Timber Trail art teacher Peggy Jensen gets a big send-off to celebrate her retirement after a 25-year career in Douglas County. Fifth  graders Chaz Biondino (at left) and Derrick Frasier were on hand to supply tissues during a farewell assembly.

Articles and photos by Lisa Crockett

The end of the school year is all about saying goodbye – goodbye to classmates, teachers, homework. This year students at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) honored two educators at their school with goodbyes that were extra special.

TTE’s art teacher Peggy Jensen retired after 25 years teaching in Douglas County, including eight years at Timber Trail (she has been at the school since it opened in 2003.) A farewell assembly in Ms. Jensen’s honor was held just a few days before summer break, sending her out in grand style. She was honored by friends and students at an event that featured music presented by students and faculty, a video presentation, and two fifth-grade escorts who provided her with a crown, a feather-boa and Kleenex tissues at the ready.

“She has been an outstanding art teacher,” said TTE Principal Michelle Radke. “She has been able to make every child feel like an artist. Because of her, things were more colorful and beautiful for all of us.”

Each grade level presented Ms. Jensen with a gift, designed to help her remember them as she moves on – a quilt, hand-made paper flowers, memory scrolls, books and a jar full of good wishes. Every student in the school also produced a small hand-painted tile used in a mural, which will be permanently installed at the school in her honor.

“We are really going to miss Ms. J,” said ten-year-old Matt VanWert. “We’ve always loved her and she’s been a great teacher.

In response to the outpouring of affection, Jensen made a quilt based on the idea of “Many birds, one tree” to recognize the worth of each individual student working toward a common goal of learning and community at the school. The quilt, which will be displayed at the school, includes the school motto, “Rooted in Excellence, Growing Together.”

“I look at these fifth graders, many of whom I have loved since they were in kindergarten; I see my friends and teachers. Being with all of you has made me a better teacher,” said Jensen. “You are all artists and you know it, and that is the best feeling.” Jensen plans to travel and possibly teach abroad.
Assistant Principal Molly Gnaegy is leaving Timber Trail to take a position as a principal at Pine Grove Elementary in Parker.

Timber Trail’s assistant principal, Molly Gnaegy, is also leaving Timber Trail to become the principal at Parker’s Pine Grove Elementary.

“It is with mixed feelings that I have accepted the Principal position at another Douglas County school,” said Gnaegy. “While I am honored to be selected and am excited about my next steps, I struggle with the idea of leaving Timber Trail.”

Students offered advice at a special assembly held in her honor, including words of wisdom like “Be just how you are now,” and “you understand everyone, just keep doing that” and other slightly more unorthodox pieces of advice to give students more recess time and the abolition of homework.

Like Jensen, Gnaegy was on faculty at Timber Trail when it opened in 2003, and helped to choose school colors, mascot and aided in hiring the staff that opened the school.

“I have mixed feelings,” she told students. “I’m part nervous, part curious, but the main thing I’m feeling is sad. “When I’m at Pine Grove next year I’m going to think about the things I learned from everyone here at Timber Trail – what an excellent school looks like. I hope I can share that.”

Assistant Principal Molly Gnaegy is leaving Timber Trail to take a position as a principal at Pine Grove Elementary in Parker.