HOLLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Big crowd says good-bye to a great administrator!

After 24 years of serving the community in the Taylor School District, Sue Massucci, the principal of Holland Elementary School is retiring.

Mrs. Massucci, who is a product of the Taylor School District, began her career in Taylor in 1990 as a special education IEPC substitute teacher.  She was hired full-time and taught at Treadwell Elementary School for four years, in grades 2, 3, 4 and 5.  

She moved to Holland Elementary, where she taught kindergarten for four years.  She truly enjoyed molding the minds of her "little guys" and made friendships that would last many years.  She was encouraged to pursue a role as an administrator by good friend Nancy Varblow, then principal of Holland, in 1999.  

Mrs. Massucci then began a wonderful journey as the principal of Johnson Elementary School.  Johnson saw many positive changes during her eight years as principal, raising MEAP scores, creating new programs and building school relationships.  This  came to a close as the district decided to convert Johnson into a pre-school building.  

Mrs. Massucci, followed by 10 of her teachers, moved to Holland Elementary, where her mentor had left because of illness.  It was bittersweet returning to Holland due to the sad circumstances.  Mrs. Massucci pulled the school community back together, provided the building with stability and began to create a cohesive school family between students, staff and parents.  

For the past seven years, Mrs. Massucci has spent time getting to know each and every student. She made it a point to know every child's name and to get to each family at the school.

She has mentored new administrators, served as the school district spelling bee chairperson for 10 years, been an advocate for children and encouraged and supported her staff.

Recently, the staff and families honored Mrs. Massucci with a farewell party.  She was presented with a special tribute  from Gov. Rick Snyder, State Sen. Hoon Yung Hopgood and State Rep. Doug Geiss (by Mrs. Erica Geiss).  

She was also given letters of congratulations from Mayor Rick Sollars, U.S. Sen. Carl Levin,  U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Rep. John Dingell.  

Many former students, parents, staff members and friends from the community joined in wishing Mrs. Massucci well as she begins this new chapter in her life.   It was a wonderful send off and although everyone is sad to see her go, but they know she will always be a part of Holland Elementary School.

Mrs. Massucci's daughter, Abby, sang a special song, "Spotlight" for her.  The song tells everyone to be a star and shine bright, things Mrs. Massucci encourages everyone to do!