Another Retirement

Rodney Stewart came to Armuchee Elementary in the fall of 2004 as our new principal. I appreciated that he was quick to buy into our EIC program that had begun under his wonderful predesessor, Anita Stewart (no relation). EIC is a well-researched and effective program for using the environment as an integrating context for learning. For the next several years AES was a poster school for learning in the context of the real world around us. We had kids out in the courtyards, the playgrounds, the nature trails observing measuring, timing, collecting, weighing, magnifying, recording data; and then coming in to analyze what they had observed,  discuss their discoveries, research questions about their observations, write about their experiences, and more. 

I really saw Rodney's heart when tragedy struck our school. A fifth grade student was killed in a four-wheeler accident. Rodney led us through that crisis with amazing poise and sensitivity and love. It is hard for me to imagine anyone handling such a sad and trying time with greater grace, compassion, and strength. I will always revere Rodney for that leadership.

And then there were the silly times. When we raised enough in his "penny-drop" fundraising project, he moved his desk to the roof for the day. I used that as an opportunity to have a gravity lesson: he dropped items of varying weight from the roof and my kids observed them striking the ground at the same time.

Rodney put up with a lot from the crazy teacher at the end of the fourth grade hall. Early in one school year he came by our classroom door and peeked in as I conducted my annual "Discovering America Across Beringia" lesson that involved having kids climbing atop their desks (representing the former floor of the Bering Strait now exposed by the falling sea level and growing ice cap). He says he just sighed and walked back to the office praying no broken bones resulted.

After I retired I got involved in a new cause and went straight to Rodney with it. He was the first principal in the county to sign on to the YoungTales storytelling/writing program so near and dear to my heart and stuck with it through all six years (till Covid struck it on March 11, 2020).

I think Rodney realized, with Plutarch, that education is about kindling a flame, not filling a vessel.

Here are a few pictures from the retirement celebration we had at AES this morning.

As it has turned out, I served nine years while he led our school. Then in retirement he continued as my friend and a great supporter of both of my two big retirement endeavors: the YoungTales storytelling/writing program and Arrowhead Environmental Education Center.

Some of the teachers present had left before we got this picture.

Dr. Nancy Johal Singh has been a dear friend of close to two decades now.

Maggie was my first assistant principal at AES. I had known her for years as a wonderful teacher at Midway Elementary.

Vivian Johnson was a great teacher at AES who was sometimes on our fourth grade team with me. Vivian figures into one of my favorite impractical joke memories, but I'll save that one for another time.  

Retirement time

 Two of my teacher friends are retiring this year and their joint send off was today at Armuchee Elementary School. 

First I found some pictures to print out for their cards..

The party was very sentimental for me. I got to see a bunch of folks who were close co-workers during my fourteen years at Armuchee Elementary School from August of 1999 through May of 2013.

Wendy Ramsey, Nancy Johal Singh, Melissa McLaughlin, and Andrea Moore

Retiree Dennise Minshew with Stacy Payne.

Retiree Melissa McLaughlin, Judy Myers, and me.

with Wendy Ramsey & Nancy Johal Singh

With my "granddaughter" Nancy

Melissa's husband David, daughter Mercedes, dad Charles, and mom Juanita. 

Gleaning Facebook: Gilstraps & Kin

 Sheila and I had a great time visiting Cathy Nichols’ surprise retirement party on Broad Street this afternoon. Cathy looks happy and ready for the next chapter. There was Scott Gilstrap, another old UTS grad with Sheila and step-dad to one of my fourth-grade Armuchee Stars, Sierra, who is now, gulp, a teacher herself - up at Trion! Time flies. Scott’s dad, Randy, is an old friend as well. I wonder how many of my students have become teachers themselves? There are a good many of ‘em. Warms my heart. I’ll bet Sierra is a good’n’.

Gleaning Facebook: Retirement?

Hello Terrell! Is'nt retirement nice?? The only bad thing is that it takes wonderful teachers like you out of the classroom!!! I have enjoyed your posts even though we differ in opinion sometimes. But, it would be a boring world if everyone was like me! However, what really counts is our basic love for one another. I'm so glad you are my friend!

 Terrell Shaw

Thanks, Terry. I agonized over retirement the last three years. Was not sure I wanted it at all. That last few months, especially, was so strange -- after every lesson the automatic "How will I make this better next year?" then, "Oh, yeah, no next year." It was Twain, I think, who said no one ever does anything for the last time without a twinge of regret.
Then I stumbled into the perfect retirement job for me. Could not have been better timing.

Terry Lewis
What are you doing?

Terrell Shaw
Working part-time at Arrowhead Environmental Education Center telling stories, leading nature walks, showing off the animals to K-5 (mostly) and, of course, cleaning up snake and alligator poo.

Terry Lewis
Sounds like a great job if you could call it that. lol The Center is fortunate to have you!!

Terrell Shaw
I ahve all the stuff I love about teaching -- kids, nature, stories -- none of the rotten stuff -- hovering-administrators, paper grading, other paperwork, etc.

