Saying Goodbye

By Tooba Ghias, staff writer
Another school year is coming to an end, and with it comes the last days of their careers for seven of our teachers.

English teachers Mrs. Baron and Dr. Poff, Math teachers Ms. Clutter, Mrs. Graff, and Ms. Tadokoro, History teacher Mr. Fitzpatrick, and Physical Education instructor Coach Berg, will all be retiring this year.

Ms. Tadokoro, the only remaining teacher who opened the school, began teaching at FVHS 43 years ago and has enjoyed her time teaching and working with students.
“I just love the people here,” says Ms. Tadokoro.“I liked it every day, but I’m looking forward to retiring.”

Mrs. Graff and Ms. Clutter also believe the outstanding students and staff are what make FVHS a wonderful working environment.

“The students here and my faculty friends are the best anywhere,” says Mrs. Graff. “Although I’m going to enjoy retirement, I’m going to miss Fountain Valley High School. I’m going to miss working with the dances and giving students a bad time on the dance floor.”

“The best thing was how my students were able to work together so well all the time,” says math teacher Ms. Clutter. “I’m definitely going to miss my students.”
Not only was Ms. Clutter able to influence her students positively, but she was also given the opportunity to save a student’s life.

“I was teaching one day,” says Ms. Clutter, “and one of my students went into cardiac arrest during class and I gave him CPR. He is graduating this year.”
It seems as though the students are what make teaching such an amazing experience.
“I love the kind and socially sophisticated students,” says Dr. Poff. “ I loved teaching here all these years but am looking forward to retiring.”
“A lot of schools are beautiful, but this school has the best students,” says Mrs. Baron. “I loved working with the students, and I enjoyed seeing my former students who are now in their 40s and [have stable careers]. I am glad I’m retiring still loving my job so that I’ll have good memories.”
While teaching at FVHS has been one long and memorable phase for many teachers, retirement is proving to be another exciting chapter.

“I was really lucky to work here at Fountain Valley,” says Mr. Fitzpatrick. “It’s a great school, and the students are awesome. I also had a good time coaching here and working with the athletes. Now I’m looking for the next phase of my life, although I’m not exactly sure what it is. I’ll take some time off and travel and read some historical novels.”
“I liked my time here coaching Varsity football,” says Coach Berg. “I had a good time working with them, but now I’m looking forward to finally retiring.”
It’s easier to say goodbye to teachers knowing their retirement will be just as great as their many years teaching at FVHS. Fountain Valley will never be the same without these teachers, but their lasting impact will influence the school for years to come.