![Annmarie Greenberg to Retire]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749650751/norwoodfontbonneacademyorg/ecds8z9swggeucfzepte/1_156.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749650751/norwoodfontbonneacademyorg/ecds8z9swggeucfzepte/1_156.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749650751/norwoodfontbonneacademyorg/ecds8z9swggeucfzepte/1_156.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749650751/norwoodfontbonneacademyorg/ecds8z9swggeucfzepte/1_156.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749650751/norwoodfontbonneacademyorg/ecds8z9swggeucfzepte/1_156.jpg","width":1280}])
In her 42 years in education, Annmarie Greenberg has done it all, and always leads with an enthusiastic ‘yes.’
“Annmarie, will you be the Easter bunny for our big Egg Hunt on Saturday?”
“SURE!”
“Annmarie, can you work your crafting magic on these auction baskets?”
“SURE!”
“Annmarie, can you write out the family tree of this fifth generation NFA family?”
“SURE!”
Greenberg–a master baker and crafter, local historian, After Care Coordinator, Alumni Relations Coordinator, Mission Advancement Associate, Math Coordinator, receptionist, teacher, coach, Joey the Bear, and the NFA Easter Bunny–is retiring after an illustrious career at NFA that started in the spring of 1980.
“As Annmarie has said herself, she bleeds blue and gold,” said Dr. Ryan Killeen, President of NFA. “Annmarie has served in many roles, but the constant has always been a deep connection to mission. With passion, humor, and steadfast dedication, Annmarie Greenberg is that genuine presence of mission with students, families and alumni.”
“I was given the opportunity to do my student-teaching at NFA and Sister Helen Wiegmann, who was principal at the time, offered me the third grade teaching position upon my graduation,” said Greenberg. “I have had a connection and relationship with the Sisters of Saint Joseph from the time I was five years of age which is when my sister entered the convent.”
Greenberg grew up in Wyndmoor and attended Seven Dolors Catholic Grade School before moving on to Bishop McDevitt High School. Inspired by her older sister, she went on to earn her degree in Early Childhood Education at Chestnut Hill College.
Following her stint as a student-teacher during the 1979-1980 school year, Greenberg was offered a lead position for third grade for the 1980-1981 school year.
“I was known then as Miss Vozzo! During my second year of teaching I began coaching JV field hockey and basketball and later coached softball,” said Greenberg. “I remained teaching in the third grade for nine years. I was married in 1985 and left NFA as a classroom teacher in 1988 to have my own children. While I was away from the classroom, I remained on the coaching staff along with helping out with intramurals.”
Greenberg returned to NFA in 1996 as a teacher in the Fontbonne Building.
“When I started back, I was a fourth grade homeroom teacher and then graduated to the sixth grade, teaching math and religion until my retirement from the classroom in 2015,” said Greenberg.
Greenberg tried her hand at something different, but returned to NFA two years later as the Alumni Relations Manager and After Care Coordinator.
“I guess you could say, I missed that NFA feeling!” said Greenberg. “I have spent almost my entire adult life at NFA. It has been a support system for me from the time of my college graduation, through the sad times with the death of my parents and my sister, the happy times with the celebration of my wedding and the birth of my children, along with the many health issues that I have encountered. It has always been my second home and the teachers, staff, and parents have all been my family. I have made so many strong connections with families throughout the years. It just felt right!”
Greenberg keeps in regular contact with NFA graduates and is always eager to celebrate their accomplishments and milestones.
“There are some that I have had lunch or dinner with over the years,” said Greenberg. “I love seeing them with children of their own and finding out what they are currently doing. I can say I have had the pleasure of teaching quite a few students whose parents were my former students back in the day. That is always a real treat for me. It’s like coming full circle!”
While Greenberg is indeed retiring, there will no doubt be sightings of her on campus as she continues to help NFA out from time to time as a substitute teacher, and, perhaps, the NFA Easter bunny.
“NFA has been my home away from home and an important part of my life for over 40 years. It will always be a part of me and will remain dear to my heart,” said Greenberg.”
EXTRA CREDIT
POSITIONS HELD:
- Head teacher in Grade 3, Head teacher in Grade 4, Head teacher in Grade 6. Math teacher Grades 4, 5, and 6.
- Math Coordinator for Grades 4, 5, and 6.
- Coach
- After Care Coordinator
- Alumni Relations Coordinator
- Receptionist
- Mission Advancement Office Associate
COACHING CAREER:
- JV Field Hockey: 25 years
- JV GIrls Basketball: 20 years
- Girls Varsity Softball: 20 years
MOST PROUD OF:
“I would have to say that I am most proud of the relationships I have kept with so many of our alums over the years.”
