Celebrating the Legacy of Len Grabowski: 31 Years of Inspiration, Innovation, and Impact 

By Associate Director of Marketing and Communications Kathleen Bartlett

After 31 years of teaching, mentoring, and shaping young minds at Gill St. Bernard’s School, longtime faculty member Len Grabowski P ’08, ’12 is retiring, leaving behind a legacy that spans generations of students, colleagues, and programs. 

Grabowski joined GSB in September 1994 as a Seventh and Eighth Grade science teacher. Over the years, he expanded his reach across disciplines, teaching math in Grades 5 through 8. He was actively involved in the Middle School Unit, taking on such projects as bridge-building in the Engineering Unit and teaching about the legal system and having students attend actual court cases in the “Order in the Court” unit. 

When an opening arose, Grabowski stepped into the role of Ninth Grade Physics teacher—a role he’s now held for the past 15 years. 

“Being a teacher is an opportunity and a privilege,” he shared. “I felt grateful that I’d been given the responsibility to teach all these children and that I was entrusted with their care for all those years.” 

A Princeton University graduate with a B.A. in Architecture, Grabowski also earned a Certificate in Computer Programming from the Chubb Institute, a K–8 Certification from Kean College, and later an M.A. from Kean University. His wide-ranging interests and diverse academic background helped shape a truly interdisciplinary teaching style, from early work with computers to coaching the Upper School Robotics Team. His very first robot—dubbed the “Soccer Bot”—kicked off his journey in robotics by literally kicking a soccer ball into a goal at competition. 

Grabowski also played a pivotal role in co-leading the Mock Trial Team, serving as an advisor to students, and serving as a faculty advisor to the Upper School Environmental Club. He led scores of Upper School Spring Units, including two in California with his wife and fellow GSB teacher, Carrie Grabowski. 

“I love Gill St. Bernard’s,” he reflected. “My family was here—my kids were students, and my wife, Carrie, was also a GSB teacher. It’s a great place, with great people and colleagues, and great camaraderie. It made it easy to stay.” 

His contributions have not gone unrecognized. Grabowski is a recipient of the Rudolph Award for Science Excellence, and in 2005, he was honored with the St. Bernard’s Chair of Excellence, one of the school’s highest distinctions. Now, as he looks ahead to retirement, Grabowski is excited to spend more time with his family, including his children Peter ’08 and Katie ’12, daughter-in-law Bridget, and his grandchildren.  

Through it all, his teaching philosophy has remained consistent: “I always tried to focus not just on the content that was being taught but the manner in which we conducted class. I wanted students to find the value in what they were learning and for them to feel valued as well.” 

His legacy has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the entire GSB community. Thank you, Mr. Grabowski, for 31 incredible years.