Farewell to Mr. Acanfora, Elementary School Dean of Students
“My first class is turning 59,” reflected Mr. Matthew Acanfora, who is retiring from his position at St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School as the Dean of Students this June 2021.
Mr. Acanfora (“Mr. A” as he is affectionately called) started at SJHA Elementary School in 2012 teaching religion in the Junior High. He became the Dean of Students in 2014.
After teachers have exhausted their efforts to resolve student matters it is Mr. A’s job to intercede. Mr. A has established a good relationship with parents and cultivated a special bond with the students. “I know I am going to miss them tremendously… especially this 8th Grade Class. They are one of the most compassionate groups I have seen in a long time,” said Mr. A.
Mr. A’s rapport with the students is built on mutual respect. “I always respected the children and they always showed respect back. They tell me now, ‘you are so nice to us but we are still always a little afraid of you.’ I couldn’t think of a better combination. Even the smallest kid says hello,” said Mr. A.
Mr. Lawrence Hansen, SJHA Elementary School Principal, reflected, “To say that I was nervous stepping into this position four years ago was an understatement. Within the first week, I realized that Mr. Acanfora, was going to be one of the people I leaned on most. When I say leaned on, I mean that in every sense of the word. As a colleague, an administrator, a confidant and a friend. He has a wit and a sense of humor that manages to lift anyone in a room that isn’t necessarily in the best of spirits, yet he does it in a way that you know, he has your back. We have grown tremendously as a school family, not just in numbers, but in ways far greater than we can categorize. The foundation of Hill was built long ago and Matt is part of that framework of a solid foundation. His strength, guidance and love for this school family will be felt far beyond his retirement. I can say with all my heart that he has left an indelible mark on me as a person and as a professional and I will forever be grateful for his friendship.”
The most moving experience Mr. A recalled as the Dean of Students was the remarkable outpouring of love and support shown to him while he had Covid-19 last year. He recalls receiving hundreds of emails, texts, and videos. Hill families dropped food off at his terrace. And the school compiled videos from students and families writing songs for him. Mr. A said, “I never felt alone when I was recovering. I will remember that the most.” He also spoke of the love and support he has felt from the students and their families for his own family. SJHA students have come together to raise funds for one his granddaughters, Rosie, who lives with Cystic Fibrosis.
At the SJHA 8th Grade Graduation on June 10th, the Class of 2021 bid farewell to Mr. A with Dimitri Mignano, an 8th Grade student, delivering remarks on behalf of his class. He said, “Mr. A, in your time at Hill, you have helped so many of your students to achieve goals and reach dreams that we couldn’t have without you. Thank you for your time, dedication, and guidance. Thank you for giving us your all every time we needed you and teaching us to give our all in whatever we do.”
Mr. A encourages the person taking on his job responsibilities next year to listen to both sides in a mediation, maintain calm, and seek advice from your colleagues. “I found that when you stay calm and talk to the children you find you have a greater success record than when you set out to reprimand them,” advised Mr. A.
After graduating Hunter College in 1975, he started his teaching career at Assumption School where he met his wife, Marie. They had four sons, including a set of twins. Following some years teaching at PS 172 in Brooklyn, Mr. A turned to the telecommunications field where he worked for New York Tel and then the New York City Transit Authority for 24 years. Upon retirement from NYC Transit in 2010, he returned to teaching initially at St. Francis of Assisi in Brooklyn before his subsequent position at SJHA.
Shortly before returning to SJHA, Mr. A’s wife, Marie, passed away in 2009. To celebrate her life and legacy, the Marie E. Acanfora Memorial Scholarship is presented to an SJHA 8th Grade Student who demonstrates successful academic achievement, a loving disposition, a closeness to family and a willingness to go beyond what is required. This year’s recipient of the Marie E. Acanfora Memorial Scholarship was Ella Rapawy.
Donations to the Marie E. Acanfora Scholarship Award are gratefully accepted. If you would like to support this scholarship, please visit: www.stjosephhillacademy.com/
Mr. A looks forward to a calmer pace and enjoying his 9 grandchildren in his retirement. He will be living closer to his family in Long Island where he anticipates spending time at the beach and joining a Church group. He will also travel this summer to visit with his son’s family in San Diego where he will reconnect with his 4 grandchildren who he has not seen in-person for 16 months due to the pandemic.
Reflecting on his time at SJHA Mr. A says, “I would do it all again... I really would. I am leaving with a lot of good memories and a lot of good friends. That is important and I don’t know if many people can say that when leaving a job."
Congratulations to Mr. Acanfora! The SJHA Community thanks you for your invaluable role as the Dean of Students and wishes you the best of luck in your retirement. There will be a Mass on June 25th in Mr. A’s honor.
