NORWOOD PARK — Mildred "Millie" Borrero will retire at the end of the school year after 32 years at Oriole Park Elementary School, and it doesn't take much to make her cry these days.
In fact, the last month has been full of tears as teachers at the Norwood Park school celebrate her retirement with 32 days of presents to mark each of the years she has worked at the school, 5424 N. Oketo Ave., in a host of positions ranging from bus attendant to teacher's aide and, finally, school clerk.
Erika Wozniak, an Oriole Park teacher, said everyone at the school — from parents and students to staff and teachers, will miss Borrero terribly.
"She treats the staff like her family, and every student like her own child," Wozniak said.
The presents include a video from a sixth-grade class, each student thanking Borrero for helping them in a special way. Another first-grade class gave her a notebook full of suggestions of things to do during her retirement.
"I'm so thankful and grateful," Borrero said, wiping away tears that started as soon as she began describing her presents. "It is wonderful to know that I made a difference in their lives, however small."
Principal Tim Riff called Borrero the "emotional core of the school" and an incredible help to him.
"She solves problems for teachers, staff and parents, and she even cares for our sick and injured children," Riff said. "We will never be able to replace Millie or repay her for all that she has done for the students and families of Oriole Park School."
Millie Borrero smiles at her desk at Oriole Park Elementary School. [DNAinfo/Heather Cherone]
Borrero said some of the most rewarding work she did was to help start the school's before- and after-school programs in 2008. The first year, it had only eight students — but grew to 42 students this year, she said.
"I help them with their homework, and I learn along with them," Borrero said. "I know their parents appreciate they are in a safe environment."
During her tenure at Oriole Park, Borrero saw the school grow from less than 150 students in one building to more than 700 students in 2016 in two buildings — including a brand-new annex that opened in September.
While she's grateful for the additional elbow room, Borrero misses her old office, where students were just on the other side of a door rather than in a separate building.
"I liked to be crunched up with the kids," Borrero said. "I love my job, and I gave it my all."
But Borrero said it is time for her to retire — and take a vacation for the first time in 32 years.
Borrero said she would love to visit Puerto Rico, where she was born and raised, and plans to volunteer at nursing homes by visiting seniors who don't often see friends or family members.
But before the end of the year, Borrero will train her replacement — although she has been quick to remind Riff that she would be happy to help smooth out any bumps at the start of the next school year.
"I know that if I ever get down or sad, I can look at these cards and videos and gifts," Borrero said. "It would pick me up so fast."
Teachers at Oriole Park Elementary have presented Millie Borrero with 32 days of presents to mark each of the years she has worked at the Norwood Park school. [DNAinfo/Heather Cherone]
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
