To the Editor:
Sept. 1, 1964, “a day which will live in infamy,” Evelyn Taraszkiewicz began the journey of her life. For the next 46 years (47 in total), E.T. would make history in the Bayonne School District. They say, you are only as strong as your leader. Mrs. T. led by example. Her demands were great, expectations were high, her insight phenomenal, and her persistence never ending. As social studies director, she was our boss, our mentor, and our friend.
Because of her love of her career and her genuine interest in the well being of both the students in the system and the teachers, under her tutelage such programs as the Honors, the Championship Mock Trial, the award winning Congressional Hearings, a National History Day State Championship (making it to the nationals twice in three years), Teaching American History grants, seminars, and trips to historic sites such as Williamsburg, Washington, Lowell, and Gettysburg became a constant in the Social Studies Department. She brought technology in the form of tech carts, lap tops, and projectors into our classrooms. We were the envy of all departments because she was a visionary.
When advice was needed in teaching strategies or a troubled student, you went to E.T. We were all just one question away from the solution. We just had to ask. She hand picked teachers for specific classes so as to suit the needs of students better. The students were always her number one focus. “What can we do to make it better?” she would ask.
Six years ago, she adopted the English (K-12) Department. Since combining both English and history (two of the four majors), the HSPA scores are the highest ever as a result of her guidance!
She never backed down from a challenge, and faced everything head on. She was a woman with convictions and of standards who believed in what she was doing and always did it well.
To the Social Studies Department, she is the champion of champions, a strong leader, a role model, someone we all admire and have depended on. E.T., as you begin the next chapter of your life, we, your first born, want you to know that you have impacted each one of our lives. We are all better people for having both known and worked with you.
You have made a genuine difference. At this time, the climax of your career, you are going out at the top of your game on your terms. The respect you have earned is your legacy! Administrators and faculty from K-12 applaud you for your accomplishments. It has been an honor to have worked with you and learned from you. You have made your place in history. There is and can only be one E.T.!
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF BAYONNE HIGH SCHOOL