The end of the school year is often bittersweet for many. We have the excitement of new things to come, but at the same time we will miss the people and places we have become comfortable with. This year will certainly be one of those bittersweet times, in that although we are excited about the future at SMS, there will be some changes coming. Mrs. Miller who came to us in 2019 has decided that after 44 years of service in Catholic Schools that she will be retiring at the end of the year. Mrs. Pedigo will also be retiring this year, as she becomes a grandparent for the first time, and would like to spend more time with her family. Although Mrs. Pedigo is retiring, she has expressed an interest in being involved at SMS in a part time role to be determined. Mrs. Earhart has also decided that she needs to step back and spend more time at home with her family, so she will not be returning full time for the 2025-26 school year, but we will be looking for a part time roll for her, to continue to help our students. Mrs. Teegarden came to us this year, and as unexpected things happen, her husbands career moved him to Florida. Mrs. Teegarden is graciously finishing the school year, and we appreciate her contributions despite this busy time in her life.
Although we are sad to see them go, we understand importance of family, and at SMS we always say that God comes first, then family, then everything else. Those priorities must be in place for our school community to be successful. Although we don't want them to leave, we support their decisions, because family must come first. These are four outstanding educators who have given much to our students and they will be missed. Please join me in praying for them, and our school in this next chapter!
I asked Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Pedigo if they would like to leave a message to the SMS community since they are retiring. Their responses are below.
Dear SMS Family,
When my previous school, St. Nicholas Academy, closed in 2019, I was devastated. But, as always, God had a plan, and his plan led me to St. Michael. Now, after much prayer and reflection, I am writing to share with all of you that I will be retiring from teaching at the end of this school year. This has been the most difficult, and emotional, decision I’ve ever had to make because this school, its principal, faculty/staff, students, parents and its wonderful community have been such a special and important part of my life for the past six years. However, I believe that God is leading me to the next chapter of my life, where I will be able to spend more time with my husband.
To Mr. Arn: Thank you for taking a chance on me and hiring me, so I could become a member of the special, loving St. Michael family.
To my colleagues: Thank you for the collaboration, encouragement and friendship that you have offered me.
To my students: Thank you for teaching me as much as I have taught you. I will never forget the excitement in your eyes when you learn something new, or the light bulb in your head turning on when you finally “get it” after struggling with a concept.
To the parents: Thank you for entrusting your children to my care, and for your support and kindness over the years.
To the entire SMS community: Thank you for welcoming me from the very start, and for making my years here so memorable and fulfilling. My only regret is that I didn’t become a member of the SMS family sooner. I will miss all of you, but will never forget you. Hopefully, I’ll be able to attend some of the SMS activities in the future and we can “catch up”!
And remember: Once a knight, always a knight!
Warmly,
Mrs. Lisa Miller
Parents and SMS family-
This fall I will not be returning to my first grade class. After much reflection I’ve realized that I must transition to the next stage of life. I look forward to this new season of travel with my husband and the anticipation of becoming a grandparent, as our eldest daughter is expecting in May.
As I look back in the past four years, I now realize what it means to call Saint Michaels a family. What a special place to end a long career! Each morning as I attend morning prayer or Mass I look at all the children that I have taught and realize how very much they have blessed me and touched my heart.
Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to be your child’s teacher. What an honor that you entrusted them to my care. They will always be my special First Graders! I will always cherish the beautiful friendships I have forged. Love to all of you and always keep Christ first.
-Mrs. Pedigo