You Are Special: Cindy Barhoff

Cindy Barhoff was one of 23 Framingham School employees honored at the 23rd Annual Salute to Framingham.

The annual Salute program recognizes Framingham teachers and staff who go the extra mile to make each day “special” in our public schools. These teachers and staff are given a “You Are Special” designation and are publicly recognized as part of the Salute to Framingham.

Editor’s note: Framingham Patch is publishing all 23 honorees profiles between now and the end of the school year, so the community can recognize the employee. Below is the profile of Barhoff as it was read to the sold-out crowd of more than 500 people on Thursday, March 26.

Click here to view all the profiles published on Framingham Patch in 2015.

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Cindy Barhoff always knew she wanted to be a teacher!

After starting her teaching career in Florida, Cindy headed east and continued working with children from preschool through middle school. In 2005 she left the Shrewsbury Schools to join Brophy School in Framingham.

Cindy is one of those amazing teachers who fly under the radar.

You won’t find Cindy up on the stage or in front of the microphone. You will, however, frequently find Cindy in her classroom having lunch with her students or meeting with parents into the evenings. Cindy quietly goes above and beyond to support the academic and emotional welfare of her students. As a result, she makes connections with her students that continue into high school and beyond.

Many former students have called on Cindy to be a sponsor into the National Honor Society.

Her current fourth graders were so excited by her selection as a YAS recipient that they wanted to write about Cindy.

As a group they “secretly” coordinated their efforts to gather each students’ thoughts about Mrs. Barhoff. One of her students captured the feelings of the class when she wrote, “ Mrs. Barhoff is the nicest teacher. She always listens to us and makes learning fun. I know I can talk to Mrs. Barhoff if I have a problem. I like to come to school everyday because I like being with Mrs. Barhoff.”

Cindy’s impact on children does not end in the classroom. Her experience and wisdom has influenced a wide range of younger teachers at Brophy. Cindy makes herself available to support and mentor colleagues. The staff at Brophy will tell you that Cindy’s door is always open and that she is an invaluable member of the fourth grade team.

Finally, Cindy’s devotion to her students lives on through her wonderful daughters Jen, Kellie and Alex. Two of them have chosen to follow in her footsteps and have become teachers.

Even though Cindy Barhoff would be the last one to acknowledge that her work is extraordinary, we are here to tell you that, Cindy Barhoff – You Are Special!