Thirty-two men and women retired, or are soon to retire, from P-H-M in this 2015-2016 school year. Representing nearly every work group and school building, this dedicated group has served the district for a combined total of 680 years!
A number of them attended the May 11, 2016, Employee Recognition Dinner where they received thanks and special recognition from Dr. Thacker and Board Member Randy Leliaert.
The four photos below were taken at the event. Pictured in upper left photo is Kathy Bowyer, followed by Kathy Geary, then Corinne Stogdill, and finally Jan Whitten. In each photo, Mr. Leliaert stands to the left and Superintendent Jerry Thacker on the right. Other photos can be viewed, lower on this page.
The district values their insights as well as their service. To that end, our 2015-2016 retirees were asked to share their thoughts in three areas: A favorite memory of working at P-H-M, words of advice to colleagues, and plans for retirement. Click on parting thoughts next to a retiree’s listing to read their answers!
2015-2016 Retirees
- Kathy Bowyer – Media Aide, Horizon, 16 yrs
- Peggy Brilli – Music Teacher, Moran, 36.5 yrs
- David Dahlquist – Teacher, Grissom, 34 yrs ….parting thoughts
- Rod Denniston – Custodian, Penn High, 17 yrs.
- Marcia Felton – Educational Asst, Penn High, 15 yrs.
- Carolyn Fielder – Custodian, Walt Disney, 10 yrs
- Kathy Geary – Teacher, Walt Disney, 20 yrs
- Donna Hildreth – Teacher, Madison, 31 yrs
- Brent Holaway – Teacher, Penn High, 33 yrs
- Chet Jakubowksi – Custodian, Horizon, 26 yrs….parting thoughts
- Richard James – Custodian, Penn High, 25.5 yrs
- Mary Kizer – Teacher/Media Spec, Penn High, 35 yrs….parting thoughts
- Dennis Kline – Custodian, Pr Vista, 30 yrs
- Becky Kuczmanski – Auxiliary, Moran, 17 yrs….parting thoughts
- Ed Lauten – Bus Operator, Transpo, 13 yrs
- Judy McCormack – ESP, ESC, 24 yrs
- Raymond McQueen – Bus Operator, Transpo, 12 yrs
- Cathey Musho – Teacher Aide, Bittersweet, 13 yrs....parting thoughts
- Sharon Myers – Lunchroom Aide, Penn High, 15 yrs.
- Connie Paridaen – Educational Asst, GMS, 24.5 years ...parting thoughts
- Lynda Rose – Teacher, Penn High, 18 yrs ...parting thoughts
- James Sauer – Teacher, Penn High, 20 yrs
- Russ Shaw – Associate Principal, Penn High, 30 yrs ...parting thoughts
- Richard Smith – Bus Operator, Transpo, 17 yrs.
- Wayne Southwood – Custodian, GMS, 9 yrs.
- Corinne Stogdill – Speech Lang Pathologist , PV, Disney, DMS, 11 yrs.
- Sandi Superczynski – Guidance Secretary, Penn High, 21 yrs ...parting thoughts
- Christine Vandygriff – Teacher, Penn High, 23 yrs
- Cathy Ward – Custodian, Moran, 19 yrs
- Wanda Weston – Teacher Aide, SMS, 11 yrs. ...parting thoughts
- Jan Whitten – HR Asst, ESC, 27 yrs
- Diane Zuber – Teacher, Elsie Rogers, 26 yrs ...parting thoughts
PARTING THOUGHTS
Teacher, 34 Years of Service
My favorite memory of teaching at Grissom Middle School occurred during the time when we had teams. Our team was the “Dynamic Doozers,” which included Bob Yenna, James Bayer, Matt Russell, Carol Schraw and me.
As a team we did incredible things for our students and the school. We were a cohesive unit functioning for the benefit of our students.
