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Dancing for Miss Battles
PS 8 Salutes Ailing School Aide

By HEATHER HADDON

Life without Miss Maggie Battles just isn’t as sweet.

“I miss her,” said a frowning Muhammad Jogeh, 8. “She was so nice to us at school but then she got sick.”

Battles, known affectionately as “Sweet Magnolia,” has touched thousands of students in her 26 years as an aide at PS 8 in Bedford Park. After falling ill with cancer, she stopped working in March and is undergoing treatment. But PS 8 hasn’t forgotten about her.

“Someone visits her every day,” said Maria Quail, the school’s principal. “Our school is her family.”

Battles, 76, came to PS 8 in 1979, leaving the back-breaking work of migrant farming in the south. Originally hired on a temporary basis, the administration was impressed by Battles’ work and kept her as a full-time school aide.

Four principals later, Battles still oversaw the lunchroom, and helped students in numerous other capacities. “She always cares about people,” said Norma Melendez, 10, whose older sister, a former PS 8 student, used to get homework help from Battles.

Saira Rodriguez, 11, also fondly described Battles. “She’s very patient and considerate of others,” she said.

After a series of infections, Battles was diagnosed with cancer that spread from her lungs to her bones. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy at Wayne Avenue Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Students and staff have visited her often, but decided to do something special before the year was over. Last month, PS 8 started preparing a musical and dance tribute to Battles, and made dozens of drawings and written cards.

All the Center’s residents were treated to the performance last week, with Battles sitting in the front wearing a corsage. The school’s chorus sang three spirited songs with syncopated moves. The showstoppers were 25 first graders who shimmied to the swing. Pint-size boys twirled girls and threw them between their legs, while others did cartwheels.

The residents clapped and cheered, one man repeatedly shouting, “Viva Los Niños!”  (“Long live the children!”) Based on the positive reaction, PS 8’s choral director hopes to bring students to the Center annually.

A mountain of cards in her lap, Battles was especially touched. “I miss the kids so much,” she said, beginning to cry. After the performance, students surrounded Battles to give her hugs.

Despite her illness, Battles remains a fighter. “I want to go back,” she said through tears. “I will go back.”

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