Middletown City Schools
Retiree Recognition
Celebration
May 22, 2015
8:00 a.m. MHS Auditorium
Middletown City Schools
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MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
May 22, 2015 ........................................................ 8:00 A.M.
Agenda
7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. – Recognition of Employees
Welcome .................... Dr. Samuel R. Ison, Superintendent
Board of Education ........ Mrs. Marcia Andrew, President
..................................... Rev. Gregory Tyus, Vice President
............................................... Mrs. Katie McNeil, Member
............................................. Mrs. Deanna Shores, Member
........................................... Mrs. Christi Delloma, Member
Service Years Recognition
5, 10, 15, years ............................................ Dr. Tanya Davis
............................................ Sr. Director of Student Services
20, 25, 30, 35 years ................................ Dr. Elizabeth Lolli
.......... Senior Director, PreK-12 Curriculum and Instruction
8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. – Recognition of Retirees
...................................... Dr. Samuel R. Ison, Superintendent
................................ Mr. Dominic Williams, MTA President
............................................................... Mrs. Cindy Caudell,
Administration .................. Mr. Eric Gearhart, HR Director
Amanda ................................................. Mr. Thomas Heide
Creekview .................................................. Mrs. Lisa Smith
Mayfield ............................................. Mrs. Andrea Blevins
Miller Ridge ............................................. Mr. Kee Edwards
Rosa Parks ..........................................Mr. Anthony Comer
Highview ............................................ Mrs. Jennifer Dennis
MMS ....................................................Mr. Michael Valenti
MHS..................................................... Mrs. Carmela Cotter
Administration: Mr . Randy Ber tr am, Tr easur er ,
Mr. George Long, Business Manager, Mrs. Carolyn Mack,
Director, Staff Development and Gifted Education
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Deborah Gephart Worbis—Middletown High School 19912015
Present Position: HS Math
Work History:
29 in Middletown, 30 in Ohio. Began at Middletown High in
1986. I have taught all levels of Spanish, sophomore English,
ESL English classes. The last two years I have also worked as
the high school’s ESL coordinator.
What are your future plans? I hope to tr avel, pr actice photography, read more, and try to use my linguistic skills in other
professional capacities.
What will you miss most about working in education?
I will miss seeing or hearing about when students apply their
knowledge of Spanish in ways that enrich their lives, and I will
miss my colleagues.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
There have been many.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
I’ve formed many wonderful friendships here, but my first year
here I was so thankful to the more established teachers in my
department and at lunch who encouraged me and answered any
questions I had and showed me that in our department, people
worked together.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
Even when you least feel like it, try to provide your students with
a good role model. Be willing to admit your own mistakes, and
encourage your students to ask question and to think analytically.
Try to expand their world.
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Sue Karwisch—Middletown High/Manchester– 1995-2015
Present Position: Special Ed Teacher
Work History:
19 in Middletown. Also in Cleveland, Atlanta, Hamilton. Special Education Teacher 7th and 8th grade, English/Reading
Teacher
What are your future plans?
Continue in some aspect of education—part time.
What will you miss most about working in education?
The students!
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
Helping the seniors to achieve graduation status. That took a lot
of hard work on all our parts! I have been to 18 graduations to
see them cross the stage!
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
Carmela Cotter—she has been a strong influence on me since I
met her in 1996.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
Smile and never give up!
MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
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2015 Retirees
Nancy Hancock ......................................... Administration
Dr. Candace Dillon .......................... Amanda Elementary
Patty Caldwell .................................. Amanda Elementary
Lori Ott ............................................ Amanda Elementary
Cindy Sauter .................................... Amanda Elementary
Cheryl Ames ......................................... Central Academy
Ines Tomes ............................................ Central Academy
Tracy Cole ................................... Creekview Elementary
Susan Hildebrant .......................... Creekview Elementary
Patricia Ott ................................... Creekview Elementary
Jennifer Haker ................................. Mayfield Elementary
Gail Hall.......................................... Mayfield Elementary
Diane McChesney........................... Mayfield Elementary
Valarie Milligan .............................. Mayfield Elementary
Richard Stoops ................................ Mayfield Elementary
Cynthia Caudell ........................ Miller Ridge Elementary
Beth Radabaugh ........................ Miller Ridge Elementary
Lynese Wagner ............................Rosa Parks Elementary
Susan Snelling ..............................Wildwood Elementary
Janet Turber-Boehmer ..................Wildwood Elementary
Rebecca Ward ...............................Wildwood Elementary
Anita Scheibert ...............................................John XXIII
Marcia Mack .........................Highview 6th Grade Center
Pamela Hudson ..................... Middletown Middle School
Eugenia Jordan...................... Middletown Middle School
Joyce Lehman ....................... Middletown Middle School
Connie Shiflet ....................... Middletown Middle School
Martina Byrd-Slone ................. Middletown High School
Linda Craft ............................... Middletown High School
Sandra Fagerlund ..................... Middletown High School
Terri Farmer ............................. Middletown High School
Suzanne Karwisch ................... Middletown High School
James Marcum ......................... Middletown High School
Judy Thacker ............................ Middletown High School
Deborah Worbis ....................... Middletown High School
Stephany VanGorden ............... Middletown High School
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MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
PAGE 29
Nancy Hancock—Administration—1985-2015
Sandra Fagerlund—Middletown High School 1991-2015
Present Position: Depar tment Secr etar y
Present Position: HS Math
Work History: 6 year s as secr etar y of Monr oe Elementar y, 24 year s
at the administration office. 15 years with the Adult GED evening program.
Work History:
24 years MCSD and 6 in other districts. MHS 1991-2008, Central 2008-2013, MHS 2013-2015
What are your future plans? I am looking for war d to running a taxi
cab service for my 5 grandsons.
What will you miss most about working in education? I will miss my
friends and the rewarding experience of helping people everyday.
What are your future plans?
Continue teaching at Miami University (15 years). Watch my
new granddaughters—moving back from Michigan & my granddaughter that lives here. Planning lots of educational field trips.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career? I
remember how great the staff was at Monroe Elementary. They were
like a family and gave each other support every day.
What will you miss most about working in education?
I will still be teaching at Miami so I won’t miss the game too
much. I will miss the students sharing their daily “stuff”.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on you
(professionally or personally) and why? Dr . Nor r is Brown was the
Director of Student Services and also our superintendent. He was honest,
professional, friendly and always a gentleman. Anyone who knows him
would agree.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
The year my daughter graduated, I was senior class advisor. We
took a trip to New York on Saint Patrick’s Day weekend. There
were a plethora of strange & wonderful sights to see. They close
50 blocks of downtown and there were many leprechauns. We
also were able to visit Ground Zero. I must say that we were all
very moved by the experience. It was a wonderful trip for a great
group of seniors.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom: I have tr ied to
live my life by something I learned in Mrs. Gumm’s first grade class at
Blue Ball School—The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have
them do unto you.”
Additional comments: To quote Dr. Brown, “Have a glorious day!”
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
Ed McNeely—he helped me acclimate to the high school in 1991
when everything was new and no one was really in charge.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
As I finish a career that I have wanted since 3rd grade, I feel joy
and sadness. I remind myself everyday that school is the best
part of many students lives and I wanted to make each day the
best I could for everyone.
Additional comments: Always look for one thing you like
about every child and focus on that. The rest will come along in
time.
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Linda Craft—Middletown High School—1985-2015
MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
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Dr. Candace Dillon—Amanda Elementary– 2009-2015
Present Position: Occupational Ther apist
Present Position: Principal
Work History:
30 years MCSD. I have worked in all the buildings throughout
the past 30 years.
Work History: 6 year s as Amanda Elementar y Pr incipal, and 19
years in other districts.
What are your future plans?
Relocating to Fredericktown, Ohio, 150 North of Middletown to
be close to my family.
What will you miss most about working in education?
The students and staff!
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
A mother of a student, that I had worked with since kindergarten,
“greatest wish was that her daughter walk through the graduation
ceremony”. She asked me to walk beside her.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
Over the past 30 years, there have been so many people,
(teachers, PTs, OTs, SLPs, principals, coordinators), it is impossible to pick just one that has influenced me.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
I have this saying up in my office: “We make a living by what
we get; we make a living by what we give” (Winston Churchill)
Additional comments: Keep in touch!
