Norfolk's "model" school

Teaching Pre K-8, May 1996 by Raymond, Allen

Everyone was dressed to the nines, even Mike McGarity who, the night before, had bought a spiffy white shirt and a classy tie. "You're matching, Mr. McGarity," the kids in his kindergarten shouted with glee.

It was obviously going to be another fun day for teachers, kids and staff; a caring, sharing community.

It's an especially supportive community, too. Teachers helping each other, teachers helping parents and yes, kids helping kids. We saw that happen in a moving vignette when a fifth grader in the cafeteria line casually, and without prodding, took charge of a younger, handicapped child who was having trouble picking up her lunch.

Unusual? Not at Willard.