My words of advice for my colleagues center on one word—change! There will always be changes in Education. Your reaction to them will determine how you function as a teacher and as a person. A successful teacher accepts the changes and becomes better by using what helps them to educate their students to the best of their ability. In every situation, do not fight change; adapt to it and add it to your tool belt as a teacher.
My new adventure will probably include some museum work, church work and some university teaching. I intend to keep learning and experiencing history and life for a long time, with a lot of concentration on my family.
Custodian, 26 Years of Service
What I liked most about working at P-H-M were all the good people that I worked with in the three schools I’ve been in.
To my fellow colleagues, try to do your best and try to have a positive attitude.
Being a “house husband” and getting things done around the house that I’ve put off doing over the years is the adventure that awaits me in retirement!
Teacher, 35 Years of Service
My years at Penn High School have been memorable because of the wonderful people I’ve had the opportunity to work with, both students and staff. The very best memories I have are of the holiday parties we’ve hosted in the IMC over the years. Everyone who participated said it was the best day of the year and I would agree wholeheartedly with that.
Enjoy your days here because they will fly by and the next thing you know, you’ll be retiring!
My husband and I are planning to spend more time out in Wyoming, hiking the beautiful trails and enjoying the mountains.
Auxiliary, 17 Years of Service
My favorite memory at P-H-M was working at Walt Disney School, working with many economically disadvantaged children. The children rewarded you with a smile or hug upon a skill learned; they were happy and felt safe being at school.
To my fellow colleagues at the school where I worked—the advice I would give is to always keep up on technology and new innovative ways that can help you in the classroom and possibly reach a child you otherwise couldn’t before. The knowledge you gain from technology can help you at school and in your personal life.
My new adventure in retirement is taking care of my two grandchildren daily and enjoying all the special moments we will create. It’s better the second time around raising kids, as I have developed more patience and flexibility after working in the schools for 18 years!!! Also, my husband and I plan to travel on non-peak school times throughout the year.
ESP, 13 Years of Service
I have so many wonderful memories from P-H-M, from being a volunteer mom, to subbing in the schools, to full-time work at Bittersweet Elementary! I have to say my best memory is teaching in the Bridges Lab! I loved those days working one on one with students and seeing how the program really helped them improve at school, plus the special feeling of working with the teachers to help our students.
Words of advice that I would give fellow colleagues … is to take each day one day at a time and enjoy the special job you are lucky to have. There is nothing more special than helping a student to achieve his or her best. Each day can bring challenges, but at the end it has all been worthwhile and you have made a world of difference in someone’s life!
WOW, retirement has been a big change, but I am loving the new adventure! It takes time to get readjusted to being home, but I have been blessed with spending lots of time with my two little granddaughters. They are growing up so fast and I have now been able to experience so much. I also hope to be able to do some traveling. Just enjoying each day!
Educational Assistant, 24.5 Years of Service
My favorite memory was the privilege of accompanying a special needs student on the eighth-grade trip to Washington, DC. Having the opportunity to see this young lady in a wheelchair spend a few days as she said it, being treated as a “normal person,” is something I will never forget. I will always remember the smile on her face when she sat next to the statue of FDR in his wheelchair and said, “Look, I’m as tall as he was.” At the President’s church, while lighting the candles, I was touched by the glow on her face. During this trip, we overcame many physical obstacles. Two Grissom Middle School football players came to our rescue and carried her down 17 steps so she could watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Thank you P-H-M, for sending me on this trip. Lasting memories were made and friendships were deepened. The history and beauty of our nation came alive for all of us.
My advice to educators is to remember that students are people with feelings and thoughts. We must show our students respect while provid ing a positive, fun and safe place to learn. Together we can nurture our students to live up to our GMS motto and strive to be their “good, better, best.” My hope is that we lead by example.
My new adventure in retirement is twofold. My most important role is to be the best “Mimi” for my two precious grandsons, Finn and Duke, thoroughly enjoying every moment loving, teaching and watching them grow. I am so blessed! I still desire to make a difference in the lives of GMS students by subbing; my heart will always be part of the GMS family and I was honored to work there.
