Adventure is Out There: A Tribute to Retiring HHS Teachers
Design by Peyton Impola.
Peyton Impola
One of the things that makes Hamilton High School as special as it is the high caliber of the teachers. Our school is filled with outstanding teachers that truly change the lives of the students they teach. Sadly for us, there comes a time when they must retire. This year we are losing three fantastic teachers: Mrs. Wright, Mr. Cibulka, and PK. We reached out to them to say goodbye, and to celebrate them and their time here at Hamilton.
Mrs. Wright
How long have you been teaching at Hamilton?
7 years
What other schools have you taught at?
I taught in a private middle school for 12 years.
What classes have you taught over the years?
Com. Arts 10 and American Lit.
What is your favorite class you have taught?
Just like a parent, I can't pick a favorite. In both classes I love when we read a novel or a play together. It's really fun to watch the students get into it.
What is one piece of advice you would give a first year teacher?
Don't let the kids talk you into hooking an Xbox up to the SmartBoard projector.
What are you most looking forward to in your retirement?
Having more time! Time to travel, to visit family and friends, to walk my dogs, or to just putter around the house.
What will you miss the most about teaching?
The kids. They might drive me crazy some days, but most days they are funny and interesting and sweet.
What is your favorite memory from your teaching career?
I love listening to the students give their Ignite speeches in American Lit, especially when they talk about their personal dreams and goals. They can be or do almost anything in the future, and I envy that!
Mrs. Wright will be sorely missed by her department members. Here’s what they had to say about what made her so amazing to work with.
Mr. Nysse: Mrs. Wright (Sassy Sandy) choses her words carefully, most of the time. She is measured and reads a room before she speaks. However, when she needs to say something, stop and listen. There is wisdom just waiting for an invitation. Sandy will sting you with a question that makes you reevaluate your position. She will ask for clarity in a way he will make you unsure of what you thought you believed. And when she laughs, it is pure and genuine. She will be missed. We are losing a kind and thoughtful colleague who simply wanted the best for everyone. A woman without an agenda, other than to demand everyone be their best selves.
Mrs. Kowalske: Mrs. Wright and I started the same year at Hamilton, so we experienced all of the "new" teacher meetings together–which is certainly a bonding experience. Our first few years, she didn't have her own classroom and was a "cart teacher." That year we shared a tiny windowless classroom where the ceiling leaked whenever it rained. One of my favorite memories in that room was when we went into a lockdown ALICE drill. Because the PA was so terrible, my class never heard the announcement to end the drill. We were in lockdown for well over 30 minutes...silent, in the pitch blackness. People were pounding on the door, and we assumed it was the police testing our fortitude to remain in lockdown. It turns out that Mrs. Wright's students (she taught in a different classroom that block) were being sent to the room to pick up the Cow Computer Cart (remember those days?). Finally, she keyed into the room and flipped on the lights, seeing us all crouched into the corner, blinking at her. She kindly announced that the drill had ended over 20 minutes ago and I've never been so embarrassed. We'd probably still be in lockdown if she hadn't saved us. After our department moved into the new addition, I was fortunate to have her as my next door neighbor. She's the best listener and, while I'm so happy for her being able to do all of the fun things retirement brings, I will miss her terribly here at Hamilton. This hallway and our department just won't be the same without her.
Mrs. Draeger: Working with Mrs. Wright has been a wonderful experience. Her dedication to the profession and her students have been a great addition to the CA family!. Whether it is in the classroom or with the drama program, Mrs. Wright has the kids in mind. Even when rubric writing was frustrating, she never gave up and worked to understand the process. She is a wonderful, kind, and caring teacher who will be missed by students and our department.
Mr. Deshotels: I am really thankful for Mrs. Wright. Her lessons start with fun attendance questions each day. She has uncommon patience with her students because she cares about them as individuals. Walking by her room, Minecraft music can be heard playing sometimes as students complete work. She creates a good learning environment. Her retirement is well-deserved, and will be richer as she spends time with her growing family and pursues other passions.
