It is a recurring theme as of late--multiple places to be and only one me. If only I had a plane......or a personal pilot....or both!
My first year in Timber Lake I was assigned to teach a section of third grade. The split was the result of a large class and I would be across the desk from 15 eager, anxious students each morning. Changes in the district were common due to the remote nature of the town and I was lucky enough to be one of these new faces who had eagerly signed on the dotted line. I was so grateful to have gotten a position and get all of us moved to Timber Lake that I would have agreed to do just about anything. Well, not physics. Physics would have been a huge stretch. Think bigger than huge....that's the word I'm looking for.
Timber Lake Schools (TLS) is a remarkable place. Absolutely incredible folks fill the classrooms, kitchens, offices, buses, homes, and desks within the district. They are humble humans--proud of their community, their facilities, and especially, their kids. And they should be. It was an honor to be on staff at TLS and we met some of our closest friends and colleagues during our years there. The school was often a starting point for many young teachers, so having a new third grade teacher was nothing new. But there was also a changing of the guard in the principal's office. And that, well that was a big deal.
Mrs. Bonita Ehly had loyally served the district for many years. First as a top notch English teacher and later as the elementary principal. She was a force to be reckoned with--honestly, I was terrified of her after my initial interview that April. My husband had been working there already and warned me she was no nonsense and that her staff and students knew what was expected from them . She was in charge and if you didn't like it, well, tough. Mrs. Ehly demanded respect, manners, and punctuality--from staff and students alike. ( And often took a bad rap for demanding these things.....sigh.) She loved beautiful clothing, jewelry, and fancy things. Impeccably dressed and accessorized, she was a formidable face behind the principal's desk for staff and students. You knew where you stood--AND where you shouldn't be standing.
As I was preparing my new classroom one warm August morning, I saw someone standing outside the door.. She seemed to be watching me through the window. Once we made eye contact, she smiled and came through the closed door. We had just moved in the day before, and both my house and this classroom were a mess. I climbed over the boxes and said hello. Immediately, I remembered who this lady was---it was the lady from my interview, Mrs. Ehly. She extended her hand and welcomed me to the school. We engaged in the small talk that strangers make when they don't know what they should be talking about--the weather, the move, how old were my children...all those mindless things that had nothing to do with this visit. Finally, Mrs. Ehly broke the ice. I will never forget what she said to me. "Mrs. Senftner, my granddaughter Kasidee is going to be in your class this year and I want you to know just how much I love her." It was a powerful statement made by a powerful lady. I think I stammered something about a Grandma's love and Mrs. Ehly continued, "Kasidee is going to drive you crazy some days, but she has a good heart and just needs some extra love and attention. I want you to know how excited she is to be in your room and I want you to know I am too." Honestly, I was truly taken back. I had not gotten the vibe that Mrs. Ehly was that impressed with my interview back in April, so to hear this was a surprise. (Most coaches wives only get jobs because their married to "the coach" you know...I've heard this more than once and it's tough to swallow.)
I assured Mrs. Ehly that, I too, was looking forward to the challenge of a new school and the students that would be mine this year. I told her I was looking forward to meeting Kasidee and her classmates. She acknowledged the time I needed to prepare and said she didn't want to keep me, but wanted me to know her visit was purely personal--a grandma keeping watch on her precious granddaughter. I imagined her newly found retirement was going to take some getting used to. You don't spend a majority of your life "going to school" each day and simply stop without some adjustment period. The excitement of a new school year is forever ingrained in the minds of educators. The rest of the world sees January as the beginning of their new year while most teachers will look to August or September as the beginning of theirs. I think Mrs. Ehly was both truly concerned about Kasidee and perhaps pondering the fact that this new year was marching on without her....
