Retirement
Becca and Jim Warnock
I put a hold on earlier plans for a retirement gathering, fearing that it might allow COVID-19 to spread. I wouldn’t want that to be the legacy I leave. Alternative plans were very nice and included a “trail” walk down one hallway with photos and writing from staff members at evenly spaced tables. Becca has worked in special education in Alma for eighteen years, and I’ve been principal at AIS for nineteen years.
Becca and I enjoyed reading through this path and collecting notes from staff for careful reading at home. Here are a couple of excerpts from the walk. The first references our grandson, Sam, and the second talks about our trail buddy, Hiker-dog.
We practiced social distancing as Mr. Woolly addressed the group and presented the traditional retirement clocks to Becca and me. The cake reflected the southwest region of our country where I love to backpack during the summer.
We’re thankful for everyone who is a part of our school community. The support of parents and enthusiasm of students has been a joy to witness. I’m thankful for our staff’s skills, talents, enthusiasm, and love for the students. It has been Becca’s and my greatest honor to serve as teacher and principal at AIS.
Kristen Wagner, Kim Loughridge, and Ralynn Wilkinson
Shortly after our time of celebration, Ralynn Wilkinson, my assistant principal, was working alongside our new principal, Kim Loughridge and counselor, Kristen Wagner. They were working on student placement and planning for great learning next year!
Here’s a little list I typed on May 21st.
Family Stories
Below is a link to The Nat’ral Truth by Arch Warnock. We called him Grampie. My mother, Elsie, put it together with artwork by her brother, Reese. I remember watching some of the reel-to-reel recordings made in our living room on Calion Hwy. It took a little warming up from Mother to get Grampie to tell his stories. This little book has become a treasure for our family.
Beyond these tall tales that Grampie told, we collected family stories passed down over the years. Some are in writing, but many are passed along verbally. I would encourage families to tell stories of their childhood and what they remember about parents and grandparents. It’s comforting for children to know they’re part of a family’s story.
Click link to open the book: The Natural Truth by Arch Warnock Elsie Warnock Reese Kennedy 1970
Principal Notes 