Terrell Shaw
Yeah. With Sheila still working this house is lonesome territory. I prefer my "work" days to my "at home" days, truly.

Terrell Shaw
Bring a line and pole and a grandkid or two, and come out to see us one day.

Terry Lewis
Thanks Terrell, I will do that! But right now I'm laid-up from hernia surgery Thursday. My wife's honey-do lists are killing me! lol

Gleaning Facebook: Last Day of Summer?

One of my teacher friends is lamenting that this is her last day of summer. As I sit here in our luxurious vacation home (for the week anyway) eating a leisurely late breakfast with my lovely wife and beautiful daughters, in my jammies, feeling the cool southern California sea breeze coming through the balcony doors, listening to the surf, and to the revelers splashing in the gigantic flower bedecked free-form pool in the rolling green courtyard (Ok, so some of the rolling lush lawn turns out to be manufactured), i get to relish the realization that the end-of-summer, for me, will henceforth be the fall equinox -- barring a retirement trip to even more exotic climes. <he-he-he>

Lillian note: "You left out your complaints about slow WIFI access and your [debate with your daughter concerning the proper consistency of eggs."

Comments

Ruth Baird Shaw I am glad you have TWO daughters who getting you on track..
John McClellan Football season starts before then. That is still the real end of summer in these days of early August starts to school.
Ruth Pinson Woo hoo!
Howard Smith life is good
Nancy Waters Carr sounds wonderful
John Countryman Gloat.
Wanda Mulkey Dagraedt Enjoy your new adventure in retirement world.
Mary Nisbet Asbury What a life!!!!
Barbara Jean Smith Be still my heart!
Jaki Day Stop rubbing it in!  Seriously , glad you are enjoying the family and trip…

Cynthia Latimer Isn't retirement worth the 30 years? Enjoy every minute. And, retired Armuchee and Glenwood teachers meet for breakfast at the Landmark the second Thursday each month.
Anita Stewart Hey.... we should drive by the school on the first day and honk, "Hello".

Terrell Shaw Would love to do that if i could make it back from paradise in time. 

Terrell Shaw Hated to miss your sale.
Rose McDonald Darby I think you'll love retirement. Jim and I have found a whole new season in our marriage.

Gleaning Facebook: Retirement Roast

Stacy told me to "put it on Facebook", so I have:

Retirement reception "Roast" for Terrell Shaw

(And also Martha Henderson)

3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Armuchee Elementary School

Everyone invited, but please RSVP to

stacyp@floydboe.net

so she'll know how many water balloons to fill.

Bring your best Idiot Terrell stories --

Brittany Lynn Smith do you remember the "peninsula" story?

Lord only knows what Anita Stewart will tell if she makes it. It is to be hoped that Charles Yates lives too far away... he could get me in lots of trouble. Liz McGinnis just had a heart attack, bless her mischievous little ticker. She and Rhonda Ingram Bramlette or Bill Fortenberry or April Wilson or Jeff Trese Bannister or .... could tell a tale or two, I know. Not to mention fellow teachers Kathy Wilson, Sylvia Garrett,...ten tags is the limit, I better quit with just these "old timers".

I'm trying to get rid of over forty years of junk from my packrat's nest, so no presents, please. But I would greatly enjoy your presence.

Comments

Keith M. Padgett Whattt? You're retiring?! Congrats 

Terrell Shaw I'd love to see you, Keith! Matthew too. Thanks.
Keith M. Padgett I'm all the way in Statesboro actually. About to finish up my Bachelors

I wish I could make it

Terrell Shaw Stop by and have a cuppa Joe after you graduate. I'd love to catch up with what my top reader is doing.
Keith M. Padgett Maybe I shall, I'm hoping to make a trip up this summer or possibly early fall
Barbara Jean Smith Count me in!
Martin Penland Teem Wish I could be there. Congratulations!
Terrell Shaw You & Faith oughta come to Rome and see us sometime, Marty! It was great seeing you and meeting your son that one time. It was surreal to realize how we picked up the conversation after over 40 years.
Kathy Wilson Will try to come by. Congrats on your retirement!
Terrell Shaw I'll miss seeing you, Brittany!
Bonny Askew Terrell, I won't be able to make your roast, but you have my best wishes on a long happy retirement.
Ruth Pinson I emailed Stacy a couple of weeks ago and told her that Marilyn and I would be there. You know I would never miss your retirement celebration!!!!
Terrell Shaw AND you know where the bodies are buried. I may be in trouble. 

