Wednesday, May 27, 2015Edina Country Club

12:15 p.m.

RECOGNITION

2014Retirement2015

2015 Retirement RecognitionMay 27, 2015 | 12:15 p.m. Edina Country Club

WelcomeRandy Meyer, Edina School Board Chair

Celebratory CommentsRic Dressen, SuperintendentJames Hovland, Edina Mayor

2015 Retiree RecognitionEdina School Board Members:Cathy CellaDavid GoldsteinRandy MeyerRegina NevilleLisa O’Brien Sarah PatzloffLeny Wallen-Friedman

Musical accompaniment provided by members of the Edina High School Chamber Orchestra

Retirement Recognition Event

Marilyn BensonKristi BloomCarol Brady

Martha CosgroveDiane Daniels

Mary ElliottMarsha Gullickson

Harley HagstromCathy Heller

Susan KemperPenny Kodrich

John KrausKyle Larson

Ann LittleStephen Manser

Joseph MondaFred Mutchler

Linda NussKatherine Oberle

Tom OpitzRobert RyderJudy Scanlon

Michael SeamanSandra Stein

Kathryn SwansonChris Tower

Karen WallaceKelly WheatonWilliam White

Linda Willer

Special Education Teacher, Edina High School, 38 years of serviceLanguage Arts Teacher, Valley View, 18 years of serviceEducational Associate, Cornelia Elementary, 28 years of service Language Arts/Writing Center Teacher, Edina High School, 15 years or serviceSocial Studies Teacher, Edina High School, 15 years of serviceMedia Specialist, Valley View, 15 years of serviceSpecial Education Teacher, Valley View, 19 years of service Bus Driver, Transportation Services, 11 years of serviceMedia Specialist, South View, 19 years of serviceOffice Assistant, Early Childhood Special Education, 13 years of serviceDirector of Special Services, District Office, 31 years of serviceArt Teacher, South View, 26 years of serviceCustodial Supervisor, South View, 23 years of serviceSchool Nurse, Edina High School, 19 years of serviceCustodian, South View, 25 years of serviceBus Driver, Transportation Services, 8 years of serviceTechnology Education, South View, 6 years of serviceEducational Associate, Valley View, 12 years of serviceKindergarten Teacher, Highlands Elementary, 27 years of serviceCustodial Supervisor, Community Center, 34 years of serviceBus Driver, Transportation Services, 17 years of serviceSecond Grade Teacher, Highlands Elementary, 22 years of serviceContinuous Progress Teacher, Highlands Elementary, 23 years of service Social Worker, Normandale Elementary, 15 years of service Bus Driver, Transportation Services, 15 years of serviceFifth Grade Teacher, Concord Elementary, 15 years of serviceEducational Associate, South View, 9 years of serviceLiteracy Specialist, Valley View, 10 years of serviceBus Driver, Transportation Services, 19 years of serviceSecretary to the Director of Business Services, District Office, 25 years of service

Class of 2015 Retirees

Edina Public Schools 2015 Retirement Recognition4

Special Education Teacher, Edina High School 38 years of service

After beginning her teaching career in California, Marilyn and her husband moved back to Minnesota, where she was hired as a special education teacher at Countryside. She taught there for 10 years, then at Valley View for 10 years, and has been teaching at her alma mater – Edina High School – for the past 16 years.

Marilyn has served the district and the community as a member or leader of numerous committees and initiatives. But she says the most meaningful experiences have been with her students and their families. Each year, Marilyn helps organize a reunion of Countryside special education students, who are now in their 30s and 40s, and the staff who worked with them.

Marilyn says someone else can have the first staff parking spot in the lot at EHS now because she will no longer be setting her alarm for 5 a.m. She and her husband plan to spend time visiting their two grandchildren in Tucson, Ariz. and travelling.

Kristi BloomLanguage Arts Teacher, Valley View Middle School 18 years of service

Eighteen years ago, Kristi Bloom started teaching language arts and reading at Valley View where she happily remained for her entire career at Edina schools. She worked with the French Immersion students and said she enjoyed middle school humor and was proud of the work her students produced. She is certain they will always remember their Odyssey project, and she will always remember when her students placed first in the nation in a program called Wordmasters.