What are your future plans?
Starting August 2015 I will be supervising student teachers for Miami
University
What will you miss most about working in education?
I will greatly miss the relationship within the Amanda Learning Community—especially with students and staff.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
Experiencing and celebrating with Amanda staff and students each
and every Amanda success: All A’s in Growth on Ohio Report Card
(2 years), Increased Performance Index every year, Increased test
scores.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on you
(professionally or personally) and why?
Professionally and personally: “The Amanda Staff” they allowed me
to lead and to grow with them! This has been my favorite and most
fulfilling leadership experience.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
Always strive to “make a difference” in the lives of students and
staff!
Additional Comments:
Thank you everyone for my Middletown experience!
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Patricia Caldwell—Amanda Elementary– 1996-2015
MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
Martina Byrd Slone—Middletown
School—1988-2015
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High
Present Position: School Psychologist, MHS/Cr eekview
Work History: 27 year s in MCSD and 8 year s in other distr icts.
1980-81 Wilson, 1981-82 Roosevelt, 1982-85 Verity, 1985-86 Monroe
High, 1986-87 Jefferson 6th grade, 1987-89 Monroe High, 1989-90
Warren County Bd of Education, 1990-93 Verity 8th grade intervention, 1993-2000 Cincinnati Public School Psychologist, 2000-2015
Middletown School Psychologist
What are your future plans?
Relax and catch up on my reading.
What will you miss most about working in education?
The caring people that I have always worked with throughout my career.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
The most memorable moment was watching my first group of special
education students graduate.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on you
(professionally or personally) and why?
The late Peg Schneider had the most influence on me both personally &
professionally. She helped me survive my first year of teaching and
was a cherished friend.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
Stay away from the drama.
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Connie Shiflet—Middletown Middle School—1998-2015
Present Position: Ar t Teacher
Work History:
18 years in MCSD and 4 in other districts. McKinley Elementary, Verity Middle School and Middletown Middle School.
What are your future plans?
To enjoy my grandchildren and travel with my husband.
What will you miss most about working in education?
Watching my students faces glow with pride when they are successful in crating their art.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
I recently visited a Department Store. I had a young man help
me locate an item I was looing to find. After a moment he asked
me if I was Mrs. Shiflet? When I looked at him closed I realized
it was one of my students I had at McKinley Elementary. I remember how he had struggled in his other classes, but loved to
come to art. It was a moment I enjoyed and it reminded me of
why I teach, and the blessing in making a difference in a child's
life.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
Dr. Greg Williams, my principal at Verity Middle School. He
helped me grow in areas I never thought I could go. He was a
big support in my becoming a Highly qualified educator.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
“Great beginnings are not as important as the way one finishes”.
Dr. James Dobson
MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
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Lori Ott—Amanda Elementary—1993-2015
Present Position:
Speech Language Pathologist
Work History:
In Middletown Lemon-Monroe H.S., Roosevelt Elementary,
Highview, Wildwood PreK, Creekview PreK, Rosa Parks,
Amanda. Prior Districts: Lockland City Schools, Queen of
Peace, and College Corner Local
What are your future plans?
Hoping to work full or part time in the schools or a Children’s
Hospital.
What will you miss most about working in education?
I have love the children and their families as well as each staff I
have been privileged to work with!
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
I was chosen to represent one of my favorite students who was
being inducted into the Honor Society as her “Special Educator”.
As a whole, I have been blessed to meet many wonderful children and educators! I cant wait to hear all about their adventures
along life’s path
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why? Ther e have
been many but I have remained friends with a small group from
my first year at Roosevelt! Jackie, Kelly, Sue and I have had
MANY adventures along the way.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
Try to find some joy in each day and in your moments with each
of your students. They will remember your kindness for the rest
of their lives!
