By Laura Blotter
 Sylvia Phillips processes through an honor guard of students after being crowned in recognition of her four decades at Pinewood. |
Before the Beatles, Mary Poppins and Eliza Doolittle crossed the Atlantic, Sylvia Phillips left England to come to America.
In September 1963, Sylvia and her husband Brian arrived in the Bay Area for what was intended as a two- to three-year job opportunity in Belmont. Most fortunately for Pinewood School, the Phillipses had a change of plans, and Sylvia set out looking for a teaching job.
When Sylvia interviewed at Pinewood, Gwen Riches was very excited about her British university degree, teaching credential and seven years of experience. Sylvia was hired to teach the Carden method in the 1964-65 school year.
That was Pinewood’s fifth official year. Riches was the principal of preschool through second grades, with a faculty of seven. During her first years at Pinewood, Sylvia taught Carden, math, music and drama. She even attended workshops taught by Mae Carden herself.
Eight principals, four campuses, an additional 10 grades and more than 2,000 students later, Sylvia continues to educate and inspire Pinewood students. Highlights of her career include working with “the visionary Gwen Riches,” the after-work staff parties at the Riches’ home and the funny comments made by her students (which they continue to make). Sylvia also loved working with Dina Ferentinos, Patricia Roybal, Jean San Juan, Elsie Ramson and Kathy Pickett in directing the all-school drama productions performed in the theater at Foothill College. She also has great memories of the many years she spent teaching with Margo Moiseyev.
As Pinewood grew and evolved, Sylvia and her love of teaching and children remained constant. All her life she dreamed of being a teacher; she lived that dream for more than 40 years. She has loved the fulfillment and rewards that come from creating different ways of imparting knowledge to children. She has appreciated Pinewood for the freedom to teach her favorite subjects and to add to her curriculum.
Although the world has witnessed many changes during the past 40 years, Sylvia observes, “Children are still children” and “What you teach children first is what they will remember.” Sylvia is the essence of Pinewood’s past, present and future.
Laura Blotter is a member of the Pinewood board of directors and one of the 2,000 students Sylvia Phillips taught in her 40-year career at Pinewood School.