Kristi is looking forward to spending time with family and friends, including the four-legged variety. She hopes to become an accomplished dressage rider, performing at the highest level known as Grand Prix, with her horse Gucci. She said riding is what keeps her young.

Marilyn Benson

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Educational Associate, Cornelia Elementary 28 years of service

Carol’s career with Edina Public Schools has taken her from the kitchen to the playground to the classroom, which has allowed her to impact the lives of many students in many ways. She knows her work has made a difference when she gets invited to the graduation parties of former students. “My belief is that we all work as a team,” she said. Carol, whose own children attended Cornelia, said she has observed first hand, as a parent and a staff member, how hard teachers work and that it has been rewarding to support those teachers and be a part of the Edina Schools team.

During retirement, Carol plans to spend more time in the garden and a lot more time with her two grandchildren.

Martha CosgroveLanguage Arts/Writing Center Teacher, Edina High School 15 years of service

Martha said her job for the past 15 years has been to help students become thinkers and clear writers. Her own passion for the written word has certainly benefitted her students, who have always been her focus. How does she connect with them? “By knowing that learning is about them first, not me,” she said. Martha encouraged each of her students, in the classroom and the writing center, by showing her confidence in them. “They are all capable of being creators.” She has loved creating the learning environment in which student creativity can flourish.

Martha said her plan for retirement is not to plan so much!

Carol Brady

Edina Public Schools 2015 Retirement Recognition6

Social Studies Teacher, Edina High School 15 years of service

Diane spent the first five years of her career with the district at Valley View, moving over to the high school in 2005. Diane says a project she is most proud of is the yearlong intergenerational project at Valley View. Students became pen pals with senior citizens, exploring topics related to the social studies curriculum. At the end of the year the students presented a book they made based on the correspondence to their pen pals. “I still run into our senior pen pals who proudly talk about ‘their book,’” she says. Diane is also proud to have taught several National Merit Scholars.

Diane says now that she is retired she plans to sleep, paint, quilt, sleep, garden, travel and sleep “pretty much whenever I want!”

Media Specialist, Valley View Middle School 15 years of service

Mary has spent half of her career in Edina Public Schools. Thirty years ago when she began her career, electronic typewriters and dial-up modems were cutting edge. Now she marvels at the 24/7, anytime/anywhere learning that happens in media centers throughout the district. But one thing has not changed, she says - the importance of helping children learn to love reading. Reading aloud to kindergarteners who scoot closer and closer to her chair as they become engaged in the story, finding the right book for the right child at the right time and seeing former students who stop in to visit are all highlights of her Edina career. That and the support and laughter of the district media specialists group.

Mary looks forward to hanging out with her husband, Frank, and maybe some traveling to see the Grand Canyon again, or maybe a cruise. “I want to read all those books I’ve put off reading because there was never enough time,” Mary said. But above all else, she will try to convince her cats to let her sleep in.

Diane Daniels

Mary Elliott

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Marsha GullicksonSpecial Education Teacher, Valley View Middle School 19 years of service

Marsha began contributing to Edina Public Schools more than 30 years ago as a speaker in FACS classes through the Community Resource Pool. She became “official” in 1996. And since 1997, Valley View has been her home away from home. Marsha said she delights in hearing from former students about their achievements and memories of their days at Valley View. “It is fun to hear students sing the 23 Helping Verbs Song to me - sometimes when I am standing in the grocery store!”

The kindness, friendship and support of paraprofessionals on a daily basis, and the collaboration of the Valley View staff made her career there “a joy.” Having worked in several school districts, Marsha said she feels Edina is the most child-centered. “My

career has spanned purple mimeographs to computer technology, but I still love teaching and will miss the kids and staff,” Marsha said.

Marsha’s retirement bucket list is two pages long. She plans to continue performing music, learn to use her computer more effectively, increase her physical fitness and read the daily newspaper.