Dale McConkey I doubt I will be able to attend, but thank you for the tremendous education you provided both of my kids and so many other children. Yours was obviously a labor of love. I don't want to turn this sentiment into a political point, but I always appreciated how hard you tried to fit in the non-measurable aspects of education (e.g., reading literature for the sake of the literature) into a school day alongside all the other required, assessment-based material.
Terrell Shaw Thank you Dale. I was far from a perfect teacher, but I have always believed school should be a rich experience. I tried to make it that. The teachers who made a difference in my own life are those that helped me find stuff to love - books, poems, puzzles, stories from history, the magic in the natural world around us.
Terrell Shaw I've been looking through old pics from the last 44 years, and thinking of folks I'd love to see. West Virginia students and teachers, that first sweet class at McHenry (April Wilson, Karen Terry, Roy Green, Justina Gordon's twin Justin, Terry Harcourt) Wayne Morgan from my second class has worked for me at odd jobs several times over the years. Darlene Cromer, Barry Davis, Chuck West and his sister Beth West Curles.
George Dean I am so sorry to have missed your retirement function, but my car's dead battery had other ideas, than coming to your shindig..... It is fixed now and running....but none the less you have our thanks and then some...
Terrell Shaw Thanks, George. I had a great time and was well roasted. But it'd have been even better with the Deans there! 

George Dean

Thanks I am sure that you well roasted and I look forward to sharing more years with you in the same political slog, that we both find ourselves in, yet thankful for the years that were better than others, because you and others like yourself, were compadres in the field of battle, for the mind of a child and even some adults...who wanted change, but did not know where to start to look for it... P.S. Christopher Dean, and I hope to have a kid's picture book out soon-(Buy the end of August of this year...) that is his take on growing up with Aspergers Syndrome, and how it is not the end of the world necessarily, for all concerned...that hopefully will serve as a calming and inspirational voice for those children and families with this problem....I will share other infor as time for release and time for fundraising for the book gets closer...just a heads up post on what we are doing these days...fyi.
Ruth Pinson Terrell, I had fun reminiscing and seeing folks at your reception today! I hope I wasn't too rough on you...my point was that your use of teachable moments truly does trump the paperwork, schedules, and piles of paperwork involved in the business of teaching. You set the bar high for future teachers. I only hope they know what big shoes they have to fill. Happy retirement, my friend!!!
George Dean Ms. Pinson reminded me of my manners... Happy Retirement, young man!!!
Rhonda Ingram Bramlette just checked in with FB for the first time in weeks and I see THIS!!!!! 

So disappointed! I was actually in Armuchee this afternoon doing some RN visits and would have been honored to share some of my most special memories of my absolute favorite teacher. I know you must hear it all of the time, but just know that you made a tremendous positive impact on my life that has carried on with me through the years. You are a true role model and an inspiration for all who have had the pleasure of knowing you. I am looking forward to seeing what you do with this next act!

Gleaning Facebook: Retirement

Congratulations on retirement!

-------

From Kendra Harris:

I posted this on your blog, but as a first time poster I wasn't sure it would stick. lol So I wanted to be sure you saw this. In honor of your retirement announcement:

I remember being part of your first gifted group at Pepperell Elementary loooooonnnggg ago. I remember you having the wooden pictures that disguised other words (seemed like one was "Jesus"?) and playing chess. I think that was maybe second grade or so? 

Then I remember in middle school having you again. I will never forget "Jabberwocky" or you having the poem about my infinitely messy closet published --

"In my bedroom closet lies,

an eggbeater, two pieces of pie.. 

" something something, "

and a broken tennis shoe. 

My Mom always says 

'Get rid of that junk!'

'But Mom', I reply, 

with a tear in my eye, 

'Not my dear old lamp 

and beloved trunk'. 

But the argument always ends

with a grin, 

and this, my friends,

is the end!)"!

I also wont' forget 20 Questions, having to spell Armuchee for extra points, or in elementary school you having us make pinhole cameras and take our own pictures. 

Good memories! I appreciate all you have done and all that you do. You are a wonderful person and friend and I know they will miss you next year! Much love and God's blessings!

Ruth Shaw's Retirement Reception

    

L-R: LaDonna Raburn Turrentine, Steven Dow Turrentine, Deborah Shaw Lewis, Ricky Davis, Joan Shaw Turrentine, Jim Turrentine, Ruth Baird Shaw, 

Ruth Baird Shaw and Grady Columbus Shaw, Jr.

L-R against the wall: Eugenia Pickens Shaw, Winnie Wilkerson Stancell, Margaret Shaw (yellow/orange blouse) Ruth Baird Shaw, Grady Columbus Shaw, Jr., Karen Shaw, Danny Shaw, Annie Lee Shaw Scarbrough, (I am not sure who the person farthest to the right is. Andrea Shaw?)
Brent Shaw is standing in front of his grandmother Margaret Shaw. Kevin Shaw is in his mother Karen's lap. Michel Shaw is in his father Danny's lap.

Otis Lavay McCullough

At left in with hand to throat is Deborah Shaw Lewis, then Louise (Sis) Baird Campbell, Gladys McCullough. Sheila Matthews Shaw is standing facing left in black jacket.

Michael Shaw and Grady Columbus Shaw, Jr.

Ruth Shaw Retirement

News: Ruth Shaw Retirement

Unknown date 1993