By RACHEL SCHREIBSTEIN
The entire Jericho community was extremely shocked and saddened by the passing of Assistant Principal Jeffrey Ratner who died suddenly on May 9th. Mr. Ratner was the principal of Robert Seaman Elementary School before he retired for a few years. He then returned to education in order to temporarily fill the vacant position for assistant principal at Jericho High School.
Many feel that Mr. Ratner was unlike any administrator the Jericho School District has ever experienced. Principal Ms. Rosenberg knew Mr. Ratner for 25 years and called his 2 years at Jericho High School “a blessing.” She described him as a “unique individual” who possessed a skill set such that he could work with “anybody, anywhere, at any level, any age.” Rosenberg was impressed with Mr. Ratner’s ability to work with others. “He could put his arm around somebody and calm them down, but at the same time, for those who had issues and concerns, he was able to get the point across that they needed to change their ways,” she added.
The impact Mr. Ratner left on everyone he interacted with was profound. Substitute teacher Ms. Hauff said, “No matter how long you had known Mr. Ratner, whether it be a year, your whole life, or just a day, he touched your heart in a positive way.” Assistant Principal Dr. Artiles, who worked very closely with Mr. Ratner, believed that he was a person who couldn’t help but be “genuinely good.” Dr. Artiles felt that getting to know Mr. Ratner so well in just 2 years’ time really spoke to the kind of man he was. Mr. Ratner’s secretary Ms. Parmigiani was honored to work with him and said that he will be “sorely missed.”
While Mr. Ratner formed strong connections with other faculty, it is safe to say that the relationships he formed with his students were second to none. Junior Luke B. said, “Just knowing that there was always an administrator that cared wholeheartedly about your well-being changed my high school experience forever.” Something that everyone loved about Mr. Ratner was how he made every student feel important. Junior Lauren S. said, “Mr. Ratner would never pass me in the hallway without making me feel special by giving me a hug or even just a smile, and I will never forget that.”
Many people saw him as a part of their family, someone who would always give them a hug when he walked by. “He was a second grandpa to every student in this school,” sophomore Lily W. said. Junior Katie D., among many others, looked up to Mr. Ratner as a role model. She said, “He believed in me and told me I could do anything.” Mr. Ratner worked tirelessly to help students. “He always saw the best in people and aspired to help everyone achieve their full potential,” junior Sujay A. said.
Students felt they could go to Mr. Ratner if they were in trouble or needed help, a shoulder to cry on, a friend to lean on, or some casual conversation. Senior Jeffrey G. recalled his favorite memory of Mr. Ratner from when he was in kindergarten. “I threw a chocolate at a kid on the school bus and was sent to his office the next day. Instead of yelling at me or lecturing me, he gave me a Jolly Rancher and told me to have a good day and think before I act.” Jeffrey found Mr. Ratner to be selfless, kind, and “just the warmest guy.”
It seems no one has ever had a bad word to say about Mr. Ratner. Aside from being a friend, he was also a mentor, a role model, and that familiar face in the hallway who brought joy to every single faculty member and student. Even though we all miss him terribly, Mr. Ratner will remain in our hearts forever, and his legacy at Jericho will never be forgotten.
We invite you to leave your favorite memories or any kind words about Mr. Ratner in the comments section below.
He always knew everybody, no matter who you were. He always treated you like he knew you personally, which I applaud immensely.
Great article.
Mr. Ratner was one of a kind, a person, a human being filled with pure love, who unfortunately is very rare among us. He was genuine, good hearted and educated. The love he had for everyone shined through him and touched everyone of us in one way or another. My family will always be grateful to him. We were so lucky not to only have him as the principal of Robert Seaman Elementary School, but also as assistant principal at the Jericho high school. We thank god for making us so fortunate to have had him in our lives. He will definitely be missed and never forgotten. I will personally miss his smile and hugs. May he rest in peace!!
What a beautiful tribute to an incredible educator and more importantly, a beautiful human.
Mr. Ratner was a true legend. We need more Educators like him. He made a difference, and he truly cared. I am truly honored to to say he was in my life if only for a brief time. He leaves behind such a huge impact in the Jericho Community!!
A true MENSCH!!!!!! Love the article Rachel
He was a very special man and impacted many in the short time he was back. He will be truly missed by all.
Mr. Ratner was an incredible and truly gifted educator. He was the principal for my children when they were in Robert Seaman Elementary. I remember being so sad when they graduated, knowing that I would miss him and that my children would not be interacting with him on a daily basis anymore. But how lucky were we (all) when he came back to the high school. Once again my son (my daughter had already graduated) would have the benefit of being around Mr. Ratner. He was there for us and helped us in so many ways. He will be sorely missed by this family.
For my 12 years working in Jericho Schools, it has been a pleasure knowing this incredible human being. He had just “retired” from Seaman Elementary School when I first met him. Every time I saw him after that, our conversations were filled with wonderful comments about terrific students we both encountered. It was so wonderful having him here at the High School as an Interim Assistant Principal. He was one of the most caring individuals I have ever known. I always will admire how students adored him and how he has left his mark on everyone who knew him. Thank you for the very articulate article.
What a beautiful tribute to a true gentleman and the “gentlest” of men. Mr. Ratner is the epitome of an educator who brought great unity to our school through his leadership. I miss our daily chats on bus duty and his sage advice.
Jeff Ratner was a consummate professional and educator. He treated everyone with great respect and took influencing the lives of youngsters very seriously. I enjoyed getting to know him over the two years he was here at JHS and am so fortunate to have received his feedback and support via an observation he conducted of my class. The article above is correct: he made people feel special whenever he saw them. People often use the expression, “My pleasure…” at the end of a conversation, but with Jeff I truly believed that he enjoyed – even relished the role he played, and all the interactions with student, faculty, and parents. What a wonderful man. We are all better off having known him.