| I had a very rough upbringing, but I remember
going to Findley School. Since there were problems at home, I had problems
at school. I remember being in fifth grade. I don't remember the name of the
teacher, but she saw a very hurting child and took time out for me. I began
to improve in my grades and also my conduct at school. I received the
best-improved student award. I remember going up and getting my award. It
was wonderful. Thanks to Findley School for seeing good in me. I am now 39
years old and still remember that award.
– by Annette Alexander
I was in the fifth grade when I started going to
Forest Hill Elementary School. I really liked not having to wear a
uniform! I liked the idea of "free dressing" and not having to stand up
when giving answers in class.
I had a wonderful teacher named Mrs. Sokol. She
taught us the states and capitals of the United States, and I memorized
them all and could say them fluently. This was rather impressive to my
parents, and I remember them always asking me to say them for their
friends when they visited us. This also helped my self-esteem and ego!
I also remember when the teachers were allowed to
spank children for discipline. I can honestly say that I never had to be
spanked by a teacher, and I will admit that the sight of the leather
paddle and the sound of it was enough to keep me in line!
I graduated from North High School in 1979. I was
enrolled in the Cooperative Education Class, which has been beneficial
to me because I got a job at Goodyear and am still employed there.
– by Diane (Riedinger) Gansel
I remember when I was in the fifth grade (at
Forest Hill Elementary School), and every day I went to the lunchroom to
"assist" Mrs. Grissette (better known as "The Lunch Lady"). This was not
a very exciting position, but I looked forward to it every day. I handed
out milk to the students and helped to clean up after lunch; but the
best part of it all was the conversation I'd have with Mrs. Grissette.
We talked about everything (occasionally, I had to be reminded by a
teacher that I had to return to class). She was truly a dear friend–and
even remembered me when I graduated from high school.
Usually teachers get all the credit, but this
one's for "The Lunch Lady." Thanks, Mrs. Grissette!
– by Laurenthia L. Gurley
It was the end of the school year at Forest Hill,
1987-88. I was the LRC technician. I had been trying to get all of the
overdue books back for inventory. It came down to the last day of
school, and we were holding a student's report card for two overdue
books. After the final bell, he ran home (I think he lived right across
the street) and returned with "Green Eggs and Ham" and another paperback
book. He said, "Here, Mrs. Jaynes, I found 'Green Eggs and Ham.'" I
asked, "Where was it?" He said, "In my closet," then added, "I don't
know if you want this one," handing me a paperback book. "My cat had
kittens on it; and it has, you know, that stuff on it." It was an older
paperback; so I said, "You're right, you can just pay $1 for the book
since it is unusable," as I carefully picked up the paperback and
deposited it in the trash can, avoiding the messy cover.
Since that time, at various schools, I've run
across books chewed up by dogs, dropped in mud puddles, colored or
scribbled on by younger siblings, etc.; but this was my weirdest excuse
for overdue books and one I'm happy to report hasn't happened again!
– by Rebecca Jaynes
I remember when I attended an EEI workshop four
or five years ago. I saw the list of participants, and on the list was
the name of the lady I had as my kindergarten teacher at Harris. Her
name was Miss Fickes. Even though it had been about 28 years since I had
seen her, I recognized her right away. I told her who I was, and wespoke
for quite a while. Miss Fickes told me that even though she had taught
for many, many years, I was the only student of hers, as far as she
knew, who had gone on to become a teacher. I felt really good about
hearing this from her and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with her on that
day. My only time spent in the Akron Public Schools as a student was my
kindergarten year. I am now a second-grade teacher at Portage Path.
– by Tom Paolucci
I have many fond memories of my experiences in
Akron Public Schools as a result of having spent my entire educational
career in this school district. Some memories have had elements of both
a positive and a negative nature although I must admit that I have been
blessed to have most be positive.
One of the blended memories that come to mind is an
experience I had at North High School. I was a junior and a part of the
drama club. I decided to try out for a role in the class play. This was a
big step in my thespian career because the most that I had done in the drama
club was to work in the technical areas.
Each person who auditioned had to read a passage
that was given to them by the drama coach. This reading would determine
the role they would have in the play. It was quite clear to me that
there would be no second chances, so I had to give all or nothing. Well,
I gave it my all and won the lead role in the class play. I was
ecstatic. My ecstasy soon turned to controversy because some people in
the school felt as though the role should be given to someone who looked
the part (I am African American, and the role was that of a 1950ish
movie star who was described as blond).
My drama coach thought otherwise. She believed
that the best actress should have the part regardless of race. She stuck
by her guns and stood firmly upon that principle. I had the lead role,
and the play was a great success. There was never any mention of what
race the characters should have been by anyone who saw the play. It was
this type of commitment and character which was exhibited by many of my
teachers that allowed me to grow into an adult who firmly believes that,
although you may have to go out on a limb, it is worth it when it comes
to having a positive impact on a child.
– by Beverly Parker
It was December 1970, and I had graduated from
the University of Akron. It had been a long road for me as a divorced
parent going back to school in 1963. With only 1-1/2 years of college
behind me, Joe Latona, a counselor at the university, had guided me into
education courses. When at last I walked across the stage and received
my diploma, it was a dream come true.
I began to substitute in Akron Public Schools, but I
longed to have my own kindergarten classroom. Then it happened – I was hired
in the spring of 1971. My first assignment was Harris and Bryan schools. At
Harris I met Debbie Fickes and, at Bryan, Sally Hodge. They were such
wonderful role models and mentors, and we are still friends today. I have
now been at Harris for 25 years and have had several kindergarten split
assignments. In the last few years I have begun to have children of children
I had in kindergarten. This is absolutely so rewarding. It is as much of a
thrill to enter the door at Harris today as it was that first day 25 years
ago.
Our school system is the best – we have so much
to be proud of. It is filled with dedicated, caring people making
tomorrow a better place through today's children. I am grateful for
having the opportunity to teach in Akron Public Schools and most
appreciative for the honor of Teacher of the Year in 1986-87.
– by Marilyn Parks |
