As another school year comes to a close, we would like to celebrate an extraordinary group of educators and staff members embarking on their well-deserved retirements. Together, these sixteen individuals represent centuries of collective service to our students, schools, and community. While their daily presence will be deeply missed, the legacies they leave behind will inspire us for years to come. We wish the very best to our 2026 retirees! 

Mrs. Grace Bopp – Martin Meylin Special Education Paraeducator

With an incredible 46 years in education, including 12 here at L-S, Mrs. Bopp has been a steady, encouraging presence specializing in autistic, emotional, and learning support. Known for her vibrant personality and a servant's heart, she always ensured every child felt seen, valued, and occasionally treated to a good laugh. In retirement, she looks forward to trading her busy schedule for travel, teaching art, gardening, and spending quality time with her family and her black lab, Molly.

Mr. Glenn Davis – District Buildings & Grounds Director

Over a remarkable 35-year career at L-S, Glenn exemplified loyalty by working his way up from an HVAC technician to the Director of Buildings and Grounds. Described by colleagues as thoughtful, dependable, and a self-proclaimed "frugalmiser," his keen eye for efficiency saved the district immense resources over the decades. He now looks forward to trading campus maintenance for relaxing days at the beach and supporting his son's entrepreneurial endeavors.

Mrs. Nora Frick – District Reading Tutor

Since joining the district in 1999, Mrs. Frick has transformed the lives of our most struggling readers by combining patience and deep connection with creative instruction. She brought research-based literacy programs to life using everything from Donald Duck voices to football trivia, turning roadblocks into independent success stories. Mrs. Frick now looks forward to dedicating her vocal cheering and warm heart to her husband, three adult children, and two adorable grandchildren.

Ms. Michelle Getchis – Lampeter Elementary Second Grade Teacher

Since 2004, Michelle has brought a vibrant, all-in energy to L-S, utilizing her elementary counseling background to connect deeply with the hearts of her second graders. Known by colleagues as a fiercely loyal friend, a master of Philly impressions, and the organizer of legendary faculty room pop-up sales, she has been the true glue of her team. As she heads south to Florida, Michelle will be trading the classroom for the coastline to volunteer counting sea turtle eggs with the Florida Southwest Conservancy.

Ms. Lucy Graver – L-S High School Kitchen Helper

For nearly a decade, Lucy served as a steady, reliable anchor in the high school kitchen, ensuring busy lunch periods ran seamlessly. Her quiet determination, teamwork, and consistency behind the scenes helped create a welcoming, dependable environment where students felt cared for every day. As she steps into retirement, the district thanks her for her essential contributions and her unwavering commitment to the L-S community.

Ms. Kristen Greenwood – Hans Herr Third Grade Teacher

Throughout her 36 years of distinguished service at Willow Street and Hans Herr Elementary, Kristen has been a pioneer in instructional excellence, notably becoming the first third-grade teacher to implement the rotational model. As a natural leader, trusted mentor, and union representative, she has guided countless student teachers and shaped foundational district practices. In her next chapter, this passionate Phillies fan is excited to cheer on her team and embrace her meaningful role as a grandmother.

Ms. Melanie Henry – School Age Child Care Director

Since 2006, Melanie has brought immense warmth to our district, ultimately stepping up as SACC Director in 2019 to successfully steer the program through pandemic challenges and expand its reach. Beyond her administrative success in securing grants, her true legacy lies in her habit of sitting down to color with the kids and making each child feel uniquely special. Her retirement will be filled with travel, teaching baton twirling, and launching a new pottery business.

Mrs. June Holliday – District Secretary (Special Services & Assistant Superintendent)

Since 2008, June has served as the backbone of the district office, earning the title of "PIMS superhero" and Excel wizard for her absolute mastery of complex data systems. She managed high-volume responsibilities with professional grace, keeping the ship upright through the busiest seasons while keeping coworkers laughing with her quirky one-liners. She will now trade her spreadsheets for a watercolor palette, looking forward to immersing herself in painting, the outdoors, and time with her grandchildren.

