Retiring PUSD middle school teachers reflect on their careers

Poway Unified School District is saying goodbye to 22 middle school and three multi-level teachers who have decided to retire.

Teachers who have been with the district at least 30 years were asked to reflect on their careers. Eight chose to share their reflections. Their profiles are below.

All other middle school teachers who notified the district of their retirement by May 15 are also being recognized. Retiring teachers at other levels are being recognized in other articles.

► Suzanne McKibbin is retiring after 38 years in PUSD, with the last 25 at Twin Peaks Middle School where she taught English. She previously taught at Pomerado Elementary. She advised the Associated Student Body, WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) and Chain Reaction (spreading kindness) organizations.

She was named a “Teacher of the Year” and received a PTA Honorary Service Award, PTA Golden Oak Service Award, is a 10-year member of the California Association of Directors of Activities and received the Bob Burton Spirit Award, was named to “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers,” was a “History-Social Science Educator of San Diego County” finalist, was honored by Hats Off to Teachers and was a California League of Middle Schools “Educator of the Year” nominee for Region Nine.

McKibbin earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education at California State University Northridge, her teaching credential at National University and master’s degree at Grand Canyon University.

“I became a teacher so that I could help young people reach their full potential and help them to believe in themselves,” McKibbin said. “Sounding cliché, the children are our future and my hope was that I could help them to be the best they could be, self-confident and ready to meet the world head on.”

She said the profession exceeded her expectations. “My interactions with thousands of students has been so rewarding,” McKibbin said. “I am not quite sure what I will do without them in my daily life.”

McKibbin said technology has become an integral part of education since she started teaching and students experience a variety of activities woven into their required curriculum that encourage “good citizenship.”

A special memory was when a “reluctant learner” wrote her a note thanking her for not giving up on him, not letting him fall behind and by making the year fun and him like school, she said.

As for her retirement plans, she will continue living in Poway near her children and grandchildren. “My husband and I plan to RV around America this summer,” she said. “I have always wanted to see the U.S. and finally I will have time.”

► Cheryl A. Rehome is retiring after 38 years in PUSD, with the last 17 at Meadowbrook Middle School where she taught eighth grade social studies and U.S. history. She previously taught at Pomerado Elementary and was a founding faculty member at Morning Creek Elementary.

She was named “Teacher of the Year” in 2001 at Morning Creek Elementary. Rehome earned her bachelor’s degree in diversified liberal arts from the University of San Diego, master’s degree in computers in the classroom from National University and completed reading specialist coursework at San Diego State University.

“From the time I was in eighth grade, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” Rehome said, adding, “I especially loved teaching U.S. history. ... Most of my professional development, outside of the district, has been to further enhance my understanding of U.S. history, to refine my pedagogy and to bring history to life in my classroom.”

She said the profession has changed “in many, many ways! It is especially evident when it comes to technology.” She recalled a past that included writing on chalkboards, using movie projectors, no phones in classrooms, using overhead projectors, sharing computers that printed on perforated paper and making copies on hand-cranked mimeograph machines.

Rehome said her favorite memories included having students participate in living history lessons on the Gold Rush, 13 colonies and Civil War. Also, having her eighth graders participate in the “We the People” mock Congressional hearing competitions.

“I don’t plan to retire from life, but just from the classroom,” Rehome said. “I would like to continue to learn and grow by taking a variety of classes for fun.” She said her plans include spending time with family, traveling, camping and seeing more of the world. Also gardening, reading, working out “and sometimes just being lazy.” She also wants to volunteer at the Encinitas Historical Museum, Botanic Gardens and in friends’ classrooms. “I would love to work on promoting civic learning for all students,” she said. “I know I will have plenty to do and much to experience.”

► Rand Knapp is retiring after 33 years in PUSD, with the past 32 teaching physical education at Twin Peaks Middle School. He previously taught at Black Mountain Middle School.

For 20 years at Twin Peaks he also coached boys and girls cross country, basketball and volleyball, plus flag football and track and field. He was an assistant boys volleyball coach at Poway High when it won a 1993 CIF championship. He also accompanied student trips to Washington, D.C. and Peru.

Knapp said he was part of the 1992 “Physical Education Program of the Year” recognized by CAAPHERD and named 1999 Mt. Sac “Coach of the Year” for both boys and girls cross country.

He earned his associate’s degree from Glendale Community College, his bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University.

Knapp said his parents were teachers. His father taught junior high physical education and mother taught elementary school in La Crescenta, California. “(I) followed two older brothers who also got physical education degrees from SDSU,” he said.

“I really feel extremely fortunate to have landed at Twin Peaks, doing a job I think I was made for, combined with a staff that had so much fun and camaraderie together,” Knapp said. “Starting with the traditional Friday after school staff basketball games, The Amoeba softball team, The TP Golf Association and 25-year member of the PBL, a fantasy basketball league well ahead of its time.

“Last, but not least, the kids,” he said. “Had the pleasure of seeing so many outstanding athletes and great families. My favorite hobby is to follow former Twin Peaks students, headed by current PGA tour star Charley Hoffman. It’s been a great career and I feel blessed!”

