Mrs. Giglio Retiring after 31 years
Published on 12/18/2024
Recently, principal Andrew Blount of Greenbrier West Elementary school announced the retirement of Mrs. Bene' Giglio, music teacher at the school for 31 years.
He wrote:
Bene' Giglio will be retiring from Greenbriar West ES and Fairfax County Public Schools on Friday, December 20, 2024. Mrs. Giglio has proudly served our GBW community for 24 years and has worked for FCPS for 31 years. Mrs. Giglio, it has been inspiring to see your passion, excitement, and love for our students and love for music. The way you share your love of music with our students has helped countless students to discover their own musical talents and joy in performing music for audiences. Over the years, you have encouraged countless young musicians to discover their musical talents in ways that will last them a lifetime. You have been our students' best advocate to help modify our musical instruction and instruments in ways so that our students with physical disabilities can still experience the same joy that others experience in music. And best of all you have loved our students in special ways so that every student has felt seen, heard, and loved as a valuable member of our GBW family. We thank you for your service to our GBW students, staff, and community and we wish you the best in this next chapter of your life.
He also shared her message in an email to families:
Dear GBW Family,
As I write this letter to you, it’s hard to believe that after 31 years in FCPS, 24 of those spent at Greenbriar West, I am stepping into the next chapter of my life—retirement. It’s been a truly rewarding journey, one filled with countless memories, moments of growth, and so much joy. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching many of my students grow, not just as students, but as individuals. Some of them have even returned to visit, now successful adults, and that is a gift I will cherish forever.
It’s also incredible to think that I’ve taught the children of former students! It’s a reminder of how long I’ve been part of this wonderful community, and it fills my heart with pride to see the legacies continue. While I will miss the daily interactions with the students and the camaraderie of my colleagues, I know that the spirit of GBW will stay with me always.
In retirement, I look forward to traveling with my husband and having more time to explore the things I enjoy. Although I will be stepping away from the classroom, please know that I will be back to visit from time to time to check in and see how everyone is doing. You all have made my time here so special, and I can’t thank you enough for that.
Greenbriar West truly is the best, and I will forever hold this school close to my heart.
With deep gratitude and affection,
Bene’ Giglio