I WAS BORN TO TEACH! MY RETIREMENT STORY

SEPTEMBER 2, 1980-MAY 30, 2013

     I was born to teach!  My mother and father were both teachers!  In fact, my parents met at Utah State...my father was my mother's math teacher!!!  My mother taught 38 years in Washington and Jordan School Districts...mostly 1st and 2nd grades.  My father taught 3 years at Utah State and 7 years at Dixie College...math, physics, and surveying.  Later in life, he taught the Electrician's Apprentice class at UVU for 4 years.
     As long as I can remember, I have helped my mom with her school work.  Checking papers, redoing bulletin boards (because there was no lamination), tutoring, etc.  I wanted to be a teacher!  Added to this experience with my mom... was playing school, and beating everyone at Shelley Elementary with my board game "Go to the Head of the Class!"  (Remember, Renae?)
     After graduating from BYU in August, 1980 (graduated from Dixie in 1978), I received a contract to teach 5th grade at Alpine Elementary! I had found my home!!!  I loved the students, faculty, and the community!
     It has been an unbelievable journey!  But, on March 20, 2013, I went to my regular 9 week check up at the foot dr.  I had swelling in my foot that wouldn't go down.  After being x-rayed, my foot dr. told me, with tears in his eyes he said I had 10-12 broken bones...he didn't count because he didn't want to find more than that, and I have Charcot Foot.  (see below for more info)
     It was extremely hard to have a boot on these last 2 months, and to be confined to a wheelchair.  It will take approximately a year to recover. (10 more months to go).  
     My foot doctor told me to call my shift coordinator at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple...he said that after 16 years, I needed to be released. (I was called to serve for 2 years, but served 16!) He also said if I could retire, to do it.  Even though I missed the March 1 retirement deadline, because I have taught for over 30 consecutive years (33) and have a doctor's letter, I can retire.  I am able to receive insurance, too!  My foot dr also told me that even with the "best case scenario" where I recover quickly, when I stand on our hard floors at school, walk outside, Clear Creek, etc., it would all come undone.
     The worst of this is I cannot drive! But, there are so many wonderful friends at school that have helped me!  Mrs. Chadwick usually takes me to school.  I am a member of the Chadwick Family Carpool!  Mrs. Chadwick, Miss Warwood, and Mr. Beckstrand take me home.  Ms. Washburn took me to a district math meeting, and Mrs. Dibb's missionary homecoming.  Mrs. Park took me to AEA meetings in Orem, and to meet about my retirement at the district office.  It was GREAT to have transportation!
     Mr. Turner or Mr. Beckstrand would bring me in the building in the mornings.  Any time a student or a teacher could see I needed help, they just started pushing me!  All of my students were extremely helpful!  Not just pushing me, but helping me to get my lunch, and taking me to the faculty room.  Two of my boys, Max and Avry, came at least 30 minutes early EVERY morning to help me!  Mrs. Haskins, my aide, was great at making sure all papers, tests, etc. were run off!

     Retirement has been an extremely hard decision to make!  Being Miss Mitchell is part of my identity!  When I went to my foot dr. appointment on May 24, he has scheduled me to return on June 21.  I am still in the "healing stage."  Making slow progress.

     It has been an incredible journey...and it's hard to believe that it's over!  I will miss everyone...students, parents, and faculty!  I am hoping that all will go well...and I can begin a new chapter in my life!  ("Stay at Home Aunt" comes to mind!)  Hopefully, I can have a Retirement Open House next year at the school, but not be in a wheelchair!  Keep up with me on Facebook and through my blog!  

 So now...instead of putting my foot down...I'm going to put it up!

     Enjoy some of my pictures from "the end of an era!"

Haley (5), Lily (2), and Cole (8 1/2)
came with their parents to help one day.
Their dad, McKay (27), is my nephew.

These are 2 of the 6 garbage cans we filled up!

 Great niece, Jaycie...8.

(Jaycie went to Miss Kathy's Preschool Class)

 Great nieces and nephew with Auntie Ann

Oakley (2), Addie (3), Preston (5), and Jaycie (8)

Playing in the gym.

Addie is so excited...cuz she's wearing the

cute Jazz dress that Auntie Ann gave her to wear

to a Jazz game!

 Addie can fit in the garbage can!

Niece Katie (22), Addie, Preston, Jaycie, Oakley,

and niece Heidi's husband, Mike!

Niece, Ashley (29), Niece Katie, sister-in-law, Laurel.

(Laurel helped me set up my room in 1980!) 

 The magnets have disappeared!

 I've been trying to do all of this without anyone's knowledge.

The only thing my kids picked up on was that the

magnets were gone!  