Harley HagstromBus Driver, Transportation Services 11 year of service

According to Harley, he is not good at being retired — this is the third time he has retired from a job. But his job driving bus for Edina Public Schools has been one of the most fun jobs he’s ever had, he said. He officially left the district at the end of December and said he enjoyed an unbelievable party at the bus garage with his colleagues, who cleaned and washed his bus for his last run. He choked up while talking about the “privilege” of driving all ages of students through the years. When they and their parents learned he was retiring, the notes and recognition he received at each bus stop was “over the top.” “I didn’t deserve it,” he said.

In retirement, Harley plans to join his golf partner on a senior golf tour.

Edina Public Schools 2015 Retirement Recognition8

Media Specialist, South View Middle School 19 years of service The most important part of Cathy’s job, she said, has been to connect with students and help them connect with books. Over the past 19 years she has found many ways to serve the South View community. She launched the Cyber Café 16 years ago, has been actively involved in South View service-learning and led the effort to develop the courtyard garden. She has been a member of five local and national committees promoting reading, and has written 50 grants in support of technology improvements and programs to benefit students and staff throughout her career.

In retirement, Cathy said she is looking forward to a “lifetime of adventures.”

Office Assistant, Early Childhood Special Education 13 years of service

Susan joined the district in 2002 and said she has truly enjoyed working with the ECSE staff and families. “I hope that my contributions made a positive impact on their lives,” she said. “It has been very rewarding to see such wonderful gains made by our youngest of students.” Susan has many plans for retirement. She said she’ll wash windows for the first time in years and then take a trip to Europe at the end of summer. She plans to volunteer, resume her goal to hike the Superior Hiking Trail to the Canadian border and travel to warmer climates during winter. She also plans to read the newspaper and drink her morning coffee while listening to traffic reports, knowing they don’t apply to her anymore.

Cathy Heller

Susan Kemper

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Penny KodrichDirector of Special Services, District Office 31 years of service

Penny joined Edina Public Schools in 1981 as a school psychologist. She served as team leader, coordinator for English Learners, Title 1 supervisor and Acting Assistant to the Coordinator of Special Education, before being named Assistant Director of Special Services in 1987. Ten years later, she became the director of that department. Penny said her time in the district helped her recognize and develop her leadership potential. “I was thrilled to be able to use my leadership skills to impact and improve the lives of children,” she said. Part of the legacy of her long tenure and leadership are the hundreds of “remarkable special education teachers and specialists” that Penny recruited and hired to work with Edina’s students in all grade levels. “I consider the hiring and development of staff to be the most important factors in providing excellent

services and education to our students,” she said.

Penny looks forward to spending time with her 95-year-old parents, volunteering and travelling.

Ann LittleSchool Nurse, Edina High School 19 years of service

Ann has spent the entirety of her career at Edina High School, although early on she was also responsible for nurse coverage at Creek Valley and Countryside. While Ann came in contact with many students in her work, she said she came to know a few of them quite well due to life-changing illness, injury or diagnosis. “I have been in awe of the courage and resilience shown by these students and their families,” she said. Ann tells us that she has loved her job at EHS and feels lucky and proud to have had the experience. “I have worked hard, laughed hard and learned so much along the way,” she said.

Now, Ann said she looks forward to “whatever happens!” During retirement, she wants to travel a bit and plans to focus on spending time with her brand new granddaughter.

Edina Public Schools 2015 Retirement Recognition10

Technology Education, South View Middle School 6 years of service

Fred has been instrumental in the development of the Project Lead The Way program-ming across the district. From his first year with the district, when the initial work and first certification was accomplished, through the next six years and recertification this year, Fred has helped define this important STEM line of curriculum. Over the years he has taught video production, principles of engineering, flight and space and the Magic of Electrons. He is most proud of having had an effect on the lives of more than 2,000 students through the program. Fred believes that middle school is a defining time for students. “In middle school you have memorable years filled with many mo-ments that make for lifetime of relationships and shared experiences,” he said. And now his years at South View will be among his own memories.

Now, Fred is looking forward to moving on to an entirely different career field. He and his wife, also a retired teacher, will be opening Tamarack Country House, a bed and breakfast near Rice Lake, in northwestern Wisconsin. He is looking forward to having former Edina colleagues and students check in for a night or two.