FAVORITE MEMORIES:
“Some of my favorite memories in the classroom would have to be meeting your homeroom on the first day of the school year and seeing their reaction to all the detail that we as teachers would spend in preparing the room for the year. Also I would have to say that the Christmas Budget project I would do with the fourth grade each December was always one of my favorite activities. Watching so many of the children I taught as fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students become the leaders of the school as eighth graders and celebrate their graduation with them!”
“I have so many fond memories of teams winning many championships and even a few undefeated seasons. I am still in contact with some of my players from the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s.”
LASTING MEMORIES:
“Planning and teaching alongside some great teachers over the years and meeting some wonderful families.
FAVORITE NFA TRADITIONS:
Some of my favorite NFA traditions would have to be:
- The Snowball Tournament
- Shadow Stations
- Field Day
- May Procession
- Thanksgiving and Christmas Outreach
WHAT ANNMARIE WILL MISS THE MOST:
“I will miss my colleagues and of course the children who I have worked with through the After Care program.”
WHAT ANNMARIE IS MOST THANKFUL FOR:
“I am thankful for the lasting relationships I have made with students, players, and parents through the years.”
MEMORABLE QUOTES TO LIVE BY:
“Fix your heart on God’s dream. Let it guide everything” Maxim 16
“If you can be anything, be KIND.”
WHAT THEY SAID:
"When I first met Mrs. Greenberg, she was Miss Vozzo, so I guess I'm dating myself a little! I don't recall not seeing a smile on her face, she has an infectious laugh, the patience of a saint (we were a bunch of know it all 3rd graders so I'm sure that was difficult!) and I always admired her preppy style which back in the 80's was oh so important! She is part of the NFA OG (trying to make myself seem not so old with that one!) and she will surely be missed. She is one of the greats and I'm always sad to see any of the teachers who worked side by side with my dad, leave NFA. (He was just as big of a fan of hers as I am!) I wish nothing but the best for her. She deserves it after all the love and dedication she has given many of us over the years." - Madeline Clements '85.
"Mrs. Greenberg is the embodiment of excellence, compassion and love. Annemarie (I can call her that now) was my first third grade teacher— you read that right. I remember, 35 years later, exactly where she sat down with me to talk about repeating third grade. Mrs. Greenberg spoke with me with respect, kindness and affection. She has touched thousands of lives— like mine. She personifies the teachings of Jesus and how lucky her students have been to have her as our teacher." - Justin Pizzi '93
"I think we both started at Norwood the same time. Her first year of teaching and I was transferring from St. Josaphat’s in Manayunk. As much as I can remember, Mrs. Delgado went out on maternity leave and Ms. Vozzo became our everyday teacher. She was wonderful! It was a tough transition for me coming in at 3rd grade from another school where kids already knew each other, formed friendships and spent a couple of years together already. She was so sweet, welcoming, supportive and put all of my feelings of being insecure and inadequate at ease. She hasn’t changed at all since those days. I can still picture her reading stories to us on the carpet at Fontbonne with her big smile, answering question after question from the students. I think that’s what makes her so special, the way she treats people. Kids don’t lie or forget, the way Mrs. Greenberg treated a bunch of 9 years olds at that time says a lot about her. No one was watching, she was just being herself. I was her the very best!" - Jack Stanczak '85
"Mrs. Greenberg was a huge part of my NFA experience—she was my homeroom teacher (twice), my math teacher, my summer tutor, and, most importantly, a constant source of warmth and support throughout my time as a student. She had a remarkable ability to take her craft seriously while maintaining a sense of curiosity and playfulness. This created a uniquely fun and supportive learning environment, where students felt comfortable being themselves and confident in their growing skills and journey toward young adulthood. She was—and is—one of a kind. Thank you, Mrs. Greenberg, for all you’ve done for me and for countless others!" - JJ Houldin '04
WHAT'S NEXT:
“I’m looking forward to getting some things done around the house that I never had time to do when working full time. I know I will not be happy to just do nothing. I will keep active, visit the gym more often, and go for long walks. I will probably find a little part-time work or possibly do some volunteer work.”
SEND ANNMARIE A NOTE!
Annmarie would love to hear from alumni, parents, and colleagues. CLICK HERE to share a memory with Annemarie.
HONOR ANNMARIE WITH A GIFT TO THE NFA FUND!
Making a gift to the school in honor of Annmarie's retirement is a wonderful way to celebrate her tenure at NFA. CLICK HERE to make a gift.
