The Martinez Unified and Mt. Diablo Unified school districts said farewell to several teachers at the end of the 2011-2012 school year, some who had careers that spanned over twenty years. The Focus is honored to highlight a few of those dedicated educators and to wish them well in their retirement. Shelly McHale has been teaching in the MDUSD since 1975. Educated as an elementary school teacher, she accepted the job as a P.E. teacher at Glenbrook Middle School. “I loved the subject and the grade level, so I never went back to the classroom,” she said. Also trained in conflict management, McHale implemented a program at Glenbrook and Pleasant Hill Middle in which students are trained to mediate conflicts among their peers. “I love this program and the fact that I was able to have relationships with the students on an entirely different level than in my regular teaching.” McHale says about the many student and peer relationships she’s developed and enjoyed over the years, “Seeing students years later and having them remember things about our years together is a treasure. I have also had many second-generation students, which reminds me of how long I've been doing this!” “To teach middle school you need a constant sense of humor and cannot take yourself too seriously,” she says. “These kids are funny; always making us laugh! They are still so young and are always trying to prove to us how old they are! They are constantly testing us and testing themselves (to say nothing of testing their parents), but deep down they just want to be respected, accepted and loved. If we as teachers can remember that, then we will reach them and have a good relationship with most of them!” McHale and her husband Tom have three daughters and seven grandchildren, and they look forward to more quality time with family. But she will miss “bantering with my friends, having crazy conversations in the lunchroom and being connected to something I’ve done for thirty-seven years...teaching!” Also retiring from MDUSD: Beverly Jacobs retired from Fair Oaks Elementary. She worked in the district for thirty-one years, twenty-eight of those as a 2nd grade teacher. Cindy Flood-Pease began her teaching career in 1981 at St. Peter Martyr School in Pittsburg, where she taught third grade until her oldest son was born. Cindy returned to teach 2nd grade at Mt. Diablo Elementary, then went to Meadow Homes to teach 5th and 1st. She finished her career teaching kindergarten for ten years at Hidden Valley. “I've always been most excited by student growth, particularly in reading, and I see the most growth in kindergarten and 1st grade. I look back happily and absolutely love that I have taught so many children to read and (hopefully) love literature,” she said. Cindy and her husband are moving to more open country on the other side of Sacramento. Pleasant Hill Elementary said goodbye to 2nd grade teacher Valerie Boysen and Principal Jennifer Voris who was principal for five years. “Thanks to Jennifer, PHE has reading and math support for struggling students, and this year, we implemented an after school computer class for second language learners to help them learn English,” said Office Manager Lorraine Helton. “She is regularly seen around campus and in classrooms and knows almost every student by name. Jennifer has worked tirelessly to improve PHE and we will miss her and Sitka, our therapy dog.” “After a successful career in education, Peggy McGurk is turning in her playground whistle,” said Strandwood Principal Liz Kim. Peggy taught at Strandwood for fifteen years and has been in the Mt. Diablo district for seventeen, having begun as a special education teacher at Strandwood. After working as a program specialist then returning to the classroom at Rio Vista Elementary, she came back to Strandwood in 2002, where she taught both 1st grade and kindergarten. “Peggy has influenced so many students and families. Her grace and nurturing personality have soothed many scrapes and bruises, both emotionally and physically for students. Her ability to befriend the parents of her students has provided counsel to them as well. Our wish for Peggy is the joy of an ‘endless summer!’” said Kim. After eighteen years in the district and seventeen at Valhalla, Diane Criner is moving with her husband to a quieter lifestyle in Idaho. Criner taught kindergarten, 2nd and 3rd grades. “What motivates me is seeing my students get excited about learning as we discuss different subjects each day. I also enjoy seeing my former students. I can see how they have been successful and are moving forward in their lives, and I know that I’ve had a small part in that success. I will miss working with truly wonderful colleagues and being around students and parents who are happy to be at Valhalla,” said Criner. Husband Larry Criner was the first sworn DARE officer. He is leaving the PHPD after twenty-six years. Sandra Conley is retiring after twenty-one years working in special education. “The last three years I have held a full inclusion position in the autism magnet programs at Valley View Middle and Concord High. I have loved every minute of working on an excellent team!” said Conley. Martinez Unified School District After six years as Principal of John Swett, Marj Pampe will be retiring. Office Manager JoAnn Buccellato said, “She was a great leader and was able to really pull people together; our test scores went up and we received the California Distinguished School Award for the second time. Replacing Pampe as principal will be Adam Welcome from the San Ramon Valley School District. Also retiring is Sharon Ruddell, Library Media Assistant at Morello Park Elementary, after thirteen years with MDUSD. The district also said goodbye to seventeen-year Alhambra High teacher Susan Kimmel, and twenty-eight year Alhambra High teacher Sarah Gallagher, as well as twenty-year Martinez Junior High teacher Sue Brunton, and ten-year teacher Janice Vinco. Even more MUSD Retirees: Mary Cerri, teacher – twelve years at John Swett; Marcia Kent, teacher – twenty years at John Swett; Darlene Pepper, teacher – twenty-four years at Las Juntas Elementary; David Biles, teacher – twenty-eight years at John Swett; Patricia Gallagher, teacher - twenty-five years at John Swett.