At the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Teacher Appreciation event last week, four retirees were honored as the 2021-2022 school year winds down. Their experiences and positions spanned the gamut, but they all leave behind fond memories of their students and the good times they had at CGD.
Darcy Robb bids farewell to CGD after eight years working in transportation for the district as well as a para-educator for multiple grades. She said her favorite memories are all the big hugs she got from students and the feeling that CGD became her family. During her retirement, she plans to work in her garden and flower beds and enjoy time outdoors and fishing.
Anita Simmons is retiring after 17 years with the district. She started in the High School Special Education Resource Room. The next years, she continued to work as a substitute for teachers and paraeducators in the elementary and middle school, and in 2012, moved to be a para with the High School special education students.
“One of my favorite memories was working one on one with a student from their freshman year through their senior year,” said Simmons. “This student was smart, artistic, and had a wonderful sense of humor. It has been a positive experience to be in the regular classroom and relearn the high school subjects with all the students that I was assigned.” She also enjoyed taking her students to community job sites like the grocery store and Pizza Ranch and on field trips.
She hopes to stay active in the district as a substitute para in the fall. Her future plans are to enjoy time with her family, gardening flowers and vegetables, and daily walking. “I will continue to read my bible and pray and walk by faith with my Savior Jesus Christ,” Simmons added. “In 2022, our third son was married in April and our youngest son will be married in September. Hopefully, more grandchildren to enjoy!”
Cindy Schaffer is a smiling face that many people got to see upon first entering the CGD district. She has been with CGD for 24 years. During her time, she did it all! “I started as a sub in the kitchen, was an associate in the 3-year-old preschool for three years, high school library aid for four years while also doing accounts receivable for the district,” said Schaffer. These last 11 years, she has been full time as superintendent secretary.
“I enjoyed the 3-year-old preschool classes and have met many great students and families along the way,” noted Schaffer. “My retirement plans include spending more time with our five grandchildren, getting back to my hobbies and also traveling more with my husband and family.”
Peg Clutter has been another smiling face of the district. “I have been with the CGD district for 31 years,” Clutter explained. During this time, she worked for three superintendents, nine principals and nine athletic directors. Over the years, besides high school secretary, Clutter has acted as the activities secretary, drill team coach and cheer coach.
“My best memories include the kids and watching them grow from 9th grade to 12th grade,” said Clutter. “Having my two sons, two nephews and two nieces in the high school has been special. I’ve enjoyed attending the athletic events and extra-curricular activities and having senior students work in the office with me.”
Other special memories for Clutter: Faculty/Staff afterwork gatherings, Secret Santa, decorating employee’s office or classroom for their birthday, Homecoming, which is always a crazy time with the faculty/staff taking part in the pep assembly with their dance/skit. “So so many memories!”
As she relaxes in her retirement, Clutter looks forward to camping and traveling, spending a lot more time with her grandson Tristan, attending Iowa State Cyclones athletic events, working together with her hubby on the honey-do list, taking care of her flowers and relaxing, as there is always tomorrow!
