Congratulations to our 2015 Retirees

"Retirement is the beginning of life — not the end."
  - from How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free

For 63 educators and employees in Paulding County, their new lives begin on Friday. They will enter the world of retirement.

Earlier this month, the District honored each of these retirees at a luncheon.

We want to thank each of these educators and employees for their years of service to the children of Paulding County. Your loyalty, dedication and tireless commitment will be remembered always.

From the Paulding Neighbor:

Linda Reque retiring, taught physical education for 36 years in five Paulding schools

Deborah Allen, East Paulding High School

Anita Bailey, Russom Elementary School

Ann Barber, Roberts Elementary School

Laurie Bartron, McGarity Elementary School

Ernest Baulding, McGarity Elementary School

Janet Behrens, Roberts Elementary School

Rhonda Brown, Hutchens Elementary School

Frances Cohen, East Paulding Middle School

Rachel Deal, McClure Middle School

Pamela Durham, Austin Middle School

Kay Eargle, Allgood Elementary School

Mittie Everett, Dugan Elementary School

Betty Folds, East Paulding High School

Billy Freeman, Maintenance

Carl Gamel, Transportation

Leslie Gillis, Hiram High School

Pamela Googe, Roberts Elementary School

Gail Graham, Poole Elementary School

Rita Henderson, McGarity Elementary School

Jerry Hightower, South Paulding High School

Yvette Hill, Central Office

Michael Jackson, Dobbins Middle School

Paula Jackson, Hiram Elementary School

Mary "Denise" Jennings, Northside Elementary School

Margaret King, Panter Elementary School

Mary Martin, Hiram High School

Pamela Moore, Roberts Elementary School

Doris Morris, Abney Elementary School

Patricia Moss, McGarity Elementary School

Jim Neal, Hiram High School

Cindy Nettke, New Georgia Elementary School

Elizabeth O'Connor, Abney Elementary School

Patricia Pace, Paulding County High School

Michael Perry, East Paulding High School

Myra "Anne" Perry, East Paulding High School

Donnie Priest, P.B. Ritch Middle School

Linda Reque, Burnt Hickory Elementary School

Pamela Seed, Baggett Elementary School

Sharon Tinnan, Herschel Jones Middle School

Gail Watts, South Paulding High School

Marilyn Willcox, Herschel Jones Middle School

Patricia Wills, McClure Middle School

Not pictured:

Tari Allendorf, Panter Elementary

Barbara Aubrey, Transportation

James Bearden, East Paulding High School

Dolly Bentley, Transportation

Wylene Cason, Hiram High School

Nancy Conway, East Paulding Middle School

Arlene Day, East Paulding High School

Sue Ann Eady, Union Elementary School

Mina Epps, South Paulding High School

Ellen Flemister, Abney Elementary School

Cindy Gardner, Russom Elementary School

Dale Hurley, Abney Elementary School

Elizabeth King, South Paulding High School

Lauranne Levy, Dallas Elementary School

Debra Lewis, Dallas Elementary School

Brenda "BJ" McKinley, Dugan Elementary School

George Powell, South Paulding Middle School

David Seanor, Moses Middle School

Kenneth Tyner, Transportation

Linda Tyrrell, Allgood Elementary School

Jerry Wood, Hutchens Elementary School

Congratulations to all of our retirees!!

"If You Ever Need Me, Come Running!"

The mind is an amazing thing. For many, the brief whiff of a familiar scent can bring back a whirlwind of memories. For me, I remember the distinct smell that my church kindergarten had – walking down the steps to the basement, which wasn’t really a basement to the classroom. I remember Anita Gypin, daycare center director, and her booming voice down the hall every morning “Good morning! Welcome to today!” I remember she had a jolly laugh and she smelled nice. I remember her office was very cozy, but small. I remember her crying at kindergarten graduation as we got our little diplomas and walked across the stage. I remember because she made me feel special, as I’m sure she did to every child that walked down those steps. I don’t know what happened to her. I don’t know what happened to the other kids in my kindergarten classroom. I only know what happened to two of those classmates, and that’s only because we knew each other in high school and are Facebook friends.

I tell you this brief story as an introduction to a group of students who are completely opposite. They not only know what happened to their classmates – they remain classmates today!

Meet Ms. Coats’ and Ms. Howard’s kindergarten class from Dallas Elementary.

They had their kindergarten graduation in 2002. Thirteen years ago. Thirteen years ago, as they walked out of Room 302 for the final time as kindergarteners, Ms. Coats told them she would see them at their high school graduation. And she’s making good on that promise.

You see, over the past 13 years, this group of students hasn’t lost touch with their kindergarten teacher. They get together every so often, most recently two weeks ago.

But what’s most interesting, to me…look at the packets that the students are looking through. Pictures. Drawings. And a letter from their kindergarten teacher, Jill Coats. She kept these momentos for more than a decade, only to assemble them for her students as a keepsake from their time in her class.

We often think about the teachers who leave a lasting impact on our lives. But what about the students who leave a lasting impact on theirs?

From Ms. Coats’ Facebook page:

Full Circle....Thirteen years ago I made a plan to meet up with some really special people again....as they left my Kindergarten class for the last time, I told them I'd see them when they graduate from high school. My first class of Kindergartners at Dallas Elementary School graduates in a few weeks. Just don't really have adequate words to say what it's like to watch them grow up over the years and then get back together to reminisce. [Ms.] Howard and I were so amazed at the things they remembered from their days with us. We had a great time last Thursday over dinner and a fun little photo shoot. Great young men and women and I am so very proud of each of them. How I'd love to see every student, but very thankful for those who were able to come as well as the parents who came, too. For those who couldn't come, you know 302 is always open....come on by and don't be a stranger. Remember one more thing I told you long, long ago.....if you ever need me, come running.

Can you imagine one of your former teachers leaving that message for you to read? Can you imagine the impression this group of students left on Ms. Coats and Ms. Howard?

Congratulations, Class of 2015! You’ve made a difference in at least one person’s life…who’s next?