Kasidee came through the door that first morning with wide eyes and a big smile. Her long legs carried a slight frame and she towered over most of the other third graders. She had a sprinkling of freckles and the ever popular short bob haircut complete with a spirited pony tail and matching ribbon, bouncing on top of her head. There was an awkward grace about her---she had not yet grown into her arms and legs and I could tell without even having playground duty yet that she was athletic and busy. (Mark has trained me to scout the playground for these types.... just kidding, but I was right. She could run and jump! ) To say Kasidee found her desk and chair comfortable would be stretching the truth.n She loved school and her classmates, but the confines of the classroom were her nemesis. As the year went on, we had a few rough patches--some friend "fights" and I had rules that this beautiful, spirited girl disagreed with (those difficult ones like writing your name on your paper and raising your hand to speak..ha ha) but she was a joy to have in class. She worked hard. She played hard. But most importantly, she loved deeply and wanted only to be accepted and loved by her friends. Teachers are not supposed to admit to having favorite classes, but I must. This group was one of my all time favorites. (I continue to hear from them via Facebook and I hope they know how special that is to this old Panther/Gorilla/Hornet, Charger.)
Kasidee soared as she grew and matured. Nana, as Kasidee called Mrs, Ehly, checked in with me occasionally. She seemed to know where to draw the line between grandma and teacher, but loved hearing stories and quips of Kasidee's days. Mrs. Ehly wore the title of Grandma as a badge of honor and she told me more than once how difficult it had been being both principal and Grandma to the four Traversie kids walking the halls. I don't know this for sure as we never discussed that, but I think it was probably part of the reason she retired.....her role as a Grandma was entirely more important that any principal's desk. Those four children, along with her daughter Kellie and husband Melvin, were her world.
Due to a change in administration late in the year, Mrs. Ehly's service was needed to fill in as principal. Of course, she stepped up and took on the role, although I did hear Mr. Seiler had to do a little begging...:) I was hesitant and a bit nervous. I had been moved to the sixth grade as they there was another large class needing split into two groups. I was hoping I would be effective in this new role and hoping the new "old" principal and I would find common ground. My concerns were unfounded. Mrs. Ehly was amazing. I heard from other teachers that she was different when she came back--a bit softer, a bit less worried about the little things, but still brought the same professionalism and polish to the job that was needed and appreciated. She was supportive of her staff and behind her "tough" demeanor, she truly cared about kids. She knew an education was needed to reach their potential and she knew when and how to push kids to be their best.
Kasidee found success in athletics as she grew and matured. Her class was talented and active and she was part of many great things that happened at TLS. Even though we had moved to Onida, I was able to see her play a few ball games and every time, I recalled those long legs and bobbing pony tail walking into my room that August morning. She proudly sported a Charger State Tourney shirt during the girls championship game in 2007 and cheered like crazy. That meant a lot to me. She also went on to battle back from multiple knee surgeries and played basketball in college. I know Nana was so proud of her......We received beautiful handwritten cards and letters from Mrs. Ehly after we moved. Always positive or congratulatory, these cards were an extension of Mrs. Ehly's grace and love. In an age of emails and texts, written notes are treasures and these certainly were.
As I write this, Kasidee is preparing for her wedding tomorrow. As soon as I heard the news that she was being married, I thought of how much joy this event would have brought to her beloved Nana. She would have enjoyed the preparation and planning--the dresses, the flowers, the decorations-- all would have brought much joy to her. I envisioned her shopping for the perfect dress and the matching accessories. I am sad that Mrs. Ehly is missing this beautiful day. While she is ever present in their hearts and minds, her physical presence will be missed tomorrow. She met the modern day villain-cancer- and died on April 30, 2011 after a valiant battle. I can only imagine how much she is missed by those that loved her most.
I think if Mrs. Ehly were here today, she may have had a talk with the Julian, Kasidee's fiance. I think it would have gone similar to our first conversation..... It probably would have gone something like this....
"Julian, Kasidee is going to drive you crazy some days, but she has a good heart and just needs some extra love and attention. I want you to know how excited she is to be in your wife, and I want you to know I am excited for both of you."
Kasidee and Julian--May you enjoy a beautiful day and may you feel the presence of those watching from above. She is with you....always. Love, "Mrs. Senftner"
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