Birch Dedicates Learning Garden in Memory of Former Head Custodian

Birch School recently dedicated a learning garden in memory of former Head Custodian Stephan Diaczun, who passed away in December 2025.   

 The dedication brought together students, staff, family members and members of the school community to celebrate a man whose kindness, creativity and dedication left a lasting impression on the school.

The outdoor learning garden held special meaning for Diaczun, who found creative ways to use the space to engage younger students and encourage exploration. The garden will continue to serve as a place where children can discover nature, ask questions, work together and learn through hands-on experiences, carrying forward the spirit of care and curiosity that he helped foster at Birch.

“Stephan was so much more than our head custodian,” Anthony Fauci, assistant principal shared during the Oct. 21 dedication. “He was someone who looked out for the people around him, often in ways that might have seemed small at the time but left a lasting impression.”

Throughout his years at Birch, Diaczun took pride in creating a welcoming, safe and well-maintained environment for students and staff. His contributions extended beyond the daily responsibilities of his position. Whether preparing the school for special events, lending a hand to a colleague or helping bring a celebration to life, he was always willing to pitch in.

Fauci recalled his participation in the school's Lunar New Year celebration, when he joined the festivities by helping carry the dragon costume during the student parade. Even when it meant stepping outside his comfort zone, Diaczun was happy to contribute to an experience that would make the day special for students.

Principal Kerri Galante also reflected on the significance of the garden as a lasting tribute to Diaczun's commitment to the school and its students.

“Stephan understood that a school is much more than classrooms, hallways, and walls,” Galante said. “It is a place where children should feel safe, welcomed, inspired, and ready to learn.”

Galante added that the garden represents the kind of learning environment Diaczun helped nurture throughout his years at Birch. Students will continue to explore nature, observe growth and discover the world around them in a space he cared for so deeply.

A particularly meaningful moment came when former Birch student Gregory Goldman, who now attends Merrick Avenue Middle School, joined the community to cut the ribbon. He recalled working with Diaczun and Fauci on a months-long project for his APEX class, sharing a memory of the time they spent working together.

“This is the best way to honor him,” Goldman said.

The memorial bench offers another place for students, staff and visitors to pause and remember Diaczun, whose life touched the Birch community in countless ways.

“By dedicating this garden space to Stephan, we are creating a place where his memory can live on,” the assistant principal said. “Stephan will be missed, but he will not be forgotten.”