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Faculty & Staff Transitions
Departing Faculty
The impact of a Mayfield teacher is best understood through the eyes of their students. Whether currently attending, recently graduated or seasoned alumni, ask any to describe the best part about Mayfield, and they will mention a teacher (or two). The teachers leaving Mayfield this year made unique contributions to the life of the school, some over many years and some only over a few. All inspired us, raising the bar with their focus and commitment, and all will be missed.
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Pam Danni
In her 31 years at Mayfield, Pam has been a Fourth-Grade teacher, Religion Teacher, Eighth-Grade Team Leader, Morning Prayer Coordinator, Student Council Coordinator, and more recently, she had taken on the role of Legacy Coordinator. She has always been very passionate about the eighth-grade experience at MJS. From day one of the eighth -grade year, students were held to a higher standard, taught to lead with grace and compassion, be role models and fully embrace the responsibilities entrusted to them. When Pam became an eighth-grade advisor, she was guided by the legendary Señora Reichert and Kathy Holtsnider. She intuitively understood how important this last year at Mayfield was for the students, set out to make the most of it, and never lost sight of that goal.
Pam created the School Families program in the late 1990s to cultivate the leadership skills of the eighth graders as well as build community and relationships across grade levels. As a religion teacher, she enlightened young minds to social justice causes and the importance of service. Pam continually grew the Reach Out program, inspiring student voice and choice and encouraging them to find and cultivate their personal causes.
Years of graduates will remember Mrs. Danni guiding them through uncovering their leadership personality – owl, peacock, lion, or koala -– to begin the year. Harvest Festival Planning sessions, and sitting wide-eyed as Mrs. Danni rationed donuts in a lesson on inequality are legendary. Always busy, Mrs. Danni’s eighth graders could find refuge in the welcoming chaos of her classroom whether covered in Love Gram preparations or set up for sandwich-making for St. Francis Center. She was there to listen to stories about first experiences with School Families, lead a prayer circle before Blue and White Day festivities, extend a hug and lovely complement on graduation day, and so much more.
It is hard to imagine a group of eighth graders without Pam Danni standing among them. Although many of her students have towered over her physically, Mrs. Danni’s very presence, expectations, and visible care and attention always made her the tallest person in the group. Pam learned to trust her instincts, expect the unexpected, and always go with love, encouragement, and trust.
Lisa Byrne, 8th Grade Advisor