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Cindy Sauter—Amanda Elementary—1980-2015
MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
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Joyce Lehman- MMS- 2001-2015
Present Position: Physical Education K-5
Present Position: MMS Inter vention Specialist
Work History:
Elementary Education Amanda, Central, Roosevelt, G.A.T.E.,
Creekview, Jefferson, McKinley, Mayfield, Wilson at Verity,
Taft, Doty House, Manchester
Work History: 23 year s in Middletown City Schools, 6 year s
in other districts. I began in Boon County, KY teaching EMR
elementary kids for 5 years before moving to Middletown. I
taught an MH class for 2 years at MHS before my daughter was
born and I stayed home. Later when my son went to kindergarten I began tutoring and continued at Wilson for 11 years. I
worked fulltime as an Intervention Specialist at Vail and the Wilson and then back to Vail in 6th and 7th grade.
What are your future plans?
We are going to explore the National Parks through camping and
hiking and take vacations at times other than Christmas and
Spring Break when everyone else is on the road!
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
When I received my first paycheck I remember saying, “WOW, I
get paid to do this!” My parents always said I majored in play!
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why? Su Bur ns—until
I team taught with Su Burns the first time at Amanda, my discipline and teaching style was all over the place. She demonstrated
high level classroom management and superior teaching skills
which I have tried to emulate ever since.
What are your future plans? My plans include mission wor k
in Thailand with my daughter Katie, volunteer work at church
and in the community, biking, kayaking and having fun.
What will you miss most about working in education? I love
the people I have had the privilege to work with and the special
Ed kids.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
Taking my Alternate Assessment class on the city bus to MUM
for free concerts was so much fun and we all learned so much.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
Lynda Jordan is the most gracious, loving, talented teacher I
know. She made every child and every parent and person around
her feel like the most special in the world. Her faith in action
made you want to e your best person and best teacher possible.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
We all need love—1 day at a time.
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MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
PAGE 9
Eugenia L. Jordan—Middletown Middle School—1973-2015
Cheryl Ames—Central Academy– 1984-2015
Present Position: Ar t Education
Present Position: G.A.T.E. Creativity & Spanish Teahcer
Work History: 40+ year s in the distr ict. McKinley, Old Monr oe
H.S., Garfield, Freshman MS, Taft, Old Amanda, Jefferson, Present
Amanda, Vail, Middletown Middle School.
Work History: MHS Spanish I-III, French I, GATE foreign
Language French & Spanish and Vail French and Spanish, 19901996, GATE Creativity and French grades 4-6 & Spanish, Future
Problem Solving grades 7-8, 1996-2006, Gate Creativity &
Spanish Grades 3-5 2007-2015.
What are your future plans?
My future plans are to relax, eat, travel, and walk (a lot)
What will you miss most about working in education?
I will miss the students, teachers, and friends I’m leaving behind.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
Traveling with my son, and actually visiting the countries, and seeing
the art and architecture that I teach about on a daily basis.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on you
(professionally or personally) and why?
My mentor and friend; retired art teacher Mr. John Ivory.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
“If the only prayer you say in your entire life is, “Thank You”...that will
suffice…
Additional comments: Good Bye! “It’s been a fantastic ride”
What are your future plans?
I would like to teach Spanish in an elementary school setting,
either part or full time for a few years until my youngest daughter
is out of college.
What will you miss most about working in education?
Seeing the progress of the children as they learn to speak a foreign language, and enjoying seeing the creativity of their GATE
projects.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
Achieving National Board Certification in 2002 and the opportunities it brought me to work with the Ohio Foreign Language
Association a the state level was a highlight.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
When I first came to Middletown, Sandie Womack a high school
Spanish teacher, was a wonderful mentor and friend to me.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
Education is all about the positive impact you have on children’s
learning and lives. Public education is essential for us to continue to be a great nation!
Additional Comments:
I will miss seeing those of you I have worked with over the
years. I wish you all the best!
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MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
PAGE 23
Ines Tomes—Central Academy– 2000-2015
Marcia Mack—Highview 6th Grade Center—1984-2015
Present Position: Speech/Language Pathologist
Present Position: 6th Gr ade Math Teacher
Work History: 15 year s in Middletown, 17 in other distr icts.
2000-2015 Amanda Elementary-Speech Pathologist, Preschool,
Central Academy
Work History: 31 year s in the distr ict, all 6th gr ade. Roosevelt 22 years, Vail 5 years, Highview 6th Grade Center 4 years.
