After walking the halls as a student, Susan Sabbatelli, now an author and educator, returns to Killam School to share her book with a new generation
Reading, MA — Many years ago, a little girl walked into a brand-new state-of-the-art elementary school, called the J. Warren Killam School of Reading, Massachusetts. This would be the school where she would learn to read; a truly priceless gift. She wore her best dress, her hair neatly tied back in a bow. She was a little nervous as her mom gave her a kiss goodbye. She knew she was part of a very special class. The first class ever to enter the new school. When the little girl was greeted by her teacher’s warm smile, she knew she would be a teacher, just like Miss Dugmore.
Miss Dugmore took her class of 26 on a tour of the new school. It smelled of cleaning products and new carpeting. The little girl’s black patent leather shoes clicked as she walked on the immaculate tiles of the lengthy hallways. The sun sparkled through the crystal-clear windows that lined the halls. The gymnasium’s vast floor glistened with its waxy shine. The library was filled with new books waiting to be read for the first time. At the end of the tour, the little girl walked into the ginormous cafetorium. The grand stage was situated at the back of the room with regal drapery.
Fifty-five years later, Susan Sabbatelli, who was once that little girl, returns to Killam School. She has fulfilled her aspirations of becoming a teacher. She, like Miss Dugmore, has taught hundreds of students the ABCs. Susan always taught her students letter sounds by using a poem she had written. After teaching with tremendous joy for over 30 years, she returned to Killam for a part-time position as an assistant. She is still an educator, but now in the place where she began her education. A lot has changed over the years. As Susan celebrated her birthday of legal retirement age, Reading residents voted to rebuild Susan’s beloved Killam School.
Now, Susan is on that same stage but with kindergarten and preschool children looking to her. The worn-out drapes have been replaced a few times, and those shiny floors are now dark. She gets handed a mic on stage to give a presentation about The Apple Bear Cookie Book. Susan’s daughter, Lynsie Sabbatelli, stands beside her. Lynsie helped her turn her ABC poem, which she used to teach her former students, into a published book. Lynsie and Susan want to share The Apple Bear Cookie Book and Song with children everywhere. This duo has presented their book to many different schools across Massachusetts, but this presentation is extra special for Susan. If it weren’t for this beloved school that inspired her to become a teacher, she would never have written her book.
Soon, there will be a new Killam school with shiny floors and sunny, crystal-clear windows to inspire the next class. Susan is honored that a copy of The Apple Bear Cookie Book will be in the new school’s library. Susan and Lynsie look forward to inspiring many more “Miss Dugmore’s” to read to their students. Learn more about Lynsie and Susan Sabbatelli, watch the book and song, or purchase The Apple Bear Cookie Book today.
