It is with tremendous sadness we announce of passing of Consuelo (Connie) Velez, former principal of the Caroline G. Atkinson School. Connie was a true force of nature with an enormous passion and dedication for her students, staff, colleagues and the Freeport community. Connie was a dedicated, motivated, organized and enthusiastic individual for whom no challenge was too great. Connie demonstrated her passion for children and provided students with the best educational environment possible.
Connie was with the Freeport School District for more than 30 years. She began her career in 1989 as a teaching assistant and went on to become a teacher in Atkinson's dual-language program. Due to her consummate leadership skills, Connie was appointed as assistant principal of Atkinson in 2005. Before her retirement in June 2019, Connie was the principal of Atkinson for the last seven years of her career. Despite personal health challenges, Connie always continued to fiercely advocate for her students and staff and to provide excellent opportunities at Atkinson. No request or challenge was too great for Connie to take on with her famous expression of "no problem" - and it never was for her. She always got the job done. She loved to solve issues and bring about results that always had the children and their best interests at heart. Connie held steadfast to her beliefs, had a wonderful sense of humor and a fantastic way of getting people on board with her visions.
Besides being a strong supporter of Freeport Schools and community, Connie was very proud of her family and she loved all things Disney and singer Marc Anthony. Connie was a warrior until the end. She went above and beyond in everything she did all of the time even when she was dealing with profound health issues. Connie gave her whole self to her students, her colleagues, and her family and to the Freeport community. Freeport Schools was fortunate to have Connie as part of our family. Connie will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. On behalf of Freeport Schools, we extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Velez, her daughter Josephine Velez (Archer Street School teacher), and her entire family. They are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Regards,
Dr. Kishore Kuncham