I just told them I have to pack them up, because they move

the desk and fridge in the summer when cleaning the room.

Since I can't drive, my mom took me up to the school the second 
and third Saturdays in May at 6:00 a.m. to about 8:00 p.m.
I had to clean everything . . . cupboards, file cabinets,
desk, and put post-it-notes on many things for a new teacher.
(Like, the Atlases go with the map, the songbooks are
for "Hope of America, etc.)

Cart is cleaned, pillow frames dumped...


LAST DAY

 Coming down the hall

 My lovely sign!

The lovely treat jar!

 Aaahhh...Loved Fridays...Loved "Teacher's Quiz!"

SAYING GOODBYE TO FRIENDS

 Nancy Pope

One of my best friends! 

I taught her daughters, Kandace and Natalie.

We have been together 30 years!

We went to Hawaii together in 1985 when we were

"Young, happenin' chicks!"

Now...we're just "Old, happenin' chicks!"

 Annalea Warwood, me, Nancy Pope.

They both teach 3rd grade. 

Annalea is my personal tutor for 

ALL THINGS ELECTRONIC!

We went on a trip to New York City together!

She always was one of my designated drivers!

Maureen Wallace...2nd grade.

I taught her daughter, Alexis.

Our classes tutored together.

Always good for Girl Scout Cookies!

Diane Walter...2nd grade.

I taught her daughter, Julie.

We've been together about 25 years.

A great listener!

 Cortney Mitchell Finlayson, Ty's mother.

Cortney is extra special!

She grew up in my ward.

I taught her when she was 5 years old in Primary, and worked

with her when I was in the Stake Young Women's.

Her grandfather and my dad are first cousins.

She was so special...that I lined her up with our very own

"Mr. Fin"...Paul Finlayson!

 Cortney and Ty.

Ty is the only relative I ever taught!

(I have very few.)

We are 3rd cousins!

His great grandfather and my dad are first cousins.

His great great grandfather and my grandpa are brothers.

I never met him until the wedding.

Max and his mom, Melody Walker Sutherland.

Melody was in my second class that I taught.

Max is a "grandstudent"...child of a former student.

I taught 2 of his mom's sisters...and 3 of his dad's brothers!

His mom was in the class with her future brother-in-law!

This is Heather Walker Johnson.

Her sister is Max's mom, Melody!

I also taught Heather!

Everyone's favorite...Mr. B.

Don Beckstrand...6th grade.

We have been together for 29 years.

He has taught 5th grade several years with me.

He has been one of my designated drivers.

All of my big stuff, including wheelchair,

got home because of him!

 BreAnn Wayman...1st grade.

BreAnn was an intern, and then a regular teacher

on our 5th grade team.

She just finished her 2nd year in 1st grade.

Jason Healey and Garett Vance...my 2 favorite sweepers.

They are cousins.

I taught Garett in 5th grade.

Their grandpa, Calvan Vance, taught with me my first 17 years

of teaching!  

He's my favorite, and I miss him!

 Heidi Park...4th grade.

Heidi looks a little too happy in this picture!

She, too, is retiring!
We are side by side here...just like we've stood side by side

for 33 years in every faculty picture!
(Now I don't have to stand without her!)

We also went on a Caribbean Cruise together!

Paul Finlayson...4th grade.

I taught his son, Ty.

We've been together about 10 years.

He was smart for one year, and taught 5th grade with me!

He is the lucky recipient of my matchmaking skills!

Jeanie Vance...2nd grade aide.

I taught Jeanie's sons, Carson and Garett.

We went on a Caribbean Cruise together.

Her father-in-law, Calvan Vance,

taught with me for my first 17 years!!!

Paula Ruesch...librarian.

I taught her son, Morgan.

She always kept me informed of everything going on

in the library!

 Lori Chadwick...3rd grade.

Lori is so kind and thoughtful!

We have been together around 16 years.

She has been my designated pick up driver!

I have been a member of the

"Chadwick Family Carpool" for the last 2 months!

We would even stop a time or two at McDonald's on
the way to school for breakfast!

Karen Peterson...2nd grade!

I think we've been together about 13 years.

So sweet!

 Mimi Monson...6th grade.

I taught her sons, Bob and Spencer.

She is so amazing, and on the ball!
(Her husband is Thomas S. Monson's nephew)

 Lisa Hoover...secretary.

Always so kind to me...and keeps me in line!

Lisa always went shopping for us for Clear Creek!

Good luck at the district office!!!

 Charisse Roberts...6th grade aide.

I taught her daughter, Abbi!

A great lady!

Ruth Oliverson...2nd grade aide.

