As the year comes to an end, it is almost time to say goodbye to these wonderful educational aides, teachers, and administrative assistants who had served Neenah for plenty of years. This includes multiple profiles of the teachers who are retiring after the 2022- ‘23 school year. These teachers include Robin Grable; cross-categorial and co-English 9 teacher, Maripat Franke; cross-categorial teacher, Mel Vanderkolk; education assistant in the library, and Mike O’Neill, assistant principal.

M. Franke

Q1: When you first joined the Neenah Joint School District, what made you so passionate about what you’ve been doing?

A: I started volunteering at the Elementary School when my oldest daughter started Kindergarten because I wanted to be involved in her education and support teachers. I also joined the PTA (Parent-Teacher-Association) to fundraise and offer enrichment opportunities such as March Into the Arts (art projects after school every day in March) STEM Challenges, Artist of the Month Series (introduce students to a new artist each month with poster size prints, history, and an art project, etc). The District first asked me to tutor students in math, then after my youngest daughter started Kindergarten, they offered me a job as an aide.

Q2: Could you explain a bit about yourself and why you got into this topic?

A: I went to Coe College (undergraduate in Physics & Mathematics), worked for Kimberly-Clark as a project team member for 5 years, then went to grad school. school at the Institute of Paper Chemistry, which used to be in Appleton but now is a part of Georgia Tech., and got a Paper Physics Engineering degree. I worked again for K-C until my first daughter was born, then I stayed home and was a full-time Mom. I honestly used to say, “I’d never be a teacher – too much work for too little pay!” But when I thought about getting back into Engineering, traveling, and having to put the kids into daycare, I ended up working for the school district to have a school schedule so I could be there with my 4 kids whenever they didn’t have school.

Q3: How long have you been working at Neenah High School?

A: I’ve been working for the District for 20 years, but at first, only part-time.  At first, I only worked at the grade schools. I gained A LOT of great teaching experience by being in a different school for several years in a row supporting students in various classrooms each day. I feel like Neenah has some of the BEST teachers, passionate about their vocation and helping their students to achieve their personal best. So many different styles, techniques, and personalities but all with the same ultimate goal – to prepare their students for future success. A great way to observe and learn! I moved to the High School about 10 years ago, still as an aide but then I was asked to complete the CESA 6 program to get certified as a teacher. There is a Post Crescent article – if you want to search and read it – all about the CESA 6 program and I was one of the featured teachers. The District was very supportive while I completed that program and was certified.  I honestly used to say “I will never be a teacher, there is too much work (especially paperwork & verifying you are doing your job well paperwork) I will either stay in my aide position or go back into Engineering.  Well, I ended up LOVING both the High School staff and students and teaching more interesting/in-depth subjects. So, I ended my career as a teacher.

Q4: What was your favorite part of working at the high school?

A: THE STAFF!!! I love the people I work with, I learn so much from them and everyone is so supportive of each other. Teachers care about their students, but they really care about each other! My son was diagnosed with Leukemia, and I had a rough year of long hospital stays with him. The staff rallied around me and helped me through the ordeal. It really was amazing to see everything they did to support me! Side note: His youngest sister was a 12 out of 12 match and was his stem cell donor and he’s doing fine working in Charleston South Carolina. When I think about that journey, I think about how strong he was and how supportive my colleagues were.

Q5: How do you feel about leaving the high school?

A: Sad, I’ll miss the staff, but I hope to come back and sub and keep in touch. I also am excited because my oldest daughter is going to have a baby in October and I’ll have time to be with her for an extended stay. She lives in Princeton, New Jersey and this will be my first grandchild!

Q6: Is there anything you’d like to say for potential employees or students who might take your spot in the future?

A: I know who is taking my spot – Lisa VanHandel who also went through the CESA 6 program because she started out as an aide in the district too. She is an amazing person and I’m sure she will do a fantastic job! She already has great connections with other staff, which is essential to being successful. My advice would be – nobody can be successful alone, everyone needs the help/support of others, so be willing to both give and receive help! Most people struggle with one or the other, so you have to make an effort and be open to changing and getting out of your comfort zone!

Q7: What are some big plans you have scheduled for after retirement?

A: We have a cruise booked in Europe for the end of August and the beginning of September to celebrate both my retirement and my husband’s retirement. Then, of course, the new grandbaby in October!

R. Grable

Q1: When you first joined the Neenah Joint School District, what made you so passionate about what you’ve been doing?

A: My first job with N.J.S.D. was as a substitute teacher. I had been a stay-at-home mom to my 4 children and was looking for a job that would allow me to be working while they were at school, while also giving me the flexibility to still be involved in their school activities. My passion was largely my own children and how I could bring in money for the household and still concentrate on raising them.

Q2: Could you explain a bit about yourself and why you got into this topic?

