Michele Atallah

Michele Attalah was a teacher, advisor and coach to 2 of my children at Bethlehem High School. Dan was a student in the Lab school and she taught him French and was his advisor. Ben was a volleyball player and Michele was the coach. She was always so wonderful to talk to , so warm and ready to give good advice when needed. The photo here is from her coaching days in 1992 for the varsity team. She was a force for good among all those tall players! My sympathies go out to her family at this time...

So glad we were able to share lunch and memories of our teaching lives and families during the summer vacations. The last time was especially memorable. You were always so upbeat and positive. " las tres amigas": you, Teresita and me.
You gave it your all and now it's time to rest.
Ton amie, Connie

There is no feeling that can compare to the warm, caring light that was Madame's love. A mother to her pupils, every student - regardless of their enthusiasm for class content - yearned to make her happy and feared disappointing her. Her deep intelligence on matters of language, history, politics, geography and her enthusiasm in having her classes discuss such matters allowed her classroom to be as intellectually stimulating as any course on a university campus. The world is undoubtedly a colder, darker place without her, but her love lingers even after death, and I am fortunate enough to have her warmth help carry me forward through the days ahead.

Madame was one of the kindest souls I´ve met and her love for teaching was unmatched. Everyday she lit up my class with laughter, smiles, and always took a lottt of time individually with everyone and made sure everyone was seen! She will be deeply missed but everybody. Miss you Madame!

My daughter and I knew Michele as a teacher for club volleyball. We learned how to work as an R2 during club tournaments and score-bookkeeping. She had a wonderful way about her and she remembered us when she came to officiate our school's volleyball games. No words seem to be the right ones, but we are sending our deepest condolences and hope memories of the good Michele put into the world will cheer you in sad times. Dell and Mindy Potts

Ms. Atallah was my high school Spanish teacher at Lab School, and I will always remember her caring yet firm support and her consistent encouragement. As a teacher myself, I often reflect on how Ms. Atallah made me feel and strive to provide that same guidance to my own students.

I frequently share with my students the story of when Ms. Atallah caught me cheating on a test. I was trying to hide my flashcards, and she took them from me, looked me in the eye, and said, "Cheaters are losers!" I felt terrible for letting her down, and I never cheated again.

She was kind, gentle, and supportive, but she also expected her students to take ownership of their learning and take pride in their work. Her impact on me continues to shape how I approach teaching today.

My deepest sympathies to the family and all of her students and colleagues.

My deepest sympathies to your family. My children were taught by Michele- and as life does- it was a kind twist of fate. I went to high school with Francois and met Michele and the family- spending some time learning about Lebanese culture and food... but we lost touch over the years- so when I found out that Michele was teaching French at BCHS- I was happy to know that such a wonderful person was teaching my children. I always have remembered the family as warm, happy, with loving smiles always present. God bless you all.