Memories of Laurence Polatsch

Teacher: He was always willing to help

I remember Laurence Polatsch being in my first-grade classroom at Baylis School around 1975. I was his teacher and I recall how he loved to wash the blackboards and clap the erasers. He would plead for these classroom jobs. He was always helping me. Mostly, I will always remember how he would come back to visit me when he was in the middle school and high school. He would put his face on our classroom window from the school yard and the whole class, and I too, would laugh at his funny faces. I would invite him into the classroom and introduce him to the kids. He often recalled how he enjoyed my once-a-year Mary Poppins portrayal for my first graders.

Laurence brought great humor, many challenges, but mostly, much love and caring by the down-to-earth and comfortable manner he possessed.

Laurence has been in my thoughts and prayers these last 10 years since 9/11. I will continue to pray for his peace, for his mom (My class mother) and his dad and also Danny. I will always remember the Polatsch family in a very special way. I loved Laurence!

Love & peace,

Terry Hess, Ridge
(Baylis School, Syosset District 1960 to 1990)