For the past two years, through writings and visual images, Springfield Schools has shared with community partners the “competencies” that the district aspires for each Springfield graduate. The district welcomed back more than 70 retirees on September 30, and each of these individuals played a significant role.
These individuals helped capture and add their own edits to the portrait of Springfield Schools. It’s a fact that none were present 139 years ago when the district’s first students began their educational careers. However, it’s also a fact that it was within their storied educational careers–either as teachers, secretaries, custodians, class/club/organization advisors, coaches, principals, superintendents and members of our board of education–that the district rose to the stature it enjoys today. With strong financial management, rigorous academic expectations, competitive athletic teams, unmatched music/ performing arts and a nationally celebrated commitment to serving others they lent more than 800 collective years to perpetuating the traditions and memories that are held in the hearts of students, families, colleagues and the community.
There was no set agenda for the morning. Director of curriculum, assessment and testing Taryn Miley–a 13year Springfield student and long-time Crissey teacher prior to joining the administration– shared a few reflections.
Current teacher Marty Perlaky also spoke, pointing out that many of those in the room that morning helped him become the educator he is today. Both made attendees laugh more than once and unabashedly conveyed that in talent, passion, compassion and commitment to students, no other district compares to Springfield.
Springfield Schools expresses appreciation to Scott Stigall of State Farm, who underwrote expenses associated with the breakfast held at the Stone Oak Country Club.
“I want all to know, especially in our ongoing efforts and commitment to transparency, that the event took place at no expense to the district,” said Kristina White, community liaison.
The names and faces of so many retirees reside in the district’s Halls of Fame, lists of Devil of a Difference and as Employees of the Year honorees. The retiree gallery is filled with great masters and even more impressionists who mixed their media to find a way to connect with students. They’ve left fingerprints on the hearts and footprints of many and continue to guide today and for many years to follow.
