FACULTY NOTES
St . Urusla Villa Bids Farewell to Four Retirees
“ Without doubt , you will see marvelous things ” … we couldn ’ t fulfill that call to action without the selfless work of our teachers who have dedicated their time to the Villa . Thank you .
She ’ s an icon , a legend , and will be missed by the students she taught , the faculty who worked with her , and the families who grew to love her — Beth Hake .
For 37 years , Beth taught physical education to preschool through 8th-grade . She brought energy and creative activities for our students , including the art of juggling , line dancing , shooting hoops , the mile run , Tinikling , and the “ Riley Mack Throw Championship .”
Beth started a number of time-honored traditions that our students always looked forward to such as the Polar Express and Field Day “ I loved planning these days and seeing the children ’ s excitement when they entered the gym ,” said Beth .
Beth ’ s teaching style focused on the Villa Values including instructing the students to treat others with respect , show school pride , strive to be their best , and always care for those around them with a smile . Teamwork and camaraderie were two traits she instilled in her students through her lessons .
Besides the activities she planned for her students , Beth also played an important role as a coach for girls ’ softball and volleyball teams and the chess club .
Before leaving the Villa , Beth shared with us some parting thoughts , “ Teaching at the Villa was never a job . I had too much fun . I enjoyed watching the students ’ reactions to their achievements and failures , teaching a child from their preschool days to 8 th grade , and being around long enough to teach former students ’ children . Thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach your children , as they taught me too !”
For more than 16 years , Debbie Ellis called the Villa “ home ”. For the first eight years , she was a substitute teacher for various grades , then spent another eight years as an Instructional Assistant in the traditional preschool three-year-old program helping Nichole Rouse . “ It has been an honor to have worked with the children over the years , and I will carry each of them in my heart forever ,” says Debbie .
Debbie considers the teachers and staff at the Villa a part of her family , and she will miss seeing them daily . Although Debbie is retiring as an Instructional Assistant , she plans to keep connected to her Villa family by substituting at the school when the occasion arises .
Gayle Schwartz started her career at the Villa in 2000 , working with Nicole Schmidt in the Montessori classroom , and later joined Rebecca Morena for the remainder of her time at the Villa . “ I loved working with three- through six-year-olds ,” says Gayle . “ Watching them grow and learn over three years has been a rewarding experience , and I will miss seeing their faces . The staff at the Manor House have truly been my school family , including the wonderful staff in the Main School .”
While she will miss her daily interaction with Rebecca and the students , Gayle looks forward to spending time with her eight grandchildren , gardening , traveling , and counting her blessings . Gayle wishes to thank the wonderful parents , co-workers , and children who have always been so loving and gracious to her .
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