Mr. Cibulka
How long have you been teaching at Hamilton?
I've been at Hamilton 28 years, 31 total years teaching high school PE.
What classes have you taught over the years?
I've taught Freshman Personal Fitness, Junior-Senior Team and individual sports along with modified PE.
What is your favorite class that you have taught?
I've really enjoyed all of them. I've been very fortunate to teach all levels.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a first year teacher?
Try to observe and learn from other teachers in your department as well as other subject areas in your school.
What is your favorite part about teaching?
Being a role model, providing students an opportunity to learn about lifetime fitness and providing students a chance to play different games.
What are you most looking forward to in your retirement?
I may be retiring from Hamilton but I will find another job. I'm looking forward to working with children and adults with special needs.
What will you miss most about teaching?
Daily interactions with all my students and attending HHS sporting events.
What is your favorite memory from your teaching career?
I have so many favorite memories. A few that come to mind: When the football and basketball team went to state. Watching Mr. Gosz have all his hair shaved off for a fundraiser for the MACC fund. When we dressed up in the Brewer sausages for a prep rally.
Mr. Cibulka has been with Hamilton for a long time, and has had a large impact on the school and the community. His co-workers will miss him dearly, but wish him the best in his retirement. Here is what they had to say about Mr. Cibulka.
Ms. Block: Mr. Cibulka and I have worked together for about 28 years. He has truly cared about doing what is best for students. He would constantly look for ways to make the program better. Not only did he put his heart into Hamilton's Fitness Education program, but also into many extracurricular activities. He constantly went the extra mile for students, and many of them, even those who graduated as far back as the 90s, still keep in touch with him today. He has made a huge impact on thousands of lives, and will be truly missed!
Ms. Ullmann: As a "newer" teacher, Mr. Cibulka has always been extremely supportive and encouraging towards me. Whether it's by offering his teacher wisdom, helping me set up or find equipment, or lending a listening ear when I need someone to listen, he is always willing to help me out when I need it. Mr. Cibulka is one of the best at building relationships with his students, and it is evident by the amount of students who will stop and say hi to him when they see him in the hallway. When I was a student at Hamilton, I never had him as a teacher, but I remember him always being so kind and friendly. When Mr. Cibulka isn't teaching, you can often find him working at every home sporting event. Hamilton is so lucky to have had a teacher like Mr. C that has poured so much of his time and energy into this school. He is the first to remind you that your best is enough, and I hope he always remembers his best times here at Hamilton. Thank you for all you do and have done, Mr. C! You will be missed!
Mr. Gumm: Mr. C is always willing to give a helping hand and has a great connection with students.
PK
PK seen here “passing the torch” to Mr. Heckman.
How long have you been teaching at Hamilton?
Forty years–I graduated from UW-Oshkosh in May of 1983 and started in August of that year. I’m the only (remaining) teacher in the district to have taught under every principal that HHS has had and since 2013; I’ve been teaching at HHS for 2/3 of my life! I’m the teacher who has been teaching in this building longer than anyone else. (Time to “pass the torch”)
What classes have you taught over the years?
When I first started at HHS, we were on a seven-period day and there were classes that no longer are offered. I’ve taught basic math, consumer related math, algebra A/B, algebra, geometry, transition to college math, statistics, and AP Statistics. I don’t like logs–they belong in the wood stove! so any higher level math class is “not my thing.”
What is your favorite class that you have taught?
AP STATISTICS!!! Even though it is a Comm Arts class (just ask my students), it is the most valuable class that exists at the high school level. It incorporates higher levels of thinking, detailed analysis of and solutions for problems, and (sometimes) allows multiple approaches to provide a solution. The content is REAL WORLD–we talk about how the results based on opinion polls are generated and what they mean, we examine the methodology behind and statistics that support conclusions for such things as medical practices. It is truly a course that incorporates topics related to education, political science, law, science, and psychology.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a first year teacher?
