It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of one of our beloved kindergarten teachers, Mrs. Maldonado, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, students, and colleagues during this difficult time.
She was a dedicated educator who touched the lives of so many students with
her passion for teaching, commitment to her students and love for Disney. Her creativity and enthusiasm brought joy to the classroom, and her impact will forever be remembered. From the moment she started at Menands School, it was evident that she loved every minute of teaching kindergarten and put her all into each day with her students. She provided the best hands-on experiences and always made sure to include singing, dancing, and fun in her classroom. She would often come to her colleagues and fellow kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kennedy, with elaborate craft ideas that they could plan together to create amazing lessons. Some of 
Mrs. Kennedy’s best memories of Sara were hatching chicks, growing monarch butterflies (and all the times they stopped on the side of the road to grab milkweed for them), going on field trips, and driving to each of the student’s homes during COVID to bring them end of the year gifts.
Sara spent five wonderful years with our
Menands School community and we not only knew her as a devoted teacher but also as an amazing person and loving mother, daughter and wife. Sara was unique in that she never complained, saw the positive in every situation and never gave up. This became even more clear after her diagnosis. She loved her job and couldn’t even think of giving up that work. Even when she stepped away for periods of time, she remained connected to her students and would come in to visit and read books to them.
Our school has truly lost a light in our community and we are grateful to have been a part of her journey. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Menands School is working with hospice to provide grief services to our staff and families.
