ACS recognized and thanked faculty and staff members for their commitment and service over the past school year and honored several employees who are retiring at the annual Thank-You Lunch on Wednesday, June 17 in the Multi-Purpose Room.
“This was a school year unlike any other and we truly appreciate the extraordinary efforts that each of you made to deal with the challenges of remote teaching,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “The outbreak of the coronavirus required us to be flexible and to put our faith and trust in God for His guidance and I’m so proud of how each of you responded and stayed engaged and connected with our students and their families.”
Oblen was joined by Elementary Principal and Early Education Center Director Gail Alford and Upper School Principal Meg McHale in giving a warm send-off to four faculty/staff members who are leaving ACS to pursue other endeavors. “We love you very much and we will miss you, but remember you are still a part of the ACS family,” Oblen said. The four departing employees are: Lisa Dye, Sarah Getty, Sherree Hoover, and Joanne VanAcker. The departing employees were presented with personalized ACS sweat-shirts as one of their parting gifts.
Dye and Hoover are two veteran faculty members who are retiring after decades of service at ACS. Dye started out as a first grade aide in April 1997 and then transitioned to be a 1st grade teacher that fall. She has since taught 1st, 4th, and 5th grades, and Middle School math and Bible. Hoover came to ACS 20 years ago, when she enrolled her son Ethan in kindergarten, and later came on staff to be one of the school’s longest-serving 4th grade teachers.
“Lisa has a huge heart for our students and her hands have been involved in so many parts of our school over the years,” said McHale, who started teaching at ACS the same year as Dye. Oblen noted that she enjoyed serving with Dye on three middle school missions trips. “Lisa is always one to ask — how can I help or are there any students who are struggling that I can work with?” Oblen said. Dye pointed out that she plans to stay connected with ACS and is ready to serve as a substitute teacher or to volunteer.
“Dedicated and focused on doing things with excellence are words that best describe Sherree,” said Oblen. “She has always wanted ACS to be the best that it can be and to be a light in our community.” Elementary Principal Alford said she will miss Sherree for her leadership and mentorship among the elementary teachers and for her sound advice.
In her capacity as the Early Education Center Director, Alford also recognized and thanked Early Education PreK3 teacher Joanne VanAcker and Early Education aid Sarah Getty for their service to ACS. “Joanne and Sarah have shown love and devotion to all of the children under their care in our Early Education Center,” Alford said. “Their joyful presence will be missed.” VanAcker came to ACS in 2017 as an Early Education aide and began serving as an Early Ed teacher in 2018. Getty, who was unable to attend the luncheon, served for two years as an Early Education aide.