Gwen Bellin retires

At the beginning of this school year as we welcome new students and staff to Taylor, we also must say goodbye to Gwen Bellin who announced her retirement over the summer.

Gwen retires after 33 years with Arlington Public Schools where she’s taught special education, first, second and third grade and lastly kindergarten – her “all-time favorite”.

Gwen worked the past 18 years at Taylor Elementary, most of which was spent located down the kindergarten hallway instilling the joy of learning in our youngest students.

Gwen Bellin and Porscha Adams always dress up for the 100th Day of School celebration.

For those families who had Ms. Bellin as a teacher, she leaves a lasting impression. And she’s also left her mark on the Taylor building. It was Gwen who designed the big tiger mural in the school’s front lobby.

“Gwen is an absolute delight to work with,” says Amy Sowa, a fellow kindergarten teacher at Taylor. “She makes everything fun and is always ready to help or encourage or laugh at the cute or crazy things that happen at the school.”

When asked about what her favorite memories will be of Taylor, Gwen will remember the annual kindergarten Songfest, greeting new kindergarten students at the Open House, the Reading Under the Stars night during the annual book fair, and clapping out the fifth graders on the last day of school.

While she will miss all of those activities, Gwen says she will also miss “the amazing Porcha Adams who was my right-hand partner for 10 years!”

All the best to Gwen as she takes some well-earned rest and spends more time with her family. She will be missed here at Taylor!