Perspective: Two teachers’ first day of school

School has been back in session for a little over a month in Eureka County. Volleyball, football and cheer are in full swing at Eureka County High School. The youth soccer season ended last weekend for Eureka Elementary School. Youth basketball for third through sixth grade starts in the middle of October, and LEGO Club has been in full creative mode for the last two weeks. The year is already off to a busy start.

Leading the way in this season of fresh faces, eager minds, school lunches, bus routes, homework and friends old and new are the teachers. Selfless, giving, generous individuals who spend eight hours a day with our children during the school week, teachers are people who have made the choice to better others by giving of themselves. Learning, planning and preparation do not stop for them when the final bell rings at the end of the school day. It is truly a lifetime of dedication to ensure young minds are prepared to go forth into the world with confidence, compassion and eagerness. 

Toni Gumm is a second grade teacher at Eureka Elementary School. Janine Mello is a sixth grade teacher there as well. Together, they have a combined fifty-seven years of teaching under their belts!

They also taught together at C. C. Meneley Elementary School in Douglas County for approximately 16 years. 

This is Mrs. Mello’s first year of teaching in Eureka County. She said, “The first day of teaching at a new school in a new district was filled with excitement, anticipation and nervous energy as I walked down the halls of Eureka Elementary School. I was greeted with warm smiles and kind eyes. Every adult and student happily greeted each other. The visions of first-day outfits and new backpacks symbolized a new school year, hope and many firsts. As I greeted my students at the classroom door, I was filled with complete happiness because I knew it would be a fantastic year. 
As the day drew to a close, I found myself filled with energy and readiness.