Alma Terry, a favorite with teachers, students, and parents.
It's National Teacher Appreciation Day May 7th and it's getting close to the end of the year. In a state where teachers are paid the lowest of all 50 states, a verbal recognition of their efforts is extremely important. Every one of the teachers in Big Sandy deserve a thank you from all of us.
When I researched how to thank a teacher one site said, to give a thank you with an apple. The next said teachers were tired of apples. Clearly it isn't the apple, it's the appreciation you sincerely have. Having students write a thank you or create some art work that says you value their work is important to a teacher.
Two weeks ago, after visiting with Dana and Melissa Gasvoda about Autism Week, Cat Lopez, and Alma Terry's contribution to their son, I thought I would take this opportunity to acknowledge Alma for her 24 years of her service as a teachers-aid! For this article, she represents all teachers in our community.
Dana and Melissa Gasvoda, smiled, shook their heads and said, "OH! She's Excellent and Wonderful. It's unbelievable what she has done for the kids. Give her all the praise and thanks you can. Say whatever good thing you want to say it's all true about her!"
Samantha Weaver, kindergarten teacher, wrote, "Alma greets the students and staff with a smile. Alma is very knowledgeable about the academic needs of her students and is never afraid to try new things to help them. I truly enjoy working with Mrs. Terry. I really appreciate her work ethic, her love of this school, and all the extra help she has given me. Alma is such an asset to our school."
Katie Hanson, first grade teacher, said, "Alma, is one of the hardest working women I know! She keeps us teachers in line!"
After visiting with some grade school kids, one said, "She's nice! Kind! Good with kids." The other said, "She is always caring to students that need extra help."
Cinda Pearson, Elementary Secretary, replied, "Alma puts in a full day of helping students and staff from early morning 7:40 a.m. recess to late afternoon 3:48 p.m. bus duty.
In between, she is dedicated to helping students in the learning center with their studies and even spends time in the gym assisting students with motor development needs. During the lunch time, Alma is a great help in the office. In her open time, she helps teachers decorate bulletin boards and laminate projects. Best of all, while doing all of this, Alma is joyful!"
Alma Terry was born a Lanning, a family from the area. She married Glenn Terry in 1974. Alma come from a long line of teachers in the family. She started working with kids by driving bus before she became a teachers-aid. According to Amy Terry, "She has always been good with kids, loves working with them. She has a soft spot for children who struggle and she finds ways to help them understand and learn. She is my role model as a mom and as a teacher."
