By Rebecca Miller ’12, A&E Section Editor

As the 2009-2010 school year ended, CCDS said good-bye to two teachers that have inspired countless students to reach higher and dream bigger than they thought they could. Together, Mrs. Marge Rockwell and Mrs. Bobbie Menter have taught a combined 46 years in CCDS’s Middle and Lower Schools.  Mrs.  Rockwell will be leaving the CCDS community to move to Atlanta with her husband, and Mrs. Menter will be retiring from teaching.

After 20 years in the CCDS Lower School, Mrs. Rockwell is leaving for Atlanta to be closer to her family. Mrs. Rockwell, along with Mrs. Jane Fritz, ’78, started using the Broadwell House as a teaching tool in her classroom.  According to Mrs. Fritz