Fred Mutchler

Linda NussEducation Associate, Valley View Middle School 12 years of service

Linda’s tenure in Edina Schools began as a band room para at Valley View, where she helped keep track of instruments, mouthpieces, and music along with students. In 2009 she became a special service paraprofessional, working with 8th grade students. Once again, her duties varied, from assisting students in STEM engineering to algebra and social studies classes. She enjoyed every student, class and project and said that she learned a lot, too. “Imagine being energized by 8th grade schoolwork – this might only happen in Edina!” she said. Linda described her mission as to “foster awareness of [a student’s] significance to parents and teachers, and to lead them to recognize their unique purpose and meaning in their lives.”

Linda began her retirement in January and already spent a warm winter in Florida this year, something she and her husband plan to continue every winter. She is also looking forward to more “Grandma time.”

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Katherine OberleKindergarten Teacher, Highlands Elementary 27 years of service

Katie started her career with the district at the Kindergarten Center (now Normandale) and then moved to Highlands where she has taught for the past 22 years with her favorite age group — kindergarteners. She is passionate about these young learners who are transitioning from preschool to elementary and believes that, at this age, learning environment is key. Katie leaves a legacy of connecting students with nature through outdoor learning and play spaces. She spearheaded, research and acquired a grant through the Edina Education Fund for the development of the dry creek bed and other creative, nature-based areas around Highlands. “Environment is so important to learning,” she said. “It has been a cornerstone of my practice to create environments that enrich learning and provide space for joyful play and fun.”

Katie plans more of the same activity in retirement and is currently involved in the Didge Nature Center Preschool, where there are 110 acres to explore with young learners. She also plans to contunue working in the areas of racial and social justice and, as always, advocating for young children on the local and state levels.

Custodial Supervisor, Edina Community Center 34 years of service

With brief stints at the Cahill School, Countryside and most recently the Edina Community Center, Tom spent 31 years of his career at Edina High School. “My thing was to try to make their day — the kids and the staff,” Tom said. The hardest times in Tom’s career have been during construction projects. But the remodel of Fick Auditorium also led to one of the highlights…when Superintendent Ric Dressen came to work for him! “We were all working so hard to get ready for school to start and he showed up and said ‘how can I help?’ So I had him vacuum the auditorium,” said Tom. The crew at the high school has been great to work with and Tom said he has the utmost respect for Principal Bruce Locklear. “We can accomplish a lot more when people work together and enjoy each others company,” said Tom.

Tom has two objectives for retirement. With five grandchildren and two more on the way, he plans to spend a lot of time with all of them. And you have probably seen his other passion in the homecoming parade – his ‘67 El Camino.

Tom Opitz

Edina Public Schools 2015 Retirement Recognition12

Second Grade Teacher, Highlands Elementary 22 years of service

Over the span of her Edina Schools career, Judy has worked in a number of positions, including special education para, Title One teacher, classroom teacher, literacy coach and instructional coach. She has worked in all six of the district’s elementary schools, and spent the last four years at Highlands. Judy said the highlight of her career was the opportunity to be an instructional coach spending time in classrooms observing and connecting with teachers. “Not only was it the best professional development of my career, it also confirmed what I already knew — that Edina teachers are amazing professionals and it has been a privilege to know them as colleagues and friends.” She said she also has many wonderful memories of her students and their families.

Judy plans to spend more time traveling with family, reading with her granddaughter and hanging out with her retired teacher friends.

Robert RyderBus Driver, Transportation Services 17 years of service

Bob started driving for Edina Public Schools after he retired from a 20-year career as an elementary teacher in Minneapolis Schools. His specialty has been driving for student athletics and school field trips. The highlight, he said, was when he drove bus for a Countryside Elementary field trip that included his twin grandsons, who are now in 8th grade. Bob said he is proud to have assisted the great staff and outstanding students of Edina schools. Bob said he knows the future will provide surprises and lots of satisfying experiences, but added that the past 17 years have one of the best periods of his life.

