Queen bee retires from hive with 30-year legacy


Joyce Donovan

By Danielle Paine

Reminder Assistant Editor

EAST LONGMEADOW The first teacher to more than 1,800 children, Joyce Donovan has decided to become a less busier bee by retiring after 30 years full of smiles, laughter and joy.

"I run into them (former students) all of the time, whether it is on a plane or in the optometrist office," Donovan said about the 30-years of children she has cared for in her business, the Busy Bee Pre-School. "It is so great to see them and find out what they're doing and to hear them say that they got their start at Busy Bee."

Since the business began in 1977 in the basement of Donovan's home, which her husband converted from storage space to a magical place of exploration for little ones, the school has never had an open slot. In fact, they have always had a wait list of 10-15 more.

Donovan's vision for the business is the obvious reason for its success. Children are given the option to explore the activities they enjoy most. A built-in puppet theatre and busy beehive fort, a block center, a wall full of costumes along with a library of books and music with headphones are all part of the experience.

"I've always taught my staff to look at each individual child, find out what makes them tick and follow up on that," she said. "It is up to us as professionals to learn what gift each child brings." Often, she explained, these budding interests bloom into careers. The daughter of a former staff member, for instance, who loved to twirl around the preschool, is now leaping onstage with a Florida ballet company. Boys who spent their days buried in blocks, have since become engineers and architects.

Donovan's philosophy is evident in the sunny decor, the staff of seven teachers who lovestheir work and the smiles of her tiny clients. While teaching children to share and socialize away from home for the first time, Donovan and her staff also embrace the spirit of wonder and joy for every day that makes childhood so special. That, is the magic that has kept busy bee buzzing for three generations and is something that Donovan considers the children's gift to her.

"I am on the substitute list so I don't think I'll every really retire from Busy Bee," Donovan said. "I just won't have any administrative responsibility so I can go and play and sing and leave."

It is obvious that even though the school will move to a new location with a new owner, it will always remain just as much a part of Donovan as her gentle guidance has been to it.

A parent of a student, and later a teacher there for four years, Marna Shields, is buying the school. This summer, staff and parents will relocate their happy hive to the newly built educational wing of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

"I've just always loved Busy Bee and every day I'm excited to go to work," Shields said. "It is an honor to carry on the legacy that Joyce has created."

The basement where children have played and learned for 30 years will also take on a new role. Donovan sees a home gym and pool table in its future, a new place for her and her husband to play.

Donovan sees this new transition in her life as her own chance for a lot of playtime and reinventing herself. The "few things up her sleeve" for retirement include golfing, gardening, spending time with her one-year-old granddaughter Sophie and a budding new business as a life coach.

Donovan said that she just felt it was the right time to retire. Making the decision easier was the willing and capable hands of Shields and the availability of a bright and sunny new location. With all of these pieces falling into place coupled with the support from her staff, Donovan said she is moving on with satisfaction.

"I am not the type to sit around," she said. "This will give me some time to revisit my goals and aspirations."

As a send off to their queen bee, the family and staff of the preschool is hosting a picnic on May 31, 3 - 6 p.m. for current and alumni families and staff to be held at Worthington Pond Farm, 350 Mountain Rd., Somers CT. Families are encouraged to bring each other and a picnic. For more information call 525-2566.