(Editors note: This letter was sent to Robert Geczik, principal, Shelter Rock Elementary School, the board of education and to the Manhasset Press for publication. Miss Mitchell has been an interim kindergarten teacher since September while Mrs. Kasper was on maternity leave.)

Recently in Manhasset, there has been some negativity regarding our schools. Budget increases, program cuts, and overcrowding are just a few of the issues you are hearing every day. Sometimes parents are so focused on the cause, that we forget what a wonderful job our teachers and administrators are doing every day.

On that note, I wanted to write a letter of glowing praise for Miss Marissa Mitchell and all that she has done for her kindergarten class in Mrs. Kasper's absence. Her enthusiasm, professionalism and love for the children are evident to anyone who sees her in action. In the seven months she has been teaching my son I have seen a profound effect in his attitude toward school. His attention and devotion to schoolwork have progressed leaps and bounds from the beginning of the school year. She has instilled in him an eagerness to learn and a desire to strive to the next level. I feel that her teaching methods are right on target for getting eager little minds and restless little bodies to comprehend and focus on the task at hand.

Miss Marissa Mitchell is a fantastic teacher and it is with a very heavy heart that I see her go. I sincerely hope that the school board will find a way to bring her back into the Manhasset School Ddistrict. I would love for either of my children to have the privilege of being taught by her in the future (first grade and above at Shelter Rock would be wonderful!). Please, let's do our best to bring this wonderful, dedicated and talented teacher back into the Manhasset school district where our children will thrive under her tutelage!

Karen Corcoran

Mother of kindergarten twins, Sean and Rose Corcoran