Alison Woods’ letter, “Miko followed mantra,” (June 9), in praise of outgoing Lillie B. Haynes Principal David Miko got me to thinking about my own experience. Lillie B. Haynes was my third grade teacher. Our East Lyme Junior High was renamed for Mrs. Haynes (long after I completed my 7th-9th grades there in its founding years) and had adopted as its mantra, Kindness, Respect and Responsibility. A perfect match.

My class, all Flanders kids born in 1945 and entering school in 1951, was made up of 21 boys and eight girls. Besides being a large class, think about managing the energy of 21 little boys all day! (Our second and fourth grade teachers both retired after having this group!)

I remember my mother commenting how amazing it was that all those “naughty kids” from second grade turned into lovely, eager-to-learn kids in Mrs. Haynes’ classroom.

She was simply a natural as a teacher and a model of professional competence, warmth, and encouragement who took genuine delight in her work. I am smiling as I remember the year I spent in her presence.

Sue Fraser Frankewicz

Norwich