Christine Condi
1. When did you go to Allen?
My family moved to Medford in 1977, when I was in second grade. My first day of school was Valentine's Day. and our classes attended school in trailers because the school was so crowded! 1977-1980
2. Who was your principal?/ Any special memories?
Oh no! I'm a principal now, and I don't remember my elementary school principal's name! I think I need to try a little harder to get to know the students so they don't forget me!
3. Who was your favorite teacher?/ Who was the teacher that inspired you the most? Any special memories?
I loved all the teachers I had at Allen School! My third grade teacher is still teaching there! Mr. Reed made learning so much fun! I remember him reading us one of our favorite books, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing as we were ending our school year and preparing for fourth grade. But I also remember being totally embarrassed in Mr. Reed's class! One time when it snowed, my mom sent me to school in my snow boots, but I had sneakers to change into once I arrived. As I was changing into my shoes, Mr. Reed, teasingly, announced, "P.U.! What smells!" Boy, was that embarrassing.
4. What time did you go to school? /What time did you leave school?
I honestly don't remember the times, but I do remember being in fifth grade and being mad at my younger sister who attended afternoon kindergarten and got to stay home with our mom all morning.
5. Did you eat lunch in school? / Did you get recess? Any special memories?
We did eat lunch in school... in the basement (the school was much smaller than it is now)! I remember chocolate milk being a very special treat, and it only cost six cents! What I remember the most is one of my favorite people at Allen School who I only got to see at lunchtime, Mr. Edwards, our janitor. He used to make a Popeye face, and he looked just like him! He always encouraged us to eat our spinach! At recess time, we liked to play tag or do flips off the monkey bars. I remember being very jealous of Haines School when they got their new tire playground.
6. Did you get homework? Did you get a lot of homework?
I loved school, and, therefore, I loved homework! I don't have any particular memories relevant to homework.
7. Did you have a different teacher for every subject? Any special memories?
We only switched classes once we got to fifth grade, and if I remember correctly, it was only for math and reading.
8. Did you have gym, music, art, or anything else? Any special memories?
We had all three, gym, music, and art, and I loved all of the teachers! Art was always one of my favorite subjects. I loved when we carved wood blocks to make prints.
9. Were there any sport teams for the school?
There weren't any teams, but Mr. Kucmyda did have intramural sports. I remember playing intramural basketball when my older sister came and told me that President Reagan had been shot!
10. Did you enjoy your years at Allen? Any special memories?
I remember the years leading up to fifth grade, always looking forward to being the oldest kids in the school. Mrs. Cokus, a fifth grade teacher, did a production with her class every year, with lots of singing and dancing. When I attended Allen School, students all gathered in the gym before and after school. As a fifth grader, instead of sitting in your class line on the floor, you got to sit in the seats. Boy, did that make us feel grown-up!
11. What was your favorite memory?
It's hard to think of a particular event that I would call my favorite memory. It's more of a feeling being comfortable and happy and looking forward to school each day. As I stated before, I loved the teachers whom I was assigned each year. Mr. Reed is the only one who still remains at Allen School. Since my mom is the school secretary, I still get to see him, too! One of my favorite memories with him actually occurred when I was teaching, as well. We were both honored with the Governor's Teaching Award the same year (and Mrs. Reed received it the same year, too)! What an honor to be recognized as an outstanding teacher alongside one of the teachers who inspired me to become an educator. I'll never forget that moment!