Judy Scanlon

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Michael SeamanContinuous Progress Teacher, Highlands Elementary 23 years of service

Mike spent all of his 23 years in the district at Highlands and said he has grown right along with his students. Service-learning projects have been the source of his career highlights, especially those around racial and cultural equity and inclusion. Mike and his students used a recent civil rights movement and service-learning project to educate more than 200 students and staff at Highlands. The dynamic of students collaborating with, encouraging and educating one another is one of the things he will miss the most, he said. Mike credits the insights and support of students, staff and parents for helping him grow and become a better educator. “I am deeply grateful for all those who have been with me on this jouney.”

Mike also served as coach of EHS boys’ cross-country for seven years. Now, he said maybe he’ll have time to hit the roads for a run himself. Mike also intends to stay involved with social justice work. He said he will likely continue to visit Monterey Bay in the summer, and is looking into a trip to Africa.

Social Worker, Normandale Elementary 15 years of service

In 15 years, Sandi has worked in four of Edina’s elementary schools, not including her six-year stint as a lunchroom supervisor at Concord. Her work on bullying prevention, and diversity and equality issues are the highlights of Sandi’s career. Sandi said it has been very rewarding to support students, parents and staff during difficult moments in their lives. “I have always been proud to say that I worked for Edina Schools because of its association with excellence,” she said, “and I felt like I was part of that.” Two months ago, a third grade boy asked her, “How long have you been doing this?” She told him, “24 years.” “That must be why you are so good at what you do.”

Sandi’s retirement plans include creating more art, teaching social skills at her granddaughter’s school in Minneapolis, playing with her cat, exploring the Upper Midwest with her fiancée, and increasing her personal record on the decline bench-press.

Sandra Stein

Edina Public Schools 2015 Retirement Recognition14

Fifth Grade Teacher, Concord Elementary 15 years of service

Chris recalls teaching an environmental unit and growing plants with students. When a girl asked what they would do with the plants at the end of the unit, he told her they would be composted — and she just did not understand why they would do that. “Later I saw a student trying to replant what was grown in the classroom outside under a bush,” Chris said. “At that moment I realized that something real needed to be done with the curriculum.” Chris became the catalyst for Concord’s Community Produce Garden, now in its fourth season. His initiative was also recognized when he was presented the National Science Teacher’s Association Sylvia Shugrue Award for Best Elementary Science Inquiry Lesson Plan in the nation. Chris said he will miss the relationships he has developed with staff and families and says it has been an honor to serve “in one of the best districts in the nation.”

Chris and his wife Betsy are getting ready to move to their cabin in Bemidji. He is looking forward to gardening, becoming involved in the community and will continue educating in some way. He also plans to bike, ski, fish and develop his woodworking skills.

Kathryn Swanson

Chris Tower

Bus Driver, Transportation Services 15 years of service

The last 15 years have been a “very good time in my life,” said Kathryn. Driving bus for special education students has been rewarding and fun. “The kids are enlightening and very sweet,” she said. “I have enjoyed every minute of my job.” Kathryn is looking forward to more time at the cabin. “I have been waiting for years to be able to come and go to the cabin when I want,” she said. “That will be the best part of retirement!”

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Literacy Specialist, Valley View Middle School 10 years of service

The more Kelly worked in classrooms the more she wanted to teach. After working as a special ed para at Creek Valley in the ‘90s, she went back to school for her teaching license. She taught math and reading intervention at Valley View, before earning a reading specialty. Thoughout her career, Kelly also helped develop and teach many professional development opportunities around literacy. She is most proud of her extensive learning with the National Urban Alliance, working at their summer academies and in the teacher/coach symposium. For Kelly, a career highlight was when her 9th grade literacy skills students gave a presentation to the school board. “There were many anxious moments in the hall beforehand,” she said. “But they did a great job and they were so proud of their presentation.” Kelly said the students said they felt they had

done as well as, or better than, the non-intervention students who presented that night. Seeing her students’ reading skills grow from fall to spring has been the reward.

In retirement, Kelly is looking forward to her weekends at the cabin extending to include Fridays and Mondays.

