PR Teachers Retiring: Remembering Them And Their Memories
Written by ninth grader Baeden Gauthier for The Rampage
It’s no secret that teachers retire. And this year at our high school we have a good amount of teachers retiring. And one of these amazing teachers may be your favorite teacher. You may want to remember them. And look back upon the amazing times you had with them. So let's look into them and their amazing memories here at PR.
Mrs. Metal:
Q: When did you start working at the high school?
A: August 2011.
Q: What subject did you/do you teach?
A: Learning Support; I have also co-taught English 11 & 12.
Q: What is your favourite PR memory?
A: At the high school; the LipDubs were always so fun to see how ALL the students could be part of a video.
Q: Do you have a favorite year that you worked here?
A: When I taught Second Grade at Wexford Elementary, we did a play that encompassed all three classrooms. It was a lot of work, but the students did a great job and we all had FUN in the end!
Q:What is one thing you believe that students can work on here at PR?
A: For students to really embrace the RAMS Way values. Developing and polishing Respect, Accountability, Motivation and being Safe will help you in every step of life.
Q: What is your final message to students for next year?
A: Always keep striving to be the best YOU, your dreams will become your reality.
Mrs. Perko
Q: When did you start working at the high school?
A: I started at the high school in the fall of 2004. My daughter Shelly was a senior that year and before I decided to move to the high school I asked Shelly if she was okay with me working in the building.
Q: Do you have a favorite lesson in your class/a class you're in?
A: As an instructional assistant I’ve supported many classes over the years. My favorite ‘lesson’ is best described as a moment. Moments when connections between students happens in a meaningful and lasting way. And honestly, there have been many times when students and teachers listen to each other and build common ground and have created many awesome memories.
Q: What other teachers are you most close to here?
A: Well, Baeden, it takes a deep commitment to build lasting relationships within this large community of teachers and staff. I think the adults I am closest to are those who I’ve spent some time with. When we work together day after day and year after year, it’s easier to find the strengths as well as understand the struggles of those around us. It’s not difficult to be ‘close’ to those who deeply care for our students.
Q: Do you coach any sports? And if you don't, pick one that you wished you did coach.
A: I have never been an athletic coach, although I think my children will say I can play pretty good defense at basketball—under the hoop. However, if I had the skillset to coach a sport, it would be girls’ lacrosse, following the lacrosse rules for boys.
Q: Do you sponsor any clubs?
A: I do not.
Q: What is your final message to students for next year?
A: I think it’s important for young people to do their best in the moments they are given. I also know that while we can’t undo the actions or words or thoughts we regret, there is always redemption. We need to be brave and reach out to someone we’ve let down. We need to have the courage to make healthy connections. Each day we are given opportunities to acknowledge the others around us. And probably, most importantly, when we have made mistakes, there is ALWAYS a way for us to choose a better path. If we can move beyond our guilt and feelings of remorse, we’ll find there are others waiting to help us find our way.
Mrs. Pesanka
Q When did you start working at the high school?
A: I was transferred to the high school in August of 2004 from Richland Elementary. I was there for 5 years.
Q: What's one club you wished we had here?
A: Either a book or yoga club.
Q: In one word how would you describe the students here at PR?
A: It's like a kaleidoscope- depending which way you look you see something different.
Q: What's your favorite subject here at PR?
A: math - Algebra 1, 2, Geometry, TAG.
Q: What do you look forward to in retirement?
A: No 5:15 am alarm clock, time with my family, (husband, children, and grandchildren) volunteering, curling up with a good book.
Q:What is your final message to students for next year?
A: I think it’s important for students to realize that some of you love high school while others are just doing what they have to do to get out. Regardless of how you feel, always do your best, find things you enjoy that will make the days easier, and always stay true to who you are. I wish you joy and happiness in all you do.
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