As the 2019-20 school year draws to a close, we say goodbye to three retiring faculty members.

Cathy Brown is retiring after 21 years on the Farm, first as an instructional assistant, then a board substitute, and then as a 5th grade teacher. She has been a classroom teacher for 19 years. Mrs. Brown will remember being part of caring, supportive family while at Nuckols Farm. She has so many memories of "all of my boys and girls and the fun and laughter we shared." She loved sharing books with them, and even got a little teary-eyed this year when she told her kids that this would be the last time that she read “Small Steps” to a class of 5th graders. Mrs. Brown will also remember all of the people she has worked with and the lifelong friendships she has made. When asked what she will miss, she said she would miss the entire Nuckols Farm community. "It is a community filled with loving, supportive teachers, parents, and staff. I will especially miss seeing those smiling 5th graders as they walk down "A" hall." Mrs. Brown is planning to spend more time with her mother who is turning 89 this summer. She also plans on traveling with her husband, gardening, exercising, and volunteering. She is also looking forward to subbing at Nuckols Farm from time to time so she can keep in touch with everyone on the Farm!

Connie Daniels began at NFES in 1997 when the school opened. She worked part-time for 5 years and has been a full-time teacher for 18 years. She has so many favorite memories it truly is hard to choose, but the school concerts when children sing and perform and field day are always favorites for her. For many years, she manned the water balloons on field day, and always had a blast with the students. Also, seeing students have success in all areas, music, art, and academics is so rewarding. Mrs. Daniels will miss "the students and families, although they are always moving on themselves. It’s fun to get to know a new “crop” on the Farm each year. I will also miss the staff and wonderful teachers." After retirement, she plans to work as a PREP teacher (retired teachers program) and serve HCPS for a month or so each year. She also has two young grandchildren with whom she wants to spend more time, as well spending more time volunteering at church.

Melinda Ray, retiring later this year, has been at NFES since 2005 which would make September 2020 her 15th year. A favorite memory she has of the Farm is being on the bus loop early in the morning and seeing the golden fields of corn. It was always quiet just before locking up the door and going into the school building. Most recently, she could see the sunshine on Green Gate, "still quiet and always beautiful." As a full-time Instructional Assistant, she had the privilege of working with teachers and students in various settings. As a former teacher, she enjoyed supporting students in classrooms one on one and in small groups, often reteaching reading or math. "I will miss the teamwork of amazing teachers in classes and on field trips. Our staff has been family for me." She has also enjoyed PTA events. It has been a joy for her to support the PTA. After her retirement, she will be able to spend more time with her grandchildren. "They call me GiGi and that is my plan, to be GiGi." She plans to volunteer on a regular basis so that she can stay active and she also plans to travel.

Thank you Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Daniels, and Mrs. Ray for your amazing dedication and service to NFES! We will certainly miss you all but send our best wishes for a wonderful retirement!