One of the many things that make Schreiber stand out is that its teachers often have tenures spanning decades.  This allows them to connect with different generations of high schoolers, and in turn, creates experiences cherished by students and faculty alike.  This is especially true when looking back on the legacies of three long-time Schreiber science teachers who recently passed away: Mr. James Lyman, Dr. Leon Goutevenier, and Mr. Robert Meyer. 

“They were consistent professionals who left a lasting mark on the Science Department and the Schreiber family in general,” said Science Department Chair Mr. Philip Crivelli.

Mr. Lyman taught physics from 1961 to 2002.  At the time of his arrival at Schreiber, Lyman had no prior experience in teaching, though he completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at Yale University.  He greatly contributed to the modern physics curriculum at Schreiber.  During his tenure, he designed and built electronic electroscopes, as well as magnetic force demonstrators, a model electrical motor, and series and parallel circuit demonstrators.  James Lyman, Dr. Leon Goutevenier and a few others helped with the construction of some of Schreiber’s science classrooms by creating their designs. While at Schreiber, Mr. Lyman also taught computer programming.  He is credited with writing many programs that were precursors to the web-based programs currently used in the curriculum. 

Dr. Goutevenier taught physics at Schreiber from 1960 until 2002.  Born and bred in Brooklyn, he attended Brooklyn Prep, earned a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, a master’s from the University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate from New York University.  He was also a member of the PWTA whose vital assistance helped forge contracts between the school board and educators.  Dr. Goutevenier was the interim Science Department Chair for the 1996-1997 school year and is also credited with the formation of the AP Physics C course offered to seniors.

“Dr. Goutevenier was one of the most beloved teachers during the four years I was at Schreiber as a student.  Every time he taught, it felt like you were part of a story, and you knew where that ‘story’ was going if you paid attention to what he had to say.  I was also very fortunate to teach his grandchildren” said Ms. Valenti. 

If anyone wants to know who was a fundamental part in establishing the period schedule we currently use at Schreiber, they should look no further than Dr. Goutevenier, who was part of the original schedule modification committee established in the mid-1990s which conceptualized and enforced our current ‘block schedule.’  Concerning the cancellation of classes, he said that rather than incorporating study halls when teachers were absent, students should have an additional off-period during that timespan, so they can get help for other classes.

“I taught physics with them in the science department for seven years.  We were colleagues, but they were also like father figures to me.  Jim Lyman and Leon Goutevenier were both intelligent, energetic teachers that fostered a love of physics in generations of Schreiber students.  They were a major force in producing the strong academic culture that Schreiber became known for,” said Schreiber physics teacher Mr. Johnson.

Another death that Schreiber learned about very recently was that of Mr. Meyer, who taught Earth & marine sciences from 1985 until he retired in 2008.  Before teaching at Schreiber, Meyer taught science at Weber Middle School for 17 years.  Many veteran Schreiber teachers regard him as someone who made a new teacher’s career both creative and collaborative.  Ms. Jennifer Paradis commented how when she first started in September 1997, they ate at the old Landmark Diner and discussed how to best teach their students.

Meyer also taught his colleagues the value of getting to know students and always trying to make teaching entertaining.  Besides being a teacher, he earned the title of “Professor Bob” for performing experiments and demonstrations for children’s birthday parties.

“Mr. Meyer always had a quirky side to him and I feel like he allowed me to feel confident in showing mine.  I will always remember Mr. Meyer’s barrelling laugh and his groovy, office dance moves. He often had the radio on and would spontaneously move to the groove.  He was also always so grateful to be able to share his knowledge with children of all ages” said Ms. Paradis.

Certainly, Mr. James Lyman, Dr. Leon Goutevenier, and Mr. Robert Meyer will be remembered for, not only being exceptional educators, but also the strong friendships they built with their colleagues, some of whom still work at Schreiber today.  Their careers, which spanned many decades, taught others how to enrich the high school experience for future generations.  Even though these three educators may be gone, their contributions continue to be felt among Schreiber’s current students and faculty.

Thank you to Ms. Mary Anne Cariello, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Crivelli, Ms. Paradis, and Ms. Valenti for contributing to the article and expressing heartfelt sentiments about the beloved late science teachers