► Joie Nolasco is retiring after 33 years in PUSD, most recently teaching seventh grade humanities at Mesa Verde Middle School, which she helped open in 1994. She previously taught at Meadowbrook Middle School. Her 37-year career included teaching kindergartners through college students in three states.

She also coached middle school girls’ volleyball, coed racquetball and track. For the 1987-88 season she was the JV swim coach at Mt. Carmel High School.

With Mesa Verde celebrating its 25th anniversary on June 8, Nolasco said “it is timely to retire now. The remaining teachers from that adventurous group — Mr. Sykes, Ms. Densmore and I — are all retiring, so it is the end of that era.”

Nolasco received a PTSA Outstanding Community Service Award from the Meadowbrook PTSA and was Mesa Verde’s 2018 “Teacher of the Year.” She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the University of Arizona and master’s degree in educational administration at San Diego State University.

“The teaching profession runs in my blood, as my mother was a 37-year veteran teacher as well as her mother,” Nolasco said. “Being the eldest of three, I played teacher with my younger sister and brother whether they were willing participants or not! It was my form of babysitting.”

Nolasco added, “I feel a teacher really does ‘touch the future’ and hopefully in a positive way. To paraphrase a famous quote, ‘People may not remember what you said ... but they always remember how you made them feel.’ Teaching, by far, has exceeded my expectations.”

Regarding changes, Nolasco said, “Although education as a whole is slow to change, the equipment and curriculum we utilize has changed quite a lot.”

When asked for a special memory, Nolasco said, “Every time a former student of mine contacts me and mentions that I played a part of his/her decision to go into teaching, I burst with pride that the cycle to touch the future is continuing!”

As for her retirement plans, Nolasco said, she wants “to visit the world I taught. It has always been a goal of mine to visit all 50 states, so my last state is Alaska to complete this journey.” She also mentioned wanting to see the Mayan ruins in Guatemala, visiting Central America and skiing the French Alps.

► Victoria Spence is retiring after 31 years in PUSD, with the last 14 at Black Mountain Middle School where she taught seventh grade Academy humanities. She previously taught at Tierra Bonita, Midland and Park Village elementary schools plus Mesa Verde Middle School. She was also an assistant principal at Chaparral and Canyon View elementary schools.

During her career she served on several councils and committees; was a peer mediation, student council and Just Say No Club adviser plus a GATE coordinator.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, master’s degree in educational administration plus multiple subject teaching and administrative credentials all from California State University San Bernardino.

“I originally wanted to become a veterinarian, but my work while in college as a tutor for students with various disabilities inspired me to pursue teaching, and I’ve never looked back,” Spence said.

“Choosing teaching as a career was one of the best decisions of my life,” she said. “How often does someone have the chance to touch and inspire lives on a daily basis? While it’s a challenging profession, there is also great reward and satisfaction in knowing you’ve done everything in your power to make a difference in the lives of so many. With luck, our students will take what we’ve given them and go on to lead successful live, and to make the world a better place.”

She said the world in which students are growing up has more challenges now than before. “It’s become crucial that education today helps students to develop a sense of global citizenship and social responsibility,” Spence said, adding this means a greater focus in class on collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking, innovation, digital citizenship, cultural literacy and giving students a voice.

Spence said she will always remember a student with autism “who had such a powerfully moving effect on all of my students and on me. He taught us compassion and kindness, and that brilliance and beauty come in many forms.” She praised her fifth graders in that class for the positive, welcoming environment they created. “No question, this was a phenomenal group of students who touched my heart and gave me hope that our world in the years to come would be in good hands.”

As for her retirement plans, Spence said after spending 20 of her 31 years in PUSD commuting from San Clemente “I so look forward to driving less, enjoying family more and spending as much time in nature as possible.”

► Marycay Densmore is retiring after 30 years in PUSD, with the last 24 at Mesa Verde Middle School where as a founding faculty member she taught seventh grade language arts and social studies. She previously taught at Midland Elementary and several other campuses throughout California and in Oslo, Norway.

She is the GATE coordinator and MAC (Movies, Animation and Character Education) Club instructor. She also coached the dance club, was Breakfast Club supervisor and instructed the After School Assistance Program.

Densmore is a nationally board certified teacher in early adolescence English language arts, won the Time Warner Cable National Teacher Award five times and was awarded several grants.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in speech communication and single subject credential in English from California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo, her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a multiple subjects credential from California State University Chico, and her master’s degree in education and pupil personnel services credential from Point Loma Nazarene College.

“I was born to be a teacher,” Densmore said. “When I was a little girl, I set up a classroom in the backyard and taught the younger students in the neighborhood. It has always been my lifelong desire.”She added, “Facilitating the education of eager young minds has exceeded my teaching expectations. The field of education has so many intrinsic rewards because you are able to watch students grow from the beginning to the end of the year.”

Densmore said changes in technology, especially video conferencing, allowed her to bring the world outside into the classroom. She has done more than 100 video conferences between her students and those at NASA, zoos, museums, an ocean institute, parks, other schools and with authors. “(These) have really enriched the curriculum,” she said.

