Hempfield staff and teachers share gratitude and memories in farewell remarks

Multiple Hempfield School District employees offered farewell remarks at a district gathering, reflecting on long careers and the relationships they said made their work meaningful.

A school nurse and educator who said she and several family members graduated from the district told listeners that ‘‘relationships are the number one aspect of my job’’ and that she felt ‘‘privileged to have had this opportunity’’ to teach medical needs in the health room and work with students, parents and community members.

A teacher who identified time at Landisville Primary Center described a 32-year career there and praised colleagues and families for their support. She said watching students grow ‘‘from the beginning to the end of the year is always surprising and a real highlight.’’ The transcript contains a separate remark stating ‘‘I teach all ninth grade,’’ which appears to come from a different speaker; the record notes a segmentation ambiguity in that portion of the transcript.

A member of the reading department said she had ‘‘grown to love professionally and as friends’’ the colleagues she worked with and added that ‘‘most of all I have loved the students and their families who I’ve been able to teach.’’ Another elementary teacher who works with kindergarten through sixth-grade students described the value of seeing pupils over many years and fostering a love of books.

A chemistry teacher summarized a 35-year career, saying he used chemistry to teach ‘‘responsibility, cooperation, and determination’’ and joked about ‘‘35 years of blowing up stuff safe and safe manners all the time.’’ He closed by thanking the district and saying ‘‘it is time for my next chapter.’’

None of the recorded remarks proposed formal policy changes or motions. The comments largely served as recognition of long service; speakers repeatedly credited colleagues, families and students as the most rewarding parts of their careers.