Principal Gabriel Says Goodbye to Jane Ryan After 10 Years

The end of the 2010-2011 school year will see the loss of one of Trumbull’s longest-serving educators, Robert Gabriel, who has been the principal of Jane Ryan School for the last 10 years.

Gabriel worked for 37 years in Trumbull schools and for five years in the Monroe and Stratford districts.

Looking back on his history as a teacher, Gabriel said that the high points of the job have never had to do with personal goals or achievements. The driving force of his career has been to create the best learning environment for students.

“My philosophy is very simple. I think that quality learning begins when students are comfortable and when they feel that people care about them,” he said. "To me, it’s really more of a take on the Golden Rule: just treat others the way you would like to be treated.”

Gabriel started out his career at the elementary level, teaching at three different Trumbull schools over 10 years: Daniels Farm, Tashua, and the now-closed Center School. In the early 1980s, he became Tashua’s assistant principal and later accepted the same position at Jane Ryan. In the mid-1980s, he moved on to become the principal of Madison Middle School.

After 15 years there, Gabriel returned to Jane Ryan, this time as principal, and has remained there until now.

The announcement was made in an April 26 letter to parents, early enough so that the superintendent, Board of Education, and community would have time to choose a replacement.

No matter who is chosen to be the next Jane Ryan principal, though, Gabriel has unshakable confidence in the future of the school. He said that the raw ingredients for a successful school have always been present at Jane Ryan: a supportive parent community, highly qualified and dedicated teachers, and children who are conscientious and eager to learn.

The children of Jane Ryan have made a strong impression on Gabriel during his time at the school. He said he finds students today to be even better-behaved and more interested in learning than those 40 years ago.

Gabriel points out that there have been markedly fewer discipline problems over the years, an improvement he attributes to parents working harder to teach their children good values.

He also sees another positive development in the increased attention to bullying issues at school.

“I would match Jane Ryan’s students against any students in the country in terms of their level of respectfulness, their dedication to learning, and their willingness to work hard,” he said. “They’re just marvelous young people.”

Gabriel’s fellow teachers give him the same brand of high praise he gives students.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Bob Gabriel,” said second grade teacher Darlene Ference. “His management style allows you to grow as an individual yet to have as much guidance as you need.”

Teachers also note that his direction sets a tone for the students, staff, and parents. Second grade teacher Joanne Antignani said, “Jane Ryan has always been a second family to those who are fortunate enough to have passed through its doors. Much of that is due to his leadership.”

Jane Ryan parent Michael Levine said, "Everybody (parents and kids) absolutely loves him. And the results (third highest CMT scores in the state, I believe) speak for themselves."

Retirement will give Gabriel a chance to catch up on some dearly missed activities. He is delighted to have the opportunity to spend more time with his family, which he said has been a little hard to come by over the last 10 to 15 years. Gabriel has three adult children and one grandchild. He is looking forward to welcoming his second grandchild this summer.