A wealth of experience is departing the WPS halls this winter as four long-time staff members are retiring.
Vicki Pletz and Donna Jewell have a combined 54 years working for WPS Nutrition Services -- 38 years for Vicki and 16 years for Donna. Both have worked in the North School kitchen for most of those years. North School students and staff will also be saying farewell to Laura Isbrecht who is retiring from her role as paraprofessional/interventionist. Laura has filled this role for 27 years. All three ladies will be missed by the WPS Community -- especially by the students and staff at North School.
Watervliet Public Schools is also sad to say farewell to retiring Business Manager Rita Broekema. Rita has been at WPS for almost three years; she has worked in public school systems for over 20 years. Rita has been a wonderful fit in our business office, bringing not only professionalism and skill to the job but also a much-appreciated positive outlook and can-do attitude that has made working with her a pleasure.
Vicki, Donna, Laura, and Rita were recognized at the December Board of Education meeting with many thanks for their years of service to the WPS learning community. Only Broekema was in attendance at the meeting and she was presented with a Golden Apple award in recognition of that service by Board Vice-President Eric Laws . The other retirees will also receive Golden Apples.
Congratulations to each of our newest Watervliet Public Schools Retirees. We wish you all the best.