What are your future plans?
Relax and spend more time with my grandchildren.
What will you miss most about working in education?
The children.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
I don’t really have one memorable moment. I think I remember
most the thank you’s from the parents who say that they now can
communicate with their child.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
I would have to say my fellow speech pathologists– they were
always there with support and advicd.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
In spite of all the paperwork, it is all about the kids.
What are your future plans?
 Enjoy not having a plan!
 Enjoy time with my son and my family.
 Spend some time traveling.
What will you miss most about working in education?
I will miss: My colleagues; working with students that truly enjoy learning; being part of a great building.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
By sheer luck, I got to have my son in class. I really enjoyed seeing him
as a student. Parents have said, “I’d like to be a fly on the wall” and I got
to do just that! I enjoyed every second of it.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on you
(professionally or personally) and why?
Professionally, the people I taught with my first year. They expected me
to keep up with them, they pushed me to do more than I thought I could.
Personally, I met someone my first year at Roosevelt and she became,
and remains, my best friend.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
Every day is a fresh start and that day is only as good as you make it.
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MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
PAGE 11
Rebecca Ward—Wildwood Elementary—1989-2015
Tracy Cole - Creekview Elementary—1990-2015
Present Position: 3r d Gr ade Teacher
Present Position: Secr etar y
Work History:
28.2 years. 2003-2015 Wildwood Elementary 3rd-4th grade
teacher, 1990-2003 Jefferson Elementary 3rd-4th grade teacher,
1987-1990 substitute K-6th
Work History:
Secretary Taft Elementary, 1990-94(4 yrs), Secretary Creekview
Elementary 1994-2015 (21 yrs).
What are your future plans?
I plan to travel, start a journal, gardening, quilting (in other
words: Have a Life!!)
What will you miss most about working in education? I will
miss teaching students academic skills and life skills. I will miss
working with my colleagues. And I will miss meeting and solving challenges.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career? Mar tha Holden J ennings Scholar (1998-99), National
Board Certification (1997) Renewal (2007) Crystal Apple
(1996), named as most influential teacher by three former students (2015, 2004).
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
Lois Gross (retired teacher). She was a dedicated teacher who
treated her students with respect. She had high expectations for
her students and patiently guided them to reach their goals. I
learned from her every day.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
Always be a lifelong learner and a hopeful dreamer. Keep a
sense of humor. And when your most challenging student has
taken you to the brink of despair, start the next day with resolve
to meet the challenge.
Additional Comments:
After a long and fulfilling teaching career, I am happily anticipating the rest of my life...I’m off to see the wizard!
What are your future plans? Spend mor e time with my husband, Tim, who is already retired, travel more with Tim, and spend
more time with our granddaughter, Josie( and we have another
grandchild on the way).
What will you miss most about working in education?
I will miss the students, watching them as they grow up, and hearing about their accomplishments as young men and women.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career? So many moments come to mind...but the suppor t and
encouragement of my staff members from year to year come to
mind. In particular, on Secretary’s Day in 2013, my staff completely surprised me. They all wore pink shirts that had been specially made to honor me! They said “I (heart) Tracy” on the front
and “Top 10 Reasons We Love Tracy” on the back. Everyone
wore one! I was so touched. That meant so much to me—it was a
very special day.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
Jon Graft, one of my Creekview principals, helped me professionally through a very difficult situation. He believed in me and supported me. He was also there with his support and encouragement
during a personal crisis in my life.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom: Tr y to sur round yourself with positive people. Believe in yourself. Don’t
ever compromise your moral values. And it’s always easier to
laugh than cry-no matter what.
Additional comments: It has been an honor and a privilege to have
worked in the Middletown City School District for 25 years!
PAGE 12
Susan Hildebrant—Creekview Elementary—1990-2015
Present Position: 4th Gr ade Teacher
Work History: All 25 year s wer e at Cr eekview with the fir st five
years teaching sixth grade. The remaining years were teaching fourth
grade; primarily Language Arts.
