On May 2, the Smithville School District celebrated the retirement of six colleagues. The 2012 retirees are: Terrill Kelly, UES Principal; Diane Yi, UES Art Teacher; Brenda Burchett, 5th Grade Teacher; Terri Johnson, PES Music Teacher; Vicki Sellars, PES Administrative Assistant; and Sharon Perry, MS Instructional Assistant. Thanks to all of our retirees for many years of service to Smithville students.

On May 1, the Smithville District administration had the pleasure of recognizing several teachers, support staff and community members who go above and beyond in support of Smithville students at the annual Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education Banquet.  Jeff Johnston of American Family Insurance was honored as our Business in Support of Education.  Denney Fales and Barb Marmet of Kids Rock were recognized as our Volunteer in Support of Education.  Support staff nominated for Excellence in Service to Education were KIm Down, Family Resource Specialist, and Donna Irwin, Upper Elementary Instructional Assistant.  Ronda Boyd, Jenny Haddock, Cindy Krueger, Tina Mecklenburg and Tod Winterboer were nominated for Excellence in Classroom Teaching.  Award winners for Smithville were Donna Irwin, Tina Mecklenburg and Jenny Haddock. Congratulations to all nominees and award winners!