Jim has been counting the days for the last two years and has just two left. For twenty-four years, according to Andy, he's been cleaning up puke, pee and poop. But beyond that, he's been teaching kids how to be good school citizens. Wipe your shoes when you enter the building, pick up after yourselves, throw trash in the correct bins, help out whenever you can. I love the way Andy always focuses on the positive contributions each staff member offers, no matter what their role. He said, and I agree, that there are no menial jobs when it comes to serving the needs of children.
For forty years, Judy has taught typing and resume preparation, collected and interpreted data, made up schedules, recorded grades and verified them. What a treasure she has been! She always watched out for the most vulnerable kids, the kids on the verge of dropping out, the transients, foster kids. Calm, steady and focused, Judy kept track of a million details. I remember when Evan was searching for colleges. The guidance counselor recommended some top universities, but we knew we couldn't afford the Ivy League. It was Judy who told me that they often offered generous scholarships so that the cost would be comparable to a state college.
Marsha has been a first grade teacher for thirty years. Caring, loving, silly, passionate, dedicated and gentle, Marsha did everything she could for her little ones. All of her children were my students years ago and they were wonderful also. She's really excited because she got a job at the college teaching literacy. Those prospective teachers are really fortunate.
Nearly thirty years ago, I was on the hiring committee to select a new guidance counselor and we picked Mike. He's low key, but a fierce advocate for kids. He didn't take any crap from anyone. I had all four of his kids and loved them all.
The party was a great way to cap off a busy day of working like crazy! The back deck is fully preserved and the crescent garden is completely finished!
Before
All finished!
Crescent garden
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