While Densmore said she has many favorite memories, the most memorable has been forging lifelong friendships with the students and their families.

As for her retirement plans, Densmore said she will stay in San Diego, but plans to travel to Australia, New Zealand and Africa; take a cruise around the world; and attend a Winter and Summer Olympics.

► Jeff Lusk is retiring after 30 years in PUSD, with the past 26 of them teaching physical education at Twin Peaks Middle School. He also taught sixth grade basic education for four years. Before that he taught for six years in Huntington Beach, California.

At Twin Peaks he also coached basketball, flag football and cross country. Lusk also coached varsity softball at Poway High (1995-2002) and was an assistant coach for the Titans for the past five years.

Lusk earned his bachelor’s degree from Whittier College and his master’s degree in education from Azusa Pacific University.

“I first started in teaching to make a positive impact on students,” Lusk said. “I have continued to try and do that for 36 years. I have been blessed to have been part of the Twin Peaks community. I have been humbled by the amazing staff members here who have brought so much passion to their work.

“It has been such a pleasure to get to know the wonderful students that have come through here, and I will continue to enjoy watching them do incredible things with their lives,” Lusk said.

► Eric March is retiring after 30 years in PUSD, with the last 15 at Black Mountain Middle School as a sixth grade language arts and social studies teacher. He previously taught at Tierra Bonita Elementary, was an assistant principal at Morning Creek Elementary and principal of Deer Canyon Elementary.

He has also been a student council adviser, GATE coordinator, spelling bee coordinator and grade level team leader.

March was named Black Mountain’s “Teacher of the Year” for 2007-08 and 2013-14. He earned his bachelor’s degree in social science from California State University Sacramento, master’s degree in education administration from Azusa Pacific University and has several teaching credentials.

March said his first career in title insurance and escrow led him to realizing that he enjoyed teaching as he educated clients on their property transactions. “Being idealistic, wanting to improve the world and imagining a career I would look back on with pride and satisfaction led me to teaching,” he said. “I really enjoyed school and learning (while) growing up, and I had some personal teaching heroes that I hoped that I could one day emulate.”

He said teaching exceeded his expectations since teaching the subject matter is only part of the job. “Engaging young people to be motivated about their futures, to see the joy and value of knowledge, to understand and appreciate the world around them, to develop good character and citizenship, and respect themselves as well as others are all areas within the scope of what we do.”

March said during his career “the curriculum has become ever more crowded and what were considered advanced skills are taught at an earlier age. It speaks to the amazing ability of children to learn, but this can also tend to make the experience feel rushed for students and teachers. There needs to be time to process, reflect and explore.” He also said technology is a blessing, but it has downsides. With children and parents having more limited time together, he said teachers’ social role has been elevated.

He said moments in the beginning and end of each school year are especially memorable. During the latter, “Your heart fills with pride and a touch of sadness at the thought that you have witnessed something amazing and are about to bow out of (the students’) lives.”

As for his retirement plans, March said he will stay in the area, volunteer, do hobbies such as bicycling, backpacking and pursue further learning.

Also retiring are:

► Michael Dimitriou has taught in PUSD for 32 years, most recently seventh grade language arts and social studies at Meadowbrook Middle School.

► Karen Bungard has taught in PUSD for 31 years, most recently eighth grade humanities at Bernardo Heights Middle School.

► Elaine Bailey has taught in PUSD for 30 years, most recently art and eighth grade social students and language arts at Meadowbrook Middle School.

► Bernard Preston has taught in PUSD for 30 years, most recently eighth grade science at Meadowbrook Middle School.

► David Sykes has taught in PUSD for 30 years, most recently seventh grade and drama at Mesa Verde Middle School.

► John O’Hagan has taught in PUSD for 29 years, most recently physical education at Mesa Verde Middle School.

► Therese Burchianti has taught in PUSD for 28 years, most recently eighth-grade humanities at Oak Valley Middle School.

► Kurt Vozely has taught in PUSD for 28 years, most recently physical education at Bernardo Heights Middle School.

► David Tice has taught in PUSD for 25 years, most recently science at Black Mountain Middle School.

► Laurie Johnson has taught in PUSD for 24 years, most recently sixth grade at Twin Peaks Middle School.

► Susan Killen has taught in PUSD for 21 years, most recently science courses for sixth- through 12th- graders in the district’s New Directions program.

► Edward Giles has taught in PUSD for 19 years, most recently as a teacher on special assignment to work with students in all grade levels who are enrolled in the district’s home school program.

► Debra Kubiak has taught in PUSD for 19 years, most recently general education courses for sixth- through 12th-graders in the district’s New Directions program.

► Mary Ellyn Tarzy has taught in PUSD for 19 years, most recently special education at Twin Peaks Middle School.

► Steven Armacost has taught in PUSD for 18 years, most recently sixth grade at Mesa Verde Middle School.

► Colleen Casey has taught in PUSD for 16 years, most recently math at Black Mountain Middle School.

► Susan Lage has taught in PUSD for 13 years, most recently computer and Gateway to Technology courses at Oak Valley Middle School.