Image Cred: FHS Website
Franklin High School teachers are individuals that we know and love. They set us up for greatness and inspire students more and more, each and every day. In your mind you might ask, what is my teacher's story? What made them get into teaching? Was it always something that they had wanted to do? Today at FHS, we chose to interview Mr. Guglielmo. Mr. G (As his students call him) is a multi course teacher, he teaches subjects such as AP Psychology, Human Development/ Behavioral Relations and Sociology.
Soon to retire this upcoming June, Mr. G was asked a few questions about his time here at FHS, the first being “How long have you been working at FHS and what do you like the most about working at FHS?” In response Mr. G replied “FHS has been a home for me for the past 31 years... It is hard to believe that I will no longer be teaching at Franklin next September. From the very beginning, I saw that Franklin High was a special school, where inclusion and acceptance were more than just concepts, but actual practice. The overwhelming sense of warmth from the community of staff, students, and parents made a newcomer feel like an immediate family member. I immediately immersed myself in every opportunity I could find in order to make a place for myself, and in turn developed life-long relationships that have changed me for the better. Whether it was coaching sports, advising Model UN, being an officer for the teacher's association, or just a mentor to new teachers, I felt a sense of responsibility to give back to FHS for all that I had been given.”
To continue, Mr. G was asked “What was one thing that you want your students to take away from your teaching? With a warm and kind heart Mr. G replied with, “One thing that I hope my student's take away from teaching, or even me in general, is that I teach from a place of love. I want my classroom to feel welcoming, inviting, comforting, and to truly be a safe space from, the noise of the outside world. I want my students to laugh with each other, and with me, and not laugh AT each other. There is a fundamental difference between the two... I hope students still see my room, and my classes as a place that is a highlight of their day.”
With retirement inching closer for our beloved Mr. G, we asked him to ponder on all the years that he has given to FHS, we wanted to see what his favorite year teaching was and what he will miss the most about the home of the warriors. In response Mr. G said, “While I have had many classes throughout my time that hold special importance to me, I can say that my most memorable class was the class of 2001. Indelible friendships were formed that are still strong to this day. The class was so strong that when they arrived at their senior picnic, the class advisor Bob Strickhart, greeted each student with an envelope that had a refund of cash because the class had raised so much money. They also received a free prom DVD (a big deal at the time)... I hope that the safe learning environment I strive for, really does provide the comfort and asylum from everything that is happening in the world. If I need to add a few more toys and ducks to the room then I will be happy to do so.”
My wife asked me this the other day,--"when you retire, aren't you going to miss all the people?" Without hesitation that is going to be the hardest part of my post FHS life. I am, and have always been, a social butterfly. I need people, and the people here have been so much more than colleagues--they are my family. In the case of Mr. DiMarco--literally. Isabelle Allende, writes "true friendship withstands Time, Distance, and Silence." or as Elizabeth Foley writes "the most beautiful discovery true friends make is they can grow separately, without growing apart." I am not retiring because I no longer want to teach. I am retiring because I want to devote my time to new interests, and even get a chance to return to my first love of writing and film production. I look forward to sharing Louis with the world, and letting Mr. G enjoy a well-deserved break.”
Thank you Mr. Guglielmo for putting so many years into Franklin, your caring heart, warm soul, and empathic character contribute to the environment of FHS. The best is wished upon you for all of your coming years, another thank you is in order, for you have helped make FHS a better place. Congratulations on your retirement and the FHS newspaper wishes you the best of luck.
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