Departing RHS staff members have sent the Roosevelt News their goodbyes, final sentiments to the school, and looks to the future as they transition to the next phase in their lives.
Alberta Hart, Educational Assistant
Alberta Hart
As I toured Roosevelt with three prospective new Deaf students, I was amazed at the complexity of course and classroom environments. It made me a tad melancholic to think about leaving Roosevelt at the end of this year. However, I’m probably not leaving it behind forever since I will still substitute here. Having been a loooooong term sub for almost two years, the one thing I have learned is that educational assistants are key to special needs classes. I’d like to mention some of them and their unique abilities: Ian (Bobby) Ogburn, Room 110, knows everything and has gotten me out of a number of near catastrophes; Dennice Jordan, Room 110, can put the fear of God into students while all the time they know she loves and cares for them. Plus, she was available to support me 24/7; Maritza Sprague, Rom 209A, can create special learning projects that are unique and wonderful; Isabel Arevalo, Room 209A last year, calm, cool, and collected during some of the most intense situations; and Renee Skinner, Room 265, reliable, smart, even keeled and interesting. These people made my two years here bearable and fun. Special thanks go out to Marjorie Gamble who patiently helped me through many dilemmas. So many others need special thanks, but I’ll stop and say, “Goodbye, sort of!”
Jordana Hoyt
RHS,
I want to thank you for the last seven years. It is here at RHS that I learned how to teach (though that’s still a work in progress, as it always will be) and fell in love with this work.
The community here has expanded my perspective, and opened my heart. You’ve all taught me how to infuse love, empathy, equity, and activism not only into my curriculum, but into my being.
RHS has a permanent place in my spirit, and I can only hope that I’ll leave a little bit of me here in this building (and the soon-to-be dismantled portables).
And to the people in this building: just because I’m off to Nathan Hale next year does not mean I stop being your teacher and collaborator. I’ll only be an email or visit away!
Keep working to make this place bright. Just as you did for me, keep supporting and challenging each other to expand your minds and open your hearts.
I thank you for teaching me far more than I can put into a few words. I’ll miss you all greatly, but I know we’ll stay connected through our shared love of learning and hope for humanity!
John Lynch
I am retiring at the end of this school year. My wife and I will be living in Bellingham and, hopefully, traveling when we have the opportunity. I feel very lucky to have been part of the Roosevelt community and I am grateful for the staff, students, and families I have had the pleasure of working with. I wish you all the best!
Maddie Nelson
RHS Students and Staff: Thank you so much for your kindness, patience, and grace these last two years. I had no idea what to expect when I accepted this job in February of 2020 to start the following August. This has been the most interesting and fun nursing job that I’ve had in my 13+ years as working as a registered nurse. I have truly enjoyed my time here. As some of you know, I commute from West Seattle, and the West Seattle Bridge has been closed since before I started working here. Next year I will be staying much closer to home. I have accepted the School Nurse position at Chief Sealth International High School. Thank you for all that you have taught me. Roosevelt will always have a place in my heart. I’m going to miss this place! I hope you have restful and rejuvenating summer. Go Riders!
Cynthia Jatul
Hey Roosevelt-It’s with mixed feelings that I’m announcing my retirement. I joined the RHS staff in 2006 to teach biology and marine science. My start date wasn’t until early October and the previous sub had been lax to say the least, so I was off to a bumpy start. But by December when I shared that I was turning 50, students jumped up and danced that macarena for me. From then on, it’s been an incredible experience getting to know, and getting to teach biological sciences, to hundreds and hundreds of students. Prior to teaching, I worked in community health as a nurse practitioner, so it was especially rewarding to develop the biotechnology class at Roosevelt. I love running into students around town, out on the trails hiking, XC skiing, and of course out on the streets marching for justice. RHS grads are out there doing much incredible good work. So, until we meet again, have a great end of the year and congratulations on making it through this Covid-crazy year.
Scott Brown
Some goodbye thoughts-
Well, I guess they’re finally letting me graduate. It’s been 38 years at Roosevelt High School! How can I possibly summarize that time in 150 words? I’ll do it in one: LIFE. Teaching music at Roosevelt High School has literally been my life. Though there have been many other wonderful things, my music students at Roosevelt were always the priority. We’ve travelled the world, made lifelong friendships, rehearsed and performed beautiful music, competed in contests, collaborated on dozens of musicals, brought the spirit at assemblies and sporting events, played music for film, connected with other cultures, laughed and cried and hugged each other goodbye, experienced tragic loss, and the great joys of being together.
Having been here longer than anyone, I have the perspective of nearly four decades of experiencing the ups and downs, highs and lows of Roosevelt High School. And I can tell you that through it all, and unequivocally, we are all part of a very special place. I have learned lessons here, helped students grow here, and grown here myself as a person. I say goodbye, but I will never forget. I’m a lucky man! Go Riders!
