Iconic. Epic.
These are just two of the words used in today’s roundtable with several Elm Grove Elementary teachers. This group was particularly unique: they all graduated from EGE and have returned “home” for their current careers.
We met with Brittany Friend (special education teacher, EGE ’98), Katie Wheeler (3rd grade teacher, EGE ’89), Patty Hazlett (Title teacher, EGE ’79), Alexandria Nolte (5th grade teacher, EGE ’08) and Dee Stan (secretary, EGE ’78). Their conversation wasn’t simply about “the good old days.” Rather, it was about what it’s like to look back fondly while feeling overwhelming gratitude to now work in a place that still feels like “home.”
Great teaching is timeless.
Mrs. Motts. Mrs. DeJesus. Mrs. Culler. Mrs. Carroll. Mr. Spencer. Mrs. Galloway. Mrs. Mazurski. Mrs. Hehr.
The number of legendary and memorable staff members mentioned by this group of alumni was astounding. Every single speaker had a memory of a teacher — or multiple teachers —
who directly impacted their lives.
The building continues to evolve…
“We used to have open classrooms and a wide-open media center. I remember our teacher playing guitar from the 5th grade pod and being able to hear the sing-along.”
“Christmas pageants and talent shows.”
“Project-based learning.”
“The first computer lab. I remember playing Oregon Trail.”
“The ’04 flood. I remember staying after school.”
“Doing overnights at REAP.” (Bridge Street Middle School’s Mrs. Buch was a counselor.)
But the message stays the same:
“It’s genuinely a family here. It’s just the best. It feels like home. We are supported. When we say that we are a family, we truly are. We rally around our people. Kids and staff.”
We are so grateful that even though these Dragons traveled different journeys, they all found their way back to the place where they began.
When a school feels like “home,” entire communities thrive.
Photo (L-R): Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Hazlett, Mrs. Friend, Ms. Stan, and Mrs. Nolte