Bosom Buddy and Life-Long Learner, Berry puts the Cool in School

Notable: Bonnie Berry is a 15-year breast cancer survivor; She noticed the lump herself.

“I was offered the Teacher Center job the same day I was diagnosed with cancer,” she said. “It was a little angel on my shoulder.”

Berry explained that the job would be out of Sibley Hall at Plattsburgh State so she could go down the street to the hospital for chemotherapy. Berry also added that not working with kids for that time was good, because she could not be exposed to sickness while going through the therapy.

“Being a cancer survivor, you feel you have to give back some,” she said. Berry gives back as public relations co-chair with Laurie Lucia for the cancer society’s Plattsburgh Relay for Life. She is also a member of the Treasure Chest, the breast cancer support group at the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center. Berry is also one of the Boobie Sisters, a lip-sync group of breast cancer survivors. The group uses comedy to address the difficult topic.

“We have to laugh,” she said. The group has performed at events such as the Clinton County Fair, Relay for Life and the Treasure Chest annual dinner.

“Family always has to come first when you’re going through those early stages,” Berry said. “I had the support of my family and many friends…You look for the little things that make you happy.”

Berry was nominated to be a Laudable Lady by friend and colleague Debi Tripp. “She’s always just amazed me. She’s very positive and upbeat. She’s very organized, efficient, and very good with kids,” Tripp said. “I just think she’s a really cool lady,” she continued. Debi added that she has always seen Bonnie as a very strong and admirable woman.

Education Stats:
Berry graduated from Plattsburgh State University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in elementary education and nursing to 9 math, which, she commented, is no longer offered as a degree. She is also a certified reading teacher. “I was a the life-long student. I just kept going back for courses,” she said. Berry also earned a certificate of advanced study in administration.

Extra-Curricular Activities:
“I do gardening, knitting, and a little bit of quilting, just to keep busy,“ she said. “And always reading,“ She added saying that she is currently on the fourth book of the Twilight series. She stated that she likes to have the knowledge base of what the kids are reading. “I went through and read all the Harry Potter books,” she said. She also volunteers on the Schuyler Falls Planning Board.

Age: 62

Bonnie’s Words to Live By: “Never give up hope.”

Life:
Berry started her teaching career at Peru Central School in 1969 teaching fifth and sixth grade. She also taught remedial reading and math programs, as well as academic intervention services. In 1994 she became director of the North Country Teacher Research Center. At the center she focused on coordinating professional development for educators.

“I learned a lot and made a lot of connections at the time,” Berry said. She then went back to school to get her administrative certificate.

“I felt that I could be an asset to the school and to the teachers, being an advocate for them as an administrator,” she said. In 1996 she took an opportunity to return to Peru, and became principal of Peru Primary until 2006 when she officially retired.

Happiest when…
“I’m with family,” she said. Berry likes to take care of her granddaughter Bella. “I reserve one day a week for her,” she said.

Favorites:
The reading teacher’s favorite book is Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson. “It’s quite the story,” she said.

Once a Teacher Always a Teacher:
After retiring, Berry began working part-time at Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) as a facilitator trainer. She trained teachers to use specific software programs. While she was at Peru she had worked as the technology administrator, so she continued with that line of education, also teaching technology courses at the Teacher Resource Center. Her main goal in both positions was to make sure there was an infusion of technology in the classroom. Berry also continued on at Peru as a substitute assistant principal in the middle and high school. Throughout her career, Berry has been principal of all grades from kindergarten to 12th grade, “some short term, some longer,” she said.

Berry recently began a new job at CVES working three days a week as their tobacco control program specialist. She coordinates with school districts, providing materials to promote a tobacco free life for students and staff. She works in the schools looking at their different policies. Berry also continues teacher software training one day a week. “Retirement has not just been sitting,” she said. “I have a new job and am learning new things again.”

Home and Family:
Berry is originally from Plattsburgh. In August she and her husband Patrick will have been married for 42 years. They graduated from Plattsburgh Senior High School together. They have a daughter, Christine, 35, and a son, Matthew, 30. Matthew has a daughter, their granddaughter, Bella, who is 10-months old. “Christine is due to have a little boy in February, so I’ll have one of each,” said Berry, excited to also have a grandson.

Future:
Berry’s goal is to make sure she is healthy and able to stay active. “There’s always the goal to lose weight,” she continued noting how important it is to stay healthy after having had cancer.

 

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