Retired teachers say goodbye

Four teachers retire from years at NPHS

Sophia Chingren, News Editor|May 2, 2019

Patty Thompson

What has been your favorite thing about helping kids in high school?

“Those ahha moments.”

How long have you been teaching?

“This is my 18th year.”

What have your students taught you over time?

“Patience, you can’t rush them you have to take everything down as simple as possible for everybody.”

What life lesson do you hope to teach students?

“Always tell them they have value, we always do lessons on self worth and value to let them know they have worth.”

Thanks too..

“The SPED department, even though we don’t see much of each other we stick together.”

 

Jim Orcutt

How long have you worked in the NPPSD?

“35 years.”

What has been your favorite part about teaching?

“There are many…..but probably witnessing the “Ah-Ha” moment when a student understands a difficult concept or discovers something in a dissection for the first time.  I also enjoy hearing from past students about their successes in the fields of biology and medicine.”

What lessons have your students taught you?

“To remember that this is the first time that they have done a particular dissection or have learned something that to them is new, but is routine for me. To have fun fun while working hard and caring about what you are learning.”

Any last words to NPHS?

“During my time at North Platte High School, I have tried to challenge students to be prepared for the next level. I have required a level of rigor and work ethic that will prepare students for college level work and I have enjoyed my students. We have worked hard, and have had fun in the process. I hope that NPHS continues to challenge students at the highest level.”

 

Jim Harms

How long have you worked in the NPHS school district?

“My time in the North Platte School District started in 1993-94 school year at Adams Middle School.”

Do you have any funny stories of the high school?

“I really don’t have any funny stories (probably because I’m getting older and I can’t remember any, lol).
I do remember the good times that I’ve had here at the high school. Whether it be with the staff or students, it’s been a good 17 years at the high school. Some of the fun times have been with Drake and Sodawasser. Pranking each other and discussing the life’s ups and downs has been the highlight of the past couple of years. Oh, I can’t forget donuts Wednesdays, lol.”

Any last words for the North Platte High?

“Best wishes to all the students and staff in the future. Remember staff, it’s you that’s the backbone of the school. Administrators and Superintendents come and go, but you are the one constant that the kids rely on the most. Good Luck to all of you in the future. Hope to see you around sometime. Oh, and if you see Livingston, Hess, Orcutt, and myself across the street at the beginning of next year, don’t be hating on us. We’ll be saluting all of you with a cup of something. Cheers!!! Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog.”

 

Jeff Hess

What are your plans after retirement?

“No plans, that’s the whole idea.”

What are you going to miss most about teaching?

“That makes it sound like I’m going to miss something about teaching, that’s N/A, not applicable.”

What are you not going to miss about teaching?

“Getting up, going to work, going to school, working with kids, the whole thing, I’m not going to miss any of it.”

What is your life lesson you hope to get across to students?

“Reap what you sow.”