The end of the school year is always bittersweet. There is a joy for the seniors who are moving on to new and exciting adventures. Staff members are thrilled to have some time in the summer to be with family, take a trip, and use the bathroom whenever nature calls, not dictated by when the bell rings. But it also brings a time to say farewell to co-workers and friends who are moving on, especially those retiring.
Ann Howe has been teaching special education at NRHEG for nearly her entire career. She’s bopped around, helping kids in various grade levels, and has settled in for the latter part of her career just down the hall from me in the middle school wing. Ann has at last reached the golden age where she can put away the paperwork and sail off into the sunset.
I’ve always appreciated the balance that Ann brings to the special ed classroom. She has spent plenty of time in my room, working with 7th and 8th graders on their English. We try to keep kids in what is known as the least restrictive environment, meaning they should be in the regular education classroom as much as possible, while still getting the help they need because of any learning disabilities.
Ann has seen me teach for a long time now, and she knows my expectations of my students. She knows what her students can accomplish and gets them to do most, if not all, of the work my other students do. She makes some modifications along the way, but she works to push them to get better, just like we do with every student.
At the same time, she knows when it is time to extend a deadline or really sit down and work one-on-one to get the student to understand and be able to work to at least their ability. But so often, under her guidance, those kids who struggle to read and write really find new heights to reach.
I know Ann will enjoy retirement and time to spend with her kids and grandchildren. We may get to see her sub every now and then as she eases out of the profession. Dedication like Ann’s deserves a well-earned thank you.
Our other big loss to retirement in the secondary building is Teri Kormann from the office in New Richland. Teri was a paraprofessional for many years and has now been the main face and voice people see and hear when they need something in the office, be it in person or via phone.
We’ve known this was Teri’s last year for a time and speculated on how one can hope to replace a lady who does so much. Being a secretary in a school is so much more than taking parent calls and making announcements. There are little things that Teri does every day or once a week or once a quarter or once a year that most of us probably aren’t aware of.
How do you write up that job description? Many jobs these days have a list of things involved and then a line that reads, “And other duties as determined or needed.” That would be this position for sure. Even if Teri made a list, she would likely forget something since it doesn’t happen often, but her keen sense of organization reminds her when it is time for that particular task.
Teri has always been that smiling face that kids need to see when they have to take care of some office business. She is kind and professional on the phone, even if there is someone belligerent on the other end. We tell her often that she is what holds the school together when times are tough. And it’s true.
When I student taught, my supervising teacher told me that secretaries, custodians, and cooks were the most important people in the school. That’s very true, and losing Teri from the office will leave a hole that will be hard to fill. Teri will look forward to more family time and being able to read a book whenever she wants!
People like Ann and Teri are the glue that holds things together for our students and staff. They have been valuable members of our school district, and I hope the people who get those positions will be even half the tremendous co-workers those two have been. Best wishes for wonderful retirements for wonderful people!
And one more nod to another retiree, though not from teaching. My good friend and teaching neighbor, Duey Ferber, has decided to hang up his running cleats and retire as head track coach after 35 years. I know he has inspired and helped hundreds of kids over the years to run faster and jump higher. Kids enjoy track, something that seems unfathomable to those of us who choose not to run. It will be rare, if not nonexistent, to see a coach last that long anymore. Thank you, Duey, for everything you’ve done in your coaching career!
By the time you read this we’ll be in the home stretch at school! And these fine folks can see the actual finish line!
Word of the Week: This week’s word is requite, which means to repay, as in, “It would be difficult to requite the longstanding employees who were retiring for all their hard work and dedication to the school district.” Impress your friends and confuse your enemies!