Teacher, 18 Years of Service
It is very difficult to choose a favorite memory (there are so many!) because while working at Penn I was challenged to develop my skills as a teacher. I was encouraged to develop new curriculum and include new technology. But my most cherished memories are centered around my students and their achievements. Helping them become better learners than they thought they could be and those “aha moments” are the highlights.
For my friends that are still working, the years fly by so try to take joy in each year. Keep pushing yourself to improve your craft. Measure your success by how well your students learn and if they are willing to keep challenging themselves. Don’t measure it by the frustration teaching often brings or how tired you are.
I am using the skills I developed during my time at Penn to help other teachers. I will be conducting four weeks of modeling workshops this summer: two with Indianapolis public schools and two with Evansville public schools made possible through a three-year grant in partnership with NISMEC and the University of Notre Dame. I also am starting a crafting business, ‘Baskets by Lynda.’ Retiring has allowed me the time to dream and do fun things like crocheting, knitting, spending time with my grandchildren and shepherding a small group at Community Bible Study.
Administrator, 30 Years of Service
My favorite thing about working at P-H-M has been all the wonderful people I have met. This includes staff and students. I will miss interacting with you on a daily basis. I appreciate the great work ethic and professionalism I have seen in action.
I would encourage those of you who are continuing in education to love your students and fellow staff. Don’t focus on trying to change your students who don’t meet expectations, instead focus on being a positive force in their lives. They will change if enough people do that. I speak from my own experience as a student.
My wife, Jenny, and I plan to spend much more time with our son and daughter and their families. We have three grandsons to “spoil.” We also plan to travel to some of the places around the country that we have not yet visited.
ESP, 21 Years of Service
I have many memories of Penn, not only of the staff but of the many students who I have gotten to know. P-H-M gave me the opportunity to serve young people in a variety of capacities and I’ve been privileged to work with many talented staff members. I feel blessed that the people who work in Guidance Office are not only my colleagues, but I am able to call them my friends. They are a unique group of caring and competent people. The students and staff of Penn are fortunate to be able to benefit from their talents and giving nature. I appreciate each of them and wish that all good things come their way.
I feel one of our goals is to help students develop their minds, spirits, and character. You may feel that you have to give a lot, but what you receive in return is worth more than you ever thought possible.
Words of Advice: Be flexible, patient and communicate with our students. I feel enthusiasm and team work are the best protection in any situation and our staff and students pick up on this.
Bruce Lee states, “Notice that the stiffest tree is easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.” I feel you need to go with the flow, do the best you can and try not to stress because the work will be completed in a more timely fashion.
New Adventures with Retirement: Spending quality time with my husband and family, and I will have the privilege of watching my newborn grandson, Braylon.
ESP, 11 Years of Service
The thing I liked most about working for P-H-M are the wonderful people that I was fortunate enough to work with and making many lifelong friends. I will always treasure those friendships.
My words of advice to my fellow colleagues are to always be supportive and kind to one another.
I plan on doing a lot of antiquing, crafting, gardening and most of all spending as much time as possible with my children and grandchildren during my retirement.
Teacher, 26 Years of Service
With a love for children and a passion for music and education, I’m grateful to have been part of the Penn-Harris-Madison teaching staff these past 26 years. One of the many highlights of my teaching experience here was writing and producing the children’s book and CD, “The Broken Doll.” It started as a Christmas program for my students at Madison Elementary many years ago, and eventually became a book and CD through a Lilly Endowment teacher’s grant I received in 2005. I’m thankful to all of the P-H-M staff and students who helped me in accomplishing that goal.
Now, I’m being called to other expressions for my gifts and talents. Eagerly, I listen for the continued guidance and grace of the Lord’s Voice in my life journey. And, for at least the next few years, I’ve decided to keep my “home base” in the Michiana area.
I believe good teaching to be a calling. May God richly bless you in your courageous calling, as He has me, in mine.
