Goodbye Dr. Castaldo - by Megan C. '05

It’s been a bit of a turbulent year for the English department. The departure of Dr. Peinovich caused teachers to rearrange their schedules and bring in a new faculty member to cover his classes. Things will continue to be rearranged next year as well, as Dr. Castaldo is leaving the Magnet world after five years.
Dr. Castaldo, or “Doc” as she is affectionately known, has mostly taught American Literature I and AP English in the past few years. Dr. Castaldo has also taught at Kean University, Drew University, Fairleigh-Dickingson University, and Essex County College. She broke into high school teaching during her time at Magnet and will continue it at George C. Marshall High School in Fairfax, Virginia. Dr. Castaldo will be moving to Virginia during the summer in order to be closer to her family.
Dr. Castaldo was the co-advisor of the Magnet Drama Club for three years and was in fact one of the reasons the club got off the ground in the first place. She has also been Coordinator of Student Activities for Magnet for the past two years. Doc can often be found walking laps with Mrs. Volino upstairs after school and frequently lapping students who are doing the same. She is also known throughout the school for her love of Billy Joel and her disdain of Starbucks Coffee (for a full explanation, ask her—she’ll tell you why).
She cites “the energy and the talent of the students” as her favorite thing about Magnet. After five years of her Giants-fan presence at Magnet, it’s hard to think of her at another school. However, all of Magnet joins in wishing Doctor Castaldo the best of luck at her new school, and please don’t ever forget us!