Mr. Marc Maly – Hans Herr Fourth Grade Teacher

Marc concludes a stellar 34-year career as a fourth-grade teacher, remembered by generations of students for his humor, clear expectations, and signature calm under pressure. A pragmatic team leader with a brilliant self-deprecating wit, he brought immense joy to his colleagues—and plenty of good-natured ribbing to Penn State fans. Fortunately, his dedication to the district continues, as he plans to return to Hans Herr next school year as a paraprofessional.

 

Mr. John Manion – Martin Meylin Middle School Math Teacher

Affectionately known as "Coach," Mr. Manion retires after 32 years at L-S, leaving a multi-faceted legacy as a math teacher, team leader, and versatile coach for football, softball, and basketball. Guided by the philosophy that he teaches kids rather than just a subject, his classroom was famous for top-tier dad jokes and meaningful student connections. His retirement will keep him active as a math para-educator and head football coach at Donegal High School, alongside a fun twist bartending at Dutch Wonderland.

Mrs. Lorraine Puleo – L-S High School Special Education Paraeducator

Mrs. Puleo retires with 18.5 years of dedicated service, leaving behind a legacy marked by an exceptional work ethic, a caring nature, and legendary homemade biscotti. She leaves L-S with deep appreciation for the teachers, administrators, and fellow paraprofessionals who supported her every day. Her active retirement kicks off immediately with a trip to Tuscany, followed by building a new home in Lampeter, enjoying her Delaware beach house, and learning dog grooming, piano, and Spanish.

Ms. Connie Richwine – Hans Herr Kitchen Manager

For over 20 years, Connie has been the unmatched backbone of the Hans Herr cafeteria, managing everything from food deliveries to serving hundreds of students daily with quiet determination. Known for greeting every child with a smile and making them feel seen—especially on tangerine chicken days—she provided a comforting routine that generations of students relied upon. She now steps into a well-deserved retirement focused on gardening and enjoying quality time with her family.

 

Ms. Kimberly Shenk – Hans Herr Third Grade Teacher

Over her 19-year tenure at L-S, Kim cultivated a classroom environment defined by calm structure, warmth, and a profound love for literacy instruction. As a tireless teammate who was always among the first to arrive in the morning, her reliability and quiet professionalism served as a stabilizing force for the entire third-grade team. Her quiet dedication has shaped the voices of countless young writers who will carry her lessons forward into the future.

Ms. Kimberly Smith – Lampeter Elementary Second Grade Teacher

For 21 years, Kim has anchored her school with steady wisdom, high expectations, and an unmatched elegance that earned her the affectionate nickname "Jackie O" from her colleagues. Her profound impact is felt not only through her exceptional literacy leadership but also through her inspiring model of grace, turning personal grief into light via the Ryan Smith Relentless Fund. She is now trading the classroom for sunny Florida beaches, family time, and her vital cancer care ministry.

Ms. Sachiko Stoneburner – Hans Herr Kitchen Helper/Baker

For more than two decades, Sachi has been a whirlwind of energy and a cornerstone of daily life behind the scenes in the Hans Herr kitchen. Known for her rapid pace and her ability to step in wherever she was needed most, she balanced heavy kitchen responsibilities with a deeply caring heart for the students. The kitchen simply won't be the same without her tireless spirit, but her legacy of unwavering support will remain.

Mr. James Stutzman – Hans Herr Special Education Paraeducator

Jim wraps up a meaningful 25-year career at L-S, having spent two decades as a beloved third-grade teacher before transitioning into an invaluable role as a special education paraeducator. Known for his gentle nature and impeccable organization, he provided vital structure for his students and famously connected with them by teaching them how to juggle. An avid cyclist who frequently rode his bike to school, Jim looks forward to slowing down and enjoying a relaxing retirement with his wife and family.

(information about retirees is adapted from essays written by their supervisors)