Kelly Wheaton

Bus Driver, Transportation Services 19 years of service

Bill White is retiring from his “retirement job.” He joined the district following a 30-year career in sales management at Conwed Corporation in St. Paul. He started driving the “big buses” and transferred to being a special needs driver, a change that has been very rewarding. “Small things make such a big difference when you are driving special needs students,” Bill said. Forming close relationships with students and their families and aides has made the work a pleasure. Working for Edina Public Schools has been “the best,” in part because of the work of transportation supervisors and staff. “They work very hard to make employees feel supported and comfortable in their jobs,” he said.

Bill’s future plans are to spend more time hiking and building model ships.

William White

Edina Public Schools 2015 Retirement Recognition16

John Kraus Art Teacher, South View Middle School 26 years of service

Also Recognized

Linda WillerSecretary to the Director of Business Services, District Office 25 years of service

Linda’s Edina schools career began with a small classified ad in the newspaper for a library clerk at Concord Elementary. Her journey wound through several positions at Concord and South View before she landed at the district office in 1999. “Little did I know that in 1990 when I walked through the doors of Edina Public Schools, I would have the privilege of serving students, parents, teachers, administrators and school board members for 25 years,” Linda said. Working in various positions and buildings completed the circle Linda started as an elementary teacher in Ohio and the parent of two sons, who are now Edina graduates. Working with staff who are passionate about their roles in the district and witnessing the care, compassion and dedication of all

have made her job rewarding. “Through these experiences I have seen education in many different ways and am proud to have been a part of this excellent school system,” Linda said.

It may not surprise you that Linda plans to be a student again — she is looking forward to taking classes at the University of Minnesota. She will also do some travelling with her husband and “spend a countless amount of time with my three grandchildren, chasing butterflies, lying in the grass and watching the clouds and teaching them to love learning.”

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Kyle Larson Custodial Supervisor, South View Middle School 23 years of service

Stephen Manser Custodian, South View Middle School 25 years of service

Joseph Monda Bus Driver, Transportation Services 8 years of service

Karen Wallace Educational Associate, South View Middle School 9 years of service

Edina Public Schools 2015 Retirement Recognition18

Stay Connected!EDINA VOLUNTEER PROGRAMwww.edinaschools.org/volunteer | 952-848-4926The Edina Volunteer Program allows community members to share their time, talents and passion to support Edina Public Schools (EPS) in academic and non-academic settings. Volunteers work throughout all nine schools, early education, community education and administrative services to assist in a role that matches their interests.

EDINA IN THE KNOWwww.edinaschools.org/know | 952-848-3919 Great stories are happening every day in EPS. Subscribe to our new electronic newsletter EDINA In The Know, a weekly publication highlighting short, quick pieces of information with links for extended articles and details for those who want to know more.

EVENTS CARDwww.edinaschools.org/volunteer | 952-848-3952EPS is pleased to offer adults ages 55+ free general admission to school events. The Edina Events Card allows the card holder and one guest a free pass to theatrical, musical or home-played athletic events (excludes hockey games at Braemar Arena, the Current Jam concert and post season athletic events).

EDINA RESOURCE CENTERwww.edinaresourcecenter.com | 952-848-3936 | Free and confidentialThe Edina Resource Center, working in partnership with Edina Community Education Services, EPS and the City of Edina, serves as your connection to community resources, services and information for what’s happening around town.

EDINA EDUCATION FUNDwww.edinaschools.org/volunteer | 952-848-4222The Edina Education Fund is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to the continued academic excellence of EPS. The Ed Fund secures private, supplemental funding to support valuable, educational experiences and innovative projects in EPS. Funds raised augment school system revenues that are provided by taxes, state aid, and other parent and student led fundraising efforts.

EDINA COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERVICESwww.edinacommunityed.org | 952-848-3959Edina Community Education engages adults of all ages with extensive lifelong learning opportunities, ranging from cooking, fitness and world language courses, 21st century technology and career exploration and more. Check your bag for a 20% off coupon!

EDINACOMMUNITY

Education

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Edina Public Schools is proud to recognize the 2015 retirees.

Thirty valued members of our staff have contributed a combined 572 years of service to the success of the district and will be greatly missed.

Congratulations and best of luck to all of you in your new adventures!