All of NMS would like to wish Mrs. Burnham a lovely retirement. We gave all of our retirees the opportunity to give us some moments into a letter or paragraph to show thanks and gratitude toward NMS. So, let’s hear some of her favorites memories.
It has been an honor to spend my 35 years of teaching 1st, 5th, and 8th grades in the Niles City School District. I can remember when my principal at Washington Elementary, Dr. Irilli, said to me, at the end of my first year of teaching, “One down, 29 to go,” and, here I am, at the end of my career. I know it is said often, but where does the time go?!
How did it all begin? When I was young, my father built me a playhouse, and from the day he finished it, it turned into a schoolhouse. I used to love “teaching” my friends in the neighborhood, and, sometimes, took it too seriously, according to them….haha. I, truly, consider myself to be blessed to have had a career that I, absolutely, LOVE. There have been good days and bad days……more good days…..and I know I would not have wanted to do anything else.
There are times that I will remember for a long time, like when 9-11 happened, and my fellow teachers and I were trying to keep our composure, while teaching our kids. A lot of parents ended up coming to school that day, and taking their children home. We just wanted to hug our loved ones that day. And……can’t forget the Covid days, when I became more computer-literate than I ever thought I would, and gained a better understanding of the word “hybrid.”
In conclusion, I will cherish the connections I have made with my students, through the years, and I hope I have made a positive impact on their lives. I know, without a “shadow of a doubt,” that they have made an impact on mine, and I am, eternally, grateful.
I cannot end without mentioning the friendships I have made with my fellow staff members; I will hold them close to my heart, forever.
With love and gratitude,
Mrs. Burnham