said, adding: "Classes of students sit in awe, listening intently, and even interacting as Mrs. Walsh reads age~appropriate stories to her students. She inspires children to want to read, and also to explore beyond the boundaries of books to research and discover the world and people around them. Mrs. Walsh is a role model School Media Specialist that we are so proud to have as a member of the Central Islip School Community."