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By KARA O'CONNOR

Villager Staff Writer


WILTON -- Saying goodbye is not Lynn Tinacci strongest suit, and the Driscoll School principal knows that the last day of school this coming June will be one of her hardest.

After 10 years as principal of the Wilton elementary school, Tinacci will be retiring on June 30, 2010.

"I have to say that I will really miss Driscoll and everybody here," she said. "But I have been doing this a long time and it's time for a break."

Before coming to Driscoll in 1999, Tinacci served as a teacher and principal in various school districts in Minnesota. Even though she is retiring, she doesn't plan to stop working completely, she said.

"I would love to work at a University," said Tinacci. "Or maybe become a substitute teacher. Either way, I have been working in education for so long, I don't think I am going to be able to just stop."

This coming summer, Tinacci plans on moving to Delaware near the beach with her husband. She said she plans on spending her free time traveling and relaxing with her two grandsons and her husband.

Tinacci said there isn't one specific memory that she would define as her best at Driscoll, but she noted that she will miss the excitement of the first few weeks of the school year.

"The first day or two at school is just so great, for everyone," said Tinacci. "There is high excitement from teachers and students and there is just and aura of optimism around that time. Plus, it's just so precious seeing kids getting off the bus for the first time with their brand new backpacks and outfits on, ready to go."

Tinacci said she is also very proud of what the school has accomplished within her 10 years as principal.

"When I started here, there wasn't even a computer lab," she said. "Now the kids are better at technology than the teachers because they have so much practice. It's wonderful, our literacy program is thriving, the kids love to read. I think this school, the teachers and kids, are just wonderful."

Superintendent of Wilton Public Schools Gary Richards said that during Tinacci's 10 years in Wilton, she has made significant contributions to the schools' administrative team.

"Lynn has consistently demonstrated extraordinary skill as an instructional leader and a genuine commitment to serving the students, staff and parents at Driscoll," he said. "We thank her for her service and wish her all the best in the years ahead."

Leaving Driscoll may be the hardest thing she has ever had to do, Tinacci said, but she is confident that the teachers will continue to make the school a warm, welcoming place for everyone.

"The key ingredient to a good school is the warm relationship between teachers and students, and Driscoll has that," she said. "This is really a close school and that is going to be hard to leave. I have truly enjoyed every day here at Driscoll. I'm not sure how many principals can say that."

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