Kendall Boninti is a Library Teacher at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.
Remembering Sandra Roby
A Librarian and Administrator in Waltham Public Schools for 37 Years
A Librarian and Administrator in Waltham Public Schools for 37 Years
Sandra was truly a strong and impactful leader, who believed deeply in the profession.
Throughout her career, she continually stood up for library programs and never shied away from an opportunity to prove the value and positive impact that well-funded and professionally staffed library programs have on children.
Sandra was a visionary and understood early on the impact that educational tech would have on school library programs. Well ahead of the terms “21st-Century Learning” and “transliteracy” entering our vocabulary, she pushed hard for libraries to be the transformative spaces where technology and learning intersect in meaningful and authentic experiences for students.
Throughout her career, she continually stood up for library programs and never shied away from an opportunity to prove the value and positive impact that well-funded and professionally staffed library programs have on children.
Sandra was a visionary and understood early on the impact that educational tech would have on school library programs. Well ahead of the terms “21st-Century Learning” and “transliteracy” entering our vocabulary, she pushed hard for libraries to be the transformative spaces where technology and learning intersect in meaningful and authentic experiences for students.
Sandra was the kind of boss every librarian dreams of having. In truth, she was more of a mentor and role-model than a boss. Many of us who worked under her found we just wanted her to be proud of the work we were doing. It wasn’t about SMART goals and DDMs with her; it was about how she helped us accomplish our goals. She made us feel valued and appreciated and let us know in so many ways that the work we do is important. Most importantly, Sandra made us feel like an extension of her family. She was extremely proud of her children and always shared their accomplishments with her friends and colleagues.
For those of you that didn’t know Sandra well, she was always a presence in any room she entered. Her wardrobe was to be envied and included 6-inch heels, leather suit dresses, and the trendiest of eyewear. Only Sandra could wear wellies with Lululemon leggings and a stylish sweater and still look like she was ready for a meeting in New York City. She lived life to the fullest, doing ballet and yoga, enjoying (and sharing) the most delicious gourmet food, gardening, and hanging with her family at the Cape.
I hope wherever Sandra and Judi are, they’re enjoying a bottle of Chardonnay, discussing their favorite books, sending us lots of good vibes, and trusting us to carry on their legacy.
For those of you that didn’t know Sandra well, she was always a presence in any room she entered. Her wardrobe was to be envied and included 6-inch heels, leather suit dresses, and the trendiest of eyewear. Only Sandra could wear wellies with Lululemon leggings and a stylish sweater and still look like she was ready for a meeting in New York City. She lived life to the fullest, doing ballet and yoga, enjoying (and sharing) the most delicious gourmet food, gardening, and hanging with her family at the Cape.
I hope wherever Sandra and Judi are, they’re enjoying a bottle of Chardonnay, discussing their favorite books, sending us lots of good vibes, and trusting us to carry on their legacy.
