Head of School Arlene Wishnew Celebrates
30 Years of Service to Vincent Smith School

Time really does fly when you’re having fun. After 30 years, Arlene Wishnew approaches each day at Vincent Smith School with the same enthusiasm she did when she drove on campus for the first time.

Prior to coming to VSS Mrs. Wishnew worked as a high school history teacher in Blackwood, New Jersey. After taking the time to start a family of her own, she arrived at VSS where she found a second home and an extended family.

Mrs. Wishnew joined the VSS staff as a lower school classroom teacher before accepting multiple responsibilities as a remedial reading teacher and high school English/math teacher. She later moved up the ranks to principal where she proved herself to be the perfect candidate for Head of School.

When Mrs. Wishnew reflects on time well spent at VSS, she recalls most fondly a recent visit from one of the school’s alumnus. “It was a very special moment for me,” said Mrs. Wishnew. “It was unexpected and more than 20 years had passed since I taught her as a student. It was heartwarming to know that she remembered me, and to hear about the impact she feels I have had on her life. Moments like that are what teaching is all about. They feel like rewards for a job well done.”

Mrs. Wishnew is an active member of the educational community and several professional organizations, which include, but are not limited to, the Council for Exceptional Children, the Nassau Counselors Association, the Long Island Association of Special Education Administrators, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, CHADD, the International Dyslexic Association, and the Clamdiggers (Heads of School on Long Island).

Over the years, VSS’ unwavering commitment to students has remained the same. However, Mrs. Wishnew and the Board realized the importance of improving its programs to fit the ever-changing needs of its students and society as a whole. In the 1990’s the school changed its mission to focus on serving students with special needs. Mrs. Wishnew and former principal Bob Klein collaborated to implement additional systems, programs and services that would not only benefit each student, but their families and staff members as well.

One might wonder what there is left for Mrs. Wishnew to accomplish. But after 30 years, she has no plans of riding off into the sunset. “This school has done great things, but there is still work to be completed. In the coming year, I want to refine the curriculum and further incorporate technology into the learning environment.”

“I am extremely proud of our ability to provide a place for children that allows them to feel safe, nurtured and motivated to succeed. Many of our children were not exposed to such an environment prior to coming to Vincent Smith School. While more than 83% of our students go on to college and others on to post high school vocational programs, I believe that number would be much lower for our children had they remained in a traditional setting. The level of support we provide to our students is incomparable. It is borne out of the fact that each of us is genuinely concerned about the welfare of our students. I have always believed that only if my students succeed, can I myself be successful.”