An afternoon of memories was shared again at a second Manitowoc school that will close this year.
Students sang the goodbye song, written by former Jackson Elementary School Teacher Tracy Schultz, as part of a presentation during yesterday afternoon’s school legacy celebration.
The Manitowoc Public School District again opened the door for former students, staff, and parents to see the school one last time before its closure at the end of the school year.
Jackson Elementary Principal Jill DeRosier laid out her hopes as many entered the building.
She expounded, “Being able to get through and enjoy memories and maybe see people that they remember and classrooms and enjoy being in the building.”
Not only did attendees enjoy seeing the school again, but they also shared many memories, shed some tears, and got to see friends and teachers they hadn’t seen in a long time.
Jessie Schultz was one of those former teachers who helped start the special education program at Jackson.
“When, I got hired, I said I just want to make it another place for kids to find success, and that’s how I got here and hired,” she explained.
Many memories were made during her time.
“There’s pictures of us on pogo sticks,” she remembered with a chuckle. “I’m like, were racing? I don’t remember. There were pictures of us on turtles in the gym crashing into fellow teachers, and I’m like, I don’t remember that.”
But she did remember, “Taking on the kids for volleyball, leading kids in whole group exercise day. We began Immigration Day.”
After honoring the school’s legacy committee, Superintendent Lee Thennes spoke about the legacy Jackson Elementary will leave behind, noting those who attended and the stories written inside.
“Stories filled with the characters in the hall,” he stated. “The moments that shaped the plot. The challenges that became part of its journey. And the successes that brought pride to a community.”
School Board Member and MPSD Board President “Biff” Hansen spoke about Jackson helping his children, specifically his daughter Maddie, before passing it off to former Principal Steve Kleinfelt.
He talked about the eight principals that ran the school, including principal Duane Simmons, who passed away suddenly after only a few years on the job.
His quote, “one for all and all for one,” was seen on the back of staff t-shirts made for the event.
Students at the school also made a video for attendees explaining why the school is special to them.
One second grader said he liked Jackson because “all the teachers are really nice.”
Another said he liked Jackson because “everybody’s so kind.”
In the district’s Jackson Elementary Legacy book, the school was opened in 1953 and has been known for its welcoming, family atmosphere and strong connection.
The district has also been called more than a place to learn; it has been called a place to belong.
Jackson and Madison Elementary Schools are closing at the end of the school year.
Principal DeRosier says she understands why.
“It’s definitely sad,” she admitted. “We have staff members here that have been here their entire careers. 30 years, I’ve always been at Jackson. So, disappointing, but also (there’s an) understanding the financial reasons and the with declining enrollment and just the cost of the building.”
Students at Jackson will be attending Stangel and Riverview Elementary Schools in the future.
But the stories will live on as staff and students finish their journey at Jackson.
