As the school year winds down, three Patagonia staff members are retiring, and one is moving to another continent.
Kate Musick has spent 41 years teaching Patagonia students, most of that time in elementary classrooms at the hill campus. A gardener, a seamstress, and a woman with “family all over the place,” Kate doesn’t see herself being bored. She looks forward to getting more exercise and having time to read. Oh, yes, and she says she’s already signed up to be a substitute teacher next year.
Johanna Lee, Patagonia’s art teacher for the past two years, begins her retirement with a show of her own art work at the Gathering Grounds in June.
Then, in September she begins a three-month residency at Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David, Arizona, where she hopes to help restore the monastery’s art collection. A period of quiet and contemplation will certainly be a contrast to the pressures of teaching.
Danielle Elskens has taught second grade in Patagonia for two years and gets high marks from everyone. Her husband is in the US Air Force, and the couple will be moving to the Philippines for an extended tour of duty—usually as much as four years.
Danielle says it’s a little scary to move so far away for so long, but she looks forward to experiencing a different lifestyle and getting to know the island’s people. There are three military bases in Guam, and she has applied to teach in one of the schools there. She says she will really miss her fellow teachers and the young people of Patagonia.
Claire Thaemert has done a little bit of everything since she began working at Patagonia Union HIgh School—from playground duty to keeping attendance records—“whatever needs doing,” says the retiring school registrar.
What appeals to her most about retirement is that it means not sitting at a computer for hours at a time. She wants to get out and walk and enjoy Patagonia, although she says sorting out her late husband’s wagon shop may keep her busy for some time.
Good luck to Kate, Johanna, Danielle and Claire—all turning toward new chapters in their lives.