The Lower School and then K–8 counted on Scott. By the time we arrived at school each day, he had unlocked each classroom so we could bypass the fumbling for keys, and made coffee so that we could infuse our bodies with morning energy for greeting the already-energetic students. He’d read his emails and could announce to all faculty the order of the day ahead: who was absent, how the schedule had changed, which dignitaries were visiting, what was forecast for weather and how many days were left in the school year. He treated us like family.
His humor was noteworthy, with puns close at hand. The astute student spent the day chuckling while others looked bewildered. His joking was caring, kind and supportive. Our students, in turn, admired him, felt comfort with him, and showed affection for the man who always wore a noteworthy necktie and, surprisingly, would quack like a duck at the least provocation.
His math classes began with the Problem of the Day. This year, he surely asked, “What is the connection of 32 and the real world?” The answer is the number of years Scott taught at Milton. Fifth graders kept him young and through them he followed his passions in world cultures, stock portfolios and the environment. Students, by year’s end, could sketch a map of the world from memory. They’d read about Greek gods, invented corporations, sold T-shirts as part of their business model, recited weekly poems, supported the rain forest in Costa Rica, navigated via GPS, and knew all there was to know about CIO (coin, inch, ounce).
Scott speaks fluent Mandarin and paints Chinese scrolls with great skill. His expertise led to helping out in the second grade and traveling to China with Upper School students. He is a bit like that quacking duck: a look of calm above water with much going on below the surface. His running the talent show for years was no accident.
We hope that Scott will continue to keep us informed, even though he has grandchildren to tend, sports teams to cheer, and tennis games to play. We will remember to turn off the lights when we leave a room, recycle, and save our pennies for the rain forest. Scott is everyone’s idea of a fine friend, wonderful colleague and spectacular teacher.
Caroline Damp
Former Faculty Grade 4