So this is definitely, do better than PK–BALANCE. There will always be things that need to be done and refined. Be sure you don’t spend 50+ hours per week on schoolwork. Be sure to take time for you, friends, and family. Teaching can be an all-consuming career if you let it be. And, I believe that in the past four or so years, the expectations of teachers have grown exponentially.
What is your favorite part about teaching?
Relationships. A few decades ago we had a teacher who said that teaching will keep you young if it doesn’t kill you first. I have been SO fortunate to have worked with so many wonderful young people. I enjoy hearing their “news” and celebrating their accomplishments–both in and out of the classroom. AND, at the 99% level of confidence, I believe that I work with members of the BEST department at HHS. They share teaching strategies and insights; they are unbelievably supportive both professionally and personally. When the school year began, I never expected to be leaving HHS in June of 2023. My students and colleagues have been beyond kind and understanding as life pulled me out of the classroom.
What are you most looking forward to in your retirement?
CORRECTION–I am not retiring, I am graduating from HHS! I honestly don’t know what the future holds. But, I do know that I hope to have a more flexible schedule. Not having to rush to get to places, correct things, or drive to school at 6:30 am in the dark and snow. I expect to spend more time with friends and my parents and participate in more activities at my church.
What will you miss most about teaching?
The daily interaction with staff at HHS and students. Nothing like it. Mr. Wetherall and Mr. LeRoy give the best hugs when I need one (or two or three). The camaraderie---I have been fortunate to know wonderful people at HHS! They have shared many highs and lows over the course of the years. I truly have been blessed to have “landed” where I was meant to land.
What is your favorite memory from your teaching career?
I honestly don’t know if I can select one. Recently, PIPPIN–I still tear up when I think of the amazing performance and chance to be a PIPPIN Superfan! Coaching debate, forensics–coaching my AP Stats kids–seeing kids grow and succeed beyond what they imagined. And even in the lowest months of my teaching career (spring 2020 when everyone was forced to teach remotely–when students “went missing” and human interaction was limited to the internet–thank goodness my son was available 24/7 for tech support–YEAH, Mr. Mamerow!), folks like Ms. D (“don’t worry PK, we all love tacos even though they fall apart”) and Ms. Wied (snail mail on a regular basis) kept checking in–that TEAM experience within the HHS community!
The impact PK has had on Hamilton High School is immeasurable. She has taught countless students, inspired people, and built very deep friendships with her coworkers. Here is what her coworkers say makes her so special.
Mrs. King: PK is the heart of Hamilton. She deeply cares for all the students, teachers, and staff. She has students share their news at the beginning of each class and celebrates all of their highs right along with them and supports them during any lows. She may refer to herself as a dinosaur (especially technology-wise), but she remembers every student she has and what they are involved in. PK has been a great mentor to me as I've started teaching AP Statistics - I'm so thankful for her support and collaboration.
Mrs. Wied: Working in the same department with PK has been a gift. PK is an extraordinarily supportive, positive, and encouraging teacher and colleague. She has the ability to make her students and fellow staff members feel incredibly special and important. PK, who “bleeds Charger Red” is fiercely devoted and loyal to HHS and it shows in the endless work she does to make her classroom and school the best they can be. Thank you for your endless support, PK. You will be missed tremendously as you embark on your graduation, with highest honors, from HHS.
Mrs. Dederich: PK is the embodiment of 'teach with your heart.' Beyond that, it is difficult to put her influence into words. From day one of my teaching career, PK made me feel noticed,valued and constantly reinforced all of the reasons why I became a teacher in the first place. PK reminded us all that teachers are human too, and part of what makes this job so great is the other teachers we get to call our team. On the difficult days, she was there for a hug and to share her strength. On the great days, she was there to help you brag about your success. I feel truly honored to have PK on my team. I know the wealth of wisdom she has shared will continue to influence the classrooms and hallways of Hamilton for years to come.
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All three of these teachers have had an incredible impact on our school. They have changed the lives of thousands of students, and have been real assets to the school as a whole. Though they will be dearly missed, HHS wishes them the best of luck in their futures, and of course hopes that they stay in touch. Thank you for everything!