What are your future plans? My plans ar e to move to Flor ida
where I will be closer to my parents as they are aging. My husband and
I will also enjoy traveling.
What will you miss most about working in education? I will miss
the wonderful dedicated people I work with who have become more
than just coworkers, but have become friends. I will also miss working
with students and seeing the “lightbulb” go on when they finally understand a concept or skill they have been struggling with.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
One year I had a student who had had all four limbs amputated to some
degree. He used prostheses on his legs and tried using an arm prosthetic on his dominate arm. He was such an inspiration to me and the other
students. He always wanted to be treated just like everyone else. The
only thing I remember him not being able to do was cutting with scissors. When students would tell me something was too hard, my response would be, “I wonder how hard it is for Dustin?” Always the
students would turn around and go back and try or allow me to assist
them. No one ever gave up on anything that year.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on you
(professionally or personally) and why? The pr incipal who helped
me to grow the most was Jon Graft. He encouraged me to leave my
comfort zone and try new ways which proved very effective. The
teacher who has influenced me both professionally and personally was
Rhonda Fox. She helped acclimate me to a new grade level and was
also supportive when I went through some personal problems.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom: In my ear ly
years of teaching, I felt like I lived at the school working on lesson
plans and grading papers; however, a veteran teacher told me that I
must make time for me and my family. The job shouldn’t rule your
whole life. Easier said than done, but don’t forget your other priorities.
Show the children you care and you will be able to reach them and get
more out of them. Don’t lower your expectations or your students will
not perform as well as they are capable.
MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
PAGE 21
Janet Turber Boehmer—Wildwood Elementary—1996-2015
Present Position: 3r d Gr ade Teacher
Work History: Roosevelt 2nd gr ade r eading lab, 5, 3, 4. Wildwood
3rd grade
What are your future plans? I plan to tr avel, see the wor ld. Spend
time with my granddaughter. I’m going to China, Japan, Hawaii in
Sept. & Oct.
What will you miss most about working in education? Watching
the joy when a student “gets it”.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
Receiving the Apple Award for teaching when we had more time for
hands-on science and learning.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on you
(professionally or personally) and why?
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
Additional Comments:
PAGE 20
MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
PAGE 13
Susan Snelling—Wildwood Elementary—1985-2015
Patricia Ott—Creekview Elementary—1986-2015
Present Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Present Position: Inter vention Specialist
Work History:
McKinley Elementary 8 years, Wildwood Elementary 23 years
Work History: 29 years in the district.
Vail 1986-1997 Intervention Specialist-M.D., Creekview 19972015 Creekview Elementary Intervention Specialist-M.D.
What are your future plans?
Hopefully, I will become a volunteer at an equine therapy riding
facility.
What will you miss most about working in education?
I will miss those “light bulb” moments when the children “grasp
it” after working on a task.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career? One of many—Having former students who are now parents, request me for their own children.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why? Linda See,
through her wit and wisdom, taught me that kindergartners view
everyone as a possible friend, and teaching kindergarten is not
for the faint of heart.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom.
Teaching is a true art form. It is not always precise and is often
unpredictable. Paint each child with confidence and an appreciation of his or her uniqueness.
What are your future plans?
I will be traveling until November—Florida, Utah & Europe.
What will you miss most about working in education?
I will miss working with the students.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
Too many to name.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
Joan Lucius & Carolyn Wooton—they taught me to always look
at a situation from different perceptive.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
Try to find the goodness in each & every child—everyone has
gifts.
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MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
PAGE 19
Jennifer Haker—Mayfield Elementary—1994-2015
Beth Radabaugh—Miller Ridge—1991-2015
Present Position: 1st Gr ade Teacher
Present Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Work History:
25 years with MCSD. Oneida 1st yr K, did a split of kindergarten
with Oneida and Amanda, then kindergarten at Amanda 2 years,
the Mayfield first grade till retirement.
Work History:
27 1/2 years, Roosevelt Elementary-First Grade, Wildwood Elementary-First Grade, Miller Ridge Elementary-First Grade
What are your future plans?
I would like to travel and take at least one cruise, spend time with
my parents, 3 dogs, and 2 granddaughters. I also like to work in
my flower garden.
