"Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days o' lang syne?”

Robert Burns, Scottish Poet (1759-1796)

Should old friends be forgotten
and never remembered
Should old friends be forgotten
and the days they shared together

For days now in the past, my dear
For days now in the past
We'll drink a toast of kind remembrance
For days now in the past

This year, the Abbot School community was saddened by the passing of Mr. Maranville. Mr. Maranville had been out on medical leave after having returned to school this September in a determined effort to return to his classroom and his students. This determination was characteristic of his commitment to a profession he loved, his commitment to the education of his students, and his commitment to their families.

Mr. Maranville touched the lives of many. After over 30 years in the Westford Public Schools, his name has become legendary for high standards, rigorous class work, and challenge for both high achieving and struggling students.

Those of us who worked with him came to appreciate his wit, his intelligence, his logic, and his incredible ability to debate a position and poke at assumed truths. He put these strengths to use in his participation in curriculum task committees, faculty and team meetings, parent conferences, and especially in the classroom. We miss him already.