Dear Parents and Students,

We are excited to share the bittersweet news that Ms. Van Nort, a beloved teacher here at Maplewood, will be retiring after an incredible 40+ years of dedication and service to our school community. Throughout her career, Ms. Van Nort has touched the lives of countless students. She's leaving a fantastic legacy of creativity, kind classroom culture, literacy, and love of nature.

As we celebrate her remarkable legacy, we invite all students, caregivers, and families to join us in honoring Ms. Van Nort and the incredible impact she has had on our school.

How You Can Celebrate:

• Write a Card: Please take a moment to write a heartfelt note or card to Ms. Van Nort sharing your memories and gratitude for her years of teaching.
• Bring Flowers or Plants: We encourage you to bring flowers or small plants as a token of appreciation. A garden of love and respect will be presented to her as a reminder of the joy she has brought into our lives.

We will be collecting cards, flowers, and plants next week. These thoughtful gifts will be presented to Ms. Van Nort at the 2nd grade ceremony on Wednesday, May 28th at 8:30 am. A wooden plaque is being engraved to dedicate the updated courtyard to Ms. Van Nort.

Let’s come together to celebrate and show our appreciation for the lasting impact Ms. Van Nort has made on our school, our children, and all of us.