Congratulations and salutations

Clay Central/Everly teachers recently closed the book on the 2019-20 school year with a group breakfast. It was held "COVID-style" this year, with acai fruit bowls and rolls served while teachers and staff sat socially-distanced around the lunchroom.

Staff members were recognized for milestones met during their CC/E career. Typically, accolades are given starting at the 10-year achievement mark and continue with recognition for every subsequent five years. The end-of-the-year breakfast is a favorite staff event where stories and laughter are shared, bringing closure to another great year at CC/E.

Upon achieving specific milestones, staff are praised and given a monetary gift from fellow staff and a gift from the district. Administration presented awarded staff with this gift ranging from a plaque, clock, or bell with a CC/E nameplate featuring the person's name and their years of service.

Administrators proceeded to thank all staff for their hard work and many accomplishments. This year, Principal Curt Busch shared some of his favorite memories of this past year at CC/E as he enters retirement following 39 years in education. Mr. Busch was celebrated as he brought much positivity and encouragement to the staff and administration during his nine years with the district. He started in 2011 as 7-12 grade principal before transitioning to lead the elementary school this year. He has been a positive impact to thousands of students during his teaching career.

Another celebrating retirement was Kathy Barnett, who has worked 41 years in education and 23 years at CC/E. She worked at several different schools in Iowa and spent five years as a librarian in Texas. During 40 of the years, she has spent her entire day or a portion of it in the school library as a library associate, part-time librarian and associate/study hall monitor. She also spent several years assisting in the lunchroom.

Barnett's final year was spent splitting time between the CC/E Elementary library and the libraries at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn. She was also in the CC/E lunchroom and preschool classroom.

"I have enjoyed my time as a member of the Maverick family during the past 23 years," Barnett said. "I will miss the students and staff I have worked with during these years. I am looking forward to retirement and spending more time with my family, and especially my grandchildren. My wish to all of you is to appreciate and continue to support the Clay Central/Everly Mavericks."

Mrs. Lori Key was awarded her 20-year service award during the breakfast. She taught a variety of things in her two decades at CC/E, beginning with teaching fifth grade. She also taught small group reading, computers, K-6 general music and 5-12 band. Key taught in the kindergarten classroom this year and said she "thoroughly enjoyed it."

Additionally, sixth grade teacher Jodi Weber and Superintendent Scott Williamson were sent off with best wishes as they continue their career in other districts.