A: As a child I always loved learning, not always school but always learning. When I went to college I decided to major in subjects I was interested in and not worry about what kind of a career I could have with the major. My majors were Sociology and Criminal Justice, thinking that if I wanted to continue on with school they would be a good base for law school. Once I graduated I did not want to continue my schooling, instead, I looked for work. I worked at Zaug’s Vending and then at Air Wisconsin while also getting married and beginning my family. Once I had my second child the decision was made to stay home. My husband was a Firefighter for Neenah/Menasha Fire Rescue, a job that allowed him lots of time with family but also required him to work 24-hour shifts so having one parent always available became a priority.  Once all of our children were in school I looked for a job. Raising kids was what I was passionate about so looking for something in the district was the logical place to go.

Q3: How long have you been working at Neenah High School?

A: I earned my Substitute License in 2002. I then became an aide, and then in 2018, I was asked to become licensed as a Cross-Categorical teacher in Special Education.

Q4: What was your favorite part of working at the high school?

A: I love high school because you can create meaningful relationships with the students. Having a part in helping a student become a good human and a positive member of society is very rewarding. Children are the future and it takes a lot of people to give them the tools they need.

Q5: How do you feel about leaving the high school?

A: It’s never easy to leave. There is always someone you want one more year with but at the same time, there are good people out there ready to fill my spot. I felt like the move to the new school was a good breaking point. I will miss the students I have worked closely with and also the adults with whom I have formed relationships. It has felt good to be so supported by my department and to be able to make some good friends as well.

Q6: Is there anything you’d like to say for potential employees or students who might take your spot in the future?

A: I don’t think I can say anything that they have not already heard. The students know how I feel about continuous learning, being curious is a lifelong endeavor, and anyone who is a teacher has chosen the profession because they feel something inside themselves.

Q7: What are some big plans you have scheduled for after retirement?

A: No big plans, other than spending a ton of time with my family and being a loving wife, mom, and Gigi. I am looking forward to more time to read, garden, and perfect some hobbies. I will spend time on becoming a better human. There just might be a new puppy in my future but I’m not great at decisions (a trait I have unfortunately passed down) so I am struggling with choosing just one!

M. O’Neill

Q1: When you first joined the Neenah Joint School District, what made you so passionate about what you’ve been doing?

A: I had the good fortune of coaching basketball and football before college. Through those early experiences, I quickly discovered how much I wanted to instruct, coach, and teach kids.

Q2: Could you explain a bit about yourself and why you got into this topic?

A: [Believes answer to Question 1 is similar, so did not answer Question 2]

Q3: How long have you been working at Neenah High School?

A: At the end of June, I will have served 21 years for the staff and students at Neenah High School.

Q4: What was your favorite part of working at the high school?

A: I have always enjoyed sitting down one on one with students and/or staff and building relationships. Once a relationship establishes itself, you start learning from one another and assisting one another.

Q5: How do you feel about leaving the high school?

A: I will be sad to leave the vast majority of relationships behind. Although I would like to think I will be in touch during my retirement, the reality of it is that I won’t be in the area very much.

Q6: Is there anything you’d like to say for potential employees or students who might take your spot in the future?

A: I have always told students and staff to get involved in school activities. High School needs to be more than academics. A person who is involved feels a sense of belonging to their school and that is what everyone hopes for.

Q7: What are some big plans you have scheduled for after retirement?

A: I don’t have any big plans at this moment. I hope to finish the year strong and then whatever happens after that happens. I am looking forward to the next phase of my life.

M. Vanderkolk

Q1: When you first joined the Neenah Joint School District, what made you so passionate about what you’ve been doing?

A: 21 years ago, my husband was teaching Special Education and I was a stay-home mom working evenings and weekends at Pick ‘n’ Save. When my kids were school-age, it occurred to me that I could work during the school day and have summers off. So, I began working as a Special Education Assistant at NHS, I was passionate about spending time in the summer with my kids.

Q2: Could you explain a bit about yourself and why you got into this topic?

A: My husband and I met while volunteering at a Special Olympics event back in Indiana. Working with Special Education just came naturally.

Q3: How long have you been working at Neenah High School?

A: I have been working at NHS for 21 years. The first 15 were in special education, the rest in the library. I love working in the library and seeing how excited a student gets when they find a book they love.

Q4: What was your favorite part of working at the high school?

A: Having students who have graduated come back and tell you how much they appreciated you or even to apologize for the way they treated you.

Q5: How do you feel about leaving the high school?

A: I feel excited about leaving. No regrets.

Q6: Is there anything you’d like to say for potential employees or students who might take your spot in the future?

A: Students, you have one thing in your life that is totally in your control and it’s your education. You control what and how much you learn. Get your face out of your phone, look up, and take control of your education.

As for my replacement, the downtown administration has no idea how the NHS operates and has decided not to fill my position. With a school of 2,000 students, a library of over 10,000 titles, and an increasing checkout of 7,000 books a year, it takes two staff members to operate efficiently and continue to promote literacy – get a book in every student’s hand.

Q7: What are some big plans you have scheduled for after retirement?

A: No big plans after retirement but projects. Time to clean up our computer room and get all my genealogy online.