From Those Who Came Before - To Those Who Will Follow After
A letter to the future of HBR education
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| Cindy Spurgeon (L) sharing a moment with fellow teacher Erin Flanigan |
First of all, you will work with an incredible administration team.
The administration I’ve worked under has always driven to do the best for this district and has worked so hard to help our students be the best they can as they move on with their lives. I’ve been fortunate to work closely with all three of the current principals, special education directors and vice-principals and I assure you – they are second to none. Travis - thank you (and all of the committed superintendents before you) for your vision for your staff and students. , there are countless successful people who came from Hinckley-Big Rock School district because of your hard work and dedication.
Our School Board is made up of local parents who have given up nights to see that policies and their combined wisdom consistently push this district in the right direction – thank you for re-hiring me every year – I am so grateful!
The principals you will work under are very dedicated to their individual schools. Principals – thank you for pushing me with your ideas and support. You taught me more than you will ever know! Ms. Melnyk – I loved our early morning talks when you were vice-principal at the high school. Mr. Brickman – you pushed me so hard and made me excited to try new ideas – thank you! And my last principal – Jeffrey – it truly has been a pleasure. You are the Big Rock version of ANDY GRIFFITH! Your leadership, calm nature and common- sense ideas need to be followed by all. It’s been delightful.
New teachers – the tech team will keep you searching for new ways to bring technology to your students in ways you haven’t imagined. Technology gurus Jeffrey & Lori tried their best to teach me the newest tech stuff. (I will need your cell phone numbers so that I can call you when I’m retired and screaming at my computer in my kitchen).
You will have the opportunity to work with some of the brightest, most dedicated, loving people that you will ever meet. The teachers, speech teacher, hearing teacher,social worker, psychologist, incredible aides, custodians and of course our school secretaries have helped me learn every day how to be a better teacher – thank you. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Your support with the students means more than you can imagine.
The parents you will meet will enrich your lives with their dedication to their children. Parents – thank you for sending me your incredible kids. I loved seeing their faces in the morning. I have laughed and enjoyed every minute with them. Your support in making them the best they could be was always helpful and I appreciate it!
Note to parents: From someone who has watched how hard your school staff works, sleep well knowing they are in good hands when you send them out the door every morning.
But best of all – you will work with students that will enrich and enlighten your world in a way you never believed possible. These wonderful kids have made my teaching experience so rewarding. note to all of my former students– thank you for coming to school, for those of you who didn’t want to be there – thank you for coming anyway. It made you (and me) better in the long run! For those of you who showed up every day wanting to learn something new – WOW – did you make my job so much fun! The excitement to teach you and watch your skills and enthusiasm grow was so energizing.
So new teachers and future teachers to this district – if you are given the opportunity to work here – count your lucky stars. We may be small but we’re mighty and I hope you enjoy your teaching experience as much as I have. There are not many retirees out there that can say they drove into their parking lot every single day with a smile on their face looking forward to their workday for 20 years.
But I can and for that I have to thank each and every one of you immensely.
Cindy Spurgeon
HBR Teacher