I taught her daughter, Crystal and her son, Casey.

So sweet and kind to me!

 Dean and Jac Turner...custodian and resource aide.

I taught their son, Weston.

Dean is one of my heroes!

I would text him when I was almost at school.

He would be there with the wheel chair...and take me to my room.

Jac's grandma and my dad are cousins (along with Ty's great grandpa).

I didn't get a picture with everyone...some had left.

And I got none with my team.

So...this is my team.

Condita Washburn taught 4th grade, then moved to 5th grade.

I'm not sure how many years...maybe 12 on the team?

She isn't here...because she went home to South Dakota to donate

a kidney to her mom.

Matt Goff has been on the team for 4 years.

He will teach 6th grade next year at Fox Hollow.

I have loved my 33 years at Alpine Elementary...and the hundreds and hundreds of students 
I have taught!!!

I hope my students, Alpine Elementary, and 
Alpine will never forget me,

because I will never forget them!

 . . . A few of my teacher friends knew I was going to retire.
I had to tell my principal, because she had to sign the
retirement paper.  I told her during my exit interview, 
the day after Memorial Day.  She was floored!

I posted this blogpost on Facebook at midnight,
after the last day.  That's how the Alpine people
find out!  I had my first comment about 10 minutes
after I posted!  Hundreds commented, and
couldn't believe I could do all of the packing, etc.
without anyone's knowledge!

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Charcot Foot

What Is Charcot Foot?Charcot foot is a condition causing weakening of the bones in the foot that can occur in people who have significant nerve damage (neuropathy). The bones are weakened enough to fracture, and with continued walking the foot eventually changes shape. As the disorder progresses, the joints collapse and the foot takes on an abnormal shape, such as a rocker-bottom appearance.
Charcot foot is a very serious condition that can lead to severe deformity, disability, and even amputation. Because of its seriousness, it is important that patients with diabetes—a disease often associated with neuropathy—take preventive measures and seek immediate care if signs or symptoms appear.

CausesCharcot foot develops as a result of neuropathy, which decreases sensation and the ability to feel temperature, pain, or trauma. Because of diminished sensation, the patient may continue to walk—making the injury worse.
People with neuropathy (especially those who have had it for a long time) are at risk for developing Charcot foot. In addition, neuropathic patients with a tight Achilles tendon have been shown to have a tendency to develop Charcot foot.
SymptomsThe symptoms of Charcot foot may include:

• Warmth to the touch (the affected foot feels warmer than the other)
• Redness in the foot
• Swelling in the area
• Pain or soreness

DiagnosisEarly diagnosis of Charcot foot is extremely important for successful treatment. To arrive at a diagnosis, the surgeon will examine the foot and ankle and ask about events that may have occurred prior to the symptoms. X-rays and other imaging studies and tests may be ordered.
Once treatment begins, x-rays are taken periodically to aid in evaluating the status of the condition.
Non-Surgical TreatmentIt is extremely important to follow the surgeon’s treatment plan for Charcot foot. Failure to do so can lead to the loss of a toe, foot, leg, or life.
Non-surgical treatment for Charcot foot consists of:

• Immobilization. Because the foot and ankle are so fragile during the early stage of Charcot, they must be protected so the weakened bones can repair themselves. Complete non-weightbearing is necessary to keep the foot from further collapsing. The patient will not be able to walk on the affected foot until the surgeon determines it is safe to do so. During this period, the patient may be fitted with a cast, removable boot, or brace, and may be required to use crutches or a wheelchair. It may take the bones several months to heal, although it can take considerably longer in some patients.
• Custom shoes and bracing. Shoes with special inserts may be needed after the bones have healed to enable the patient to return to daily activities—as well as help prevent recurrence of Charcot foot, development of ulcers, and possibly amputation. In cases with significant deformity, bracing is also required.
• Activity modification. A modification in activity level may be needed to avoid repetitive trauma to both feet. A patient with Charcot in one foot is more likely to develop it in the other foot, so measures must be taken to protect both feet.

When is Surgery Needed?In some cases, the Charcot deformity may become severe enough that surgery is necessary. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the proper timing as well as the appropriate procedure for the individual case.
Preventive CareThe patient can play a vital role in preventing Charcot foot and its complications by following these measures:

• Keeping blood sugar levels under control can help reduce the progression of nerve damage in the feet.
• Get regular check-ups from a foot and ankle surgeon.
• Check both feet every day—and see a surgeon immediately if you notice signs of Charcot foot.
• Be careful to avoid injury, such as bumping the foot or overdoing an exercise program.
• Follow the surgeon’s instructions for long-term treatment to prevent recurrences, ulcers, and amputation.