Longtime educator and beloved AHSS teacher Ms. Laila Snobar is retiring at the end of the 2023/24 school year. Ms. Laila has been teaching at AHSS for 38 years, the majority of the time the school has been in operation. Ms. Laila has taught elementary school throughout that time and most recently has been the fourth grade homeroom teacher for many years. Her children attended and graduated from the school as well.
“I feel myself as a part of the school. This is why I like the school too much, this is my school. It’s my home, my second home,” Ms. Laila said. “Really I like the school from the bottom of my heart.”
One of Ms. Laila’s favorite parts of teaching at the school is the family atmosphere for all of the teachers and the students.
“The school is a warm, friendly, accepting place where nobody feels threatened or is not accepted or afraid of something. All of us feel that we are welcome and wanted and respected,” Ms. Laila said.
Ms. Laila was close with the late Dr. Sue Dahdah, who passed away at the beginning of this school year. Ms. Laila said she loves and admires Dr. Sue.
“I love Ms. Sue so much, she’s the one who built this, she’s a role model for me, she’s my mentor, she taught us a lot,” Ms. Laila said.
Ms. Laila has been with the school for every graduating class AHSS has had. She will be missed as a constant presence in the halls and classrooms.
“Laila snobar, a great teacher, best friend and someone whom I will miss seeing at the school,” said Ms. Alia Aqrabawi. “I spent all my years here with Laila. Of course, my days at AHSS will not be the same when Laila retires.”
Ms. Laila is known for her gentle touch as a teacher. Her students adored her teaching and always felt happy and cared for in her classes.
“She doesn’t make anyone sad. When you do something good she’s always happy, she doesn’t just let you go with a bad face, she’s always smiling,” said fourth grader Randa Bustani.
“She’s very kind and she teaches us very well. I alway understand her teaching and if I don’t she will explain it again. I really like that she always makes us laugh,” said fourth grader Miral Bassit.
Her colleagues at the school looked up to Ms. Laila and she often shared her wealth of knowledge on teaching with them. She has been a wonderful mentor.
“Ms. Laila is a very wonderful teacher, she taught my daughters,” Ms. Nadia Al Najjar said. “I want to tell her that I’m going to miss her. She gave a lot for all of the students. We learned a lot from you, how we teach, she gave me some lessons. She told me how to communicate with kids, I will not forget how she taught me how to communicate with the kids. Thank you Ms. Laila, we’re going to miss you and I love you so much.”
Ms. Laila was also a friend to many teachers in her time at AHSS. Many teachers will look fondly back at their time with her.
“Ms. Laila is one of the wonderful teachers of Abdul Hamid Sharaf School. She was from the early years here, she spent most of her life teaching in AHSS,” said Ms. Somaya Al Husamiyah. “She is a model for everyone here, for teachers and students. She taught my nephew, I will never forget that year. She was a great mother before a teacher. I will miss you, my best friend. We are all going to miss you Ms. Laila.”
Ms. Laila’s former students remember her teaching fondly as well.
“You taught me to believe in myself and to strive for excellence in everything I do,” said 2024 AHSS graduate Nour Diab. “One of the most memorable moments I recall is when we went on a field trip. You made sure every student was having fun and safe. You showed how caring, kind, and considerate you are to every student. As you embark on this new chapter of your life, I want you to know that your influence extends far beyond the classroom walls. You have touched the lives of countless students, and your legacy will continue to inspire future generations. I am deeply grateful for the knowledge, wisdom, and kindness you have shared with me and so many others.”
Ms. Laila will be missed as a teacher at AHSS as she moves on to a well-earned retirement.
“Thank you Laila for all the years of dedication and excellence. We appreciate the love and committment you gave the school,” said Ustaz Nicola Dahdah.
“Such consistent dedication to AHSS children as a homeroom teacher for 38 years is absolutely admirable. I can’t even remember the school without Miss Laila as a part of it,” said AHSS Director Ustaz Tarek Dahdah
For Ms. Laila it was a joy to teach students for the past 38 years.
“It’s not for me a job, it’s a passion,” Ms. Laila said.