What will you miss most about working in education?
I will miss the teachers and students. I will also miss getting up
at 5am every morning. NOT!!!
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career? One of the memor able moments was when my husband surprised me on Valentines Day with a singing valentine.
The quartet including my husband, Mike sang to me in front of
my class. I was very surprised!
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
They all had a lot of influence on me but I must say my kindergarten teacher had the most. She made me reqlize that I wanted
to be a teacher.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
I’ve always told my students to treat others how you want to be
treated.
What are your future plans?
My future plans are to spend time with my family and enjoy my
retirement.
What will you miss most about working in education?
I will miss working with the children and watching them grow
and all of my colleagues who are the most hard working and dedicated teachers I have had the privilege to know.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
The most memorable moment of my career is witnessing the
times a student begins to understand a skill or strategy after much
hard work.
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MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
PAGE 15
Cynthia Caudell—Miller Ridge Elementary—1983-2015
Gail Hall—Mayfield Elementary—1999-2015
Present Position: Par apr ofessional MD
Present Position: Kinder gar ten Teacher
Work History: Doty House/Vail 1983-1984—1988-1989, 6
years. Roosevelt/Wilson/Highview/Miller Ridge, 1988-1990 to
present (25 years)
Work History:
16 years in the district. I was a preschool Sp. Ed Teacher for 14
years at the Lincoln Bldg. then at Creekview, then at Mayfield
teaching Kindergarten.
What are your future plans?
Family and hobbies-sewing, gardening, genealogy.
What will you miss most about working in education?
The kids and the wonderful way they learn.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
So many moments!! One moment just melted my heart when a
young man read a book to me for the first time. He worked so
long and hard on his reading. We were both so proud.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
Sandy Locher—a wonderful leader who helped me grow as an
MCSD employee giving me the confidence to become a better
paraprofessional.. And Sarah Miller who has always made me
feel part of the team.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
Get involved, don’t wait until the end of your career. Help each
other, learn from each other, laugh & cry with each other. Don’t
be shy jump in and enjoy your colleagues they are a wonderful
group of people.
What are your future plans?
Taking a vacation out west with my family spending more time
with my grandchildren and sleeping.
What will you miss most about working in education?
Seeing that “light bulb” go on when a student “gets it”.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career? Dur ing wr iting wor kshop, my students wer e being extra noisy and a fe not following any directions. So I said the
whole class lost 5 min of recess. About 5 min later one of my
students came to me with a picture and a note that said I was the
bestist teacher ever I love you. Well, that was just what I needed.
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
Cyndi Cunningham—we co-taught together for 14 years. She is
thoughtful, caring, and a wonderful teacher.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
Always look on the bright side and tomorrow is another day.
PAGE 16
MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOLS
PAGE 17
Diane McChesney—Mayfield Elementary—1981-2015
Valerie L. Milligan—Mayfield Elementary—1981—2015
Present Position: 2nd Gr ade Teacher
Present Position: Vocal Music Teacher Mayfield Elementary
Work History: 34 year s at Mayfield Elementar y
Work History:
Vocal Music Teacher Mayfield Elementary 1981-2015
What are your future plans?
Relax and travel.
What will you miss most about working in education?
The people I have worked with—some of us have been at Mayfield for many years together.
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career?
Recognition at Middletown High School National Honor Society
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
Jess Wilson—principal, his kindness and knowing all students
names. We worked hard and had fun.
What are your future plans?
Trip to Aruba. DIY projects in my house.
What will you miss most about working in education?
Working with the students—seeing their eyes light up with excitement as they learned new music!
What was one of the most memorable moments of your career? Ever y day was a memor able moment in my car eer . I
am leaving a job that I loved!
Who was the fellow employee who had the most influence on
you (professionally or personally) and why?
Dr. Elizabeth Lolli (professionally) She mentored me when I began my teaching career in 1981. (Personally) Alecia Hoyles
(retired) she taught me how to be tactful.
As you retire, please share some words of wisdom:
Cherish each day as if it is your day on earth! Count your many
blessings!
Additional comments: I have been blessed to be a teacher for 34
years in the Middletown City School District. Thank you!