Each month the school district honors a valued employee whose exemplary efforts improves the quality of students’ educational experience in Garden City Public Schools.
This month’s Behind-the-Scenes: Employee Spotlight is focused on Linda Caperna, the speech therapist at Locust School. She has worked in the Garden City Schools for the last nine years and has been employed as a speech therapist for almost 30 years. “Linda is dedicated to the children and extremely conscientious,” commented Locust Principal Jean Ricotta. “She is always pleasant, cooperative, and willing to go above and beyond what is asked of her.”
Catherine Wheeler, director of pupil personnel services, stated, “Mrs. Caperna is child-centered, and researches strategies and technology to meet children’s varying needs. She is compassionate and professional.” Dr. Kelly Spagnola, Committee on Special Education chair, shared, “Linda is a very passionate speech therapist. Her wealth of experience and knowledge is a great asset to our school community.”
Caperna is married and has a daughter who is in first grade. She enjoys cooking, reading, boating and antiquing. “She works cooperatively with the classroom teachers, has a wonderful rapport with the children and is always excited about implementing new practices,” said Ricotta. Locust first grade teacher Linda Polant commented “The Locust staff feels lucky to have such a helpful clinician who is always providing resources and willing to share ideas on how to best support students.” “Mrs. Caperna’s caliber of instruction is outstanding and we are fortunate to have her at Locust,” concluded Ricotta.
Submitted by Garden City Public Schools
