As we continue to highlight this year's retirees, up next is Becky Smith.
Becky has dedicated 27 years to education, with 25 of those years here at Silver Lake. During her career, Becky has served as a paraprofessional, a speech paraprofessional and most recently as the Computer Lab Manager.
When asked what her favorite thing about her job is, Becky shared, "My favorite thing about my job was that it was always changing and I could learn new things. Bringing new innovative things to the students at Silver Lake was such a rewarding experience. Watching them learn computational thinking skills and having that aha moment when it just clicked and they understood. The students at Silver Lake are amazing and I feel blessed to have spent 25 years with them. I have to mention the wonderful staff at Silver Lake Elementary. They are the best around. The teachers, the paras and the administration. They care so much for Silver Lake students you would think they were their own child. The love and compassion I have seen at this grade school is outstanding and I am proud to have been a part of it."
As the computer lab manager, Becky had the opportunity to teach students computer skills well beyond how to work on a PC. Some of her favorite memories of her time at Silver Lake included, when the 6th grade did the VEX IQ robot competition and the Topeka Capital Journal came to cover it. As well as, having the AR sandbox built with the help of the high school shop classes and the IT department and seeing how much the student learned and enjoyed it. Also, when the Silver Lake Education Foundation made a grant to purchase 3D printers and Dash and Dot robots.
In retirement, Becky will miss the students and staff, but is looking forward to spending more time with her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She is looking forward to traveling, hiking and learning new hobbies. She also sends thanks to her husband for always helping her with activities at school and being a sounding board when she had a new idea for school. She would also like to thank her family for all their support over the years.
Becky congratulations on your retirement and thank you for all you have done for the students, staff and community of Silver Lake! #SLEagles
Don't forget, summer weights start tomorrow for 6th - 12th graders. Can't wait to see everyone there. #SLEagles
All Shawnee County Golf, Baseball and Softball honors have been released! Congratulations to all the athletes recognized on first team, second team and honorable mention. #SLEagles ⚾🥎⛳
It may be summer, but that doesn't mean the learning stops! This great group of Silver Lake educators are in Tulsa attending the Professional Learning Community conference. #SLEagles
Our next retiree we would like to highlight is Darrel Loar.
For the past 30 YEARS, Darrel has transported generations of Silver Lake students to and from school and activities, including his own children and grandchildren. Darrel and his family moved to Silver Lake in 1982 and aside from driving the bus, Darrel also served one year as a custodian at the SL Elementary School. During his time at Silver Lake Darrel said he loved seeing everyone's smiling face and getting to know his students.
When asked about his favorite memories, Darrel shared, "I I drove Debate and Forensics to most of their events for about 18 years. Loved seeing the students grow and mature into confident young adults. Also, watching students grow from preschool to graduation and beyond."
In retirement Darrel is looking forward to finishing - and starting - projects he just hasn't had time to get to.
He also shared, "I am humbled by, and grateful to all the great education professionals that I have been privileged to know and spend time with. And forever friends made. Special thanks to all the principals and administrators who have supported my style of engagement with students on my bus. Mr. Winter, Mr. Lindstrom, Mr. Womack, Mr. Luke, Mr. Ross, and Mrs. Pegram. Also transportation directors who put up with me for 30 years; Pat Kratina, Jay Broaddus, Lindy Workman, Phyllis Dolechek, Terri Bahret, and now Ivan May. Over 30 years I have been blessed to make many life friends, many of them students. I am sure I will be seeing many of you at various activities. "
Darrel, congratulations on your retirement. The impact you have had on the students and community of Silver Lake will be felt for generations to come. You will be missed! #SLEagles 🦅
🎉🎉Congratulations to our All Shawnee County Track and Field Honorees! #SLEagles
As the school year comes to an end, it always brings the end of a career chapter for district staff. This year we celebrate the retirement of seven district employees and we invite you to join in that celebration.
Stop by the Elementary School on May 8 from 4-5:30 p.m. to help celebrate the next chapter for Amy Davis, Lori Hamilton, Becky Smith, Dawn Kriss, Cheryl Farmer, Darrel Loar and Terri Bahret. This event is open to the community and we encourage you to come and share in the memories and impact these individuals have made.
We wish each of you nothing but the best as you enter this new chapter of life!
Calling all youth basketball fans 🏀🏀 Registration is now open for this summer's youth basketball camps. There will be two sessions - 3rd/4th grade and 5th/6th grade.
Make sure to get registered by May 31st to guarantee a camp shirt. Cost is $25 per camper and includes a basketball! #SLEagles
It is Sunday so let's take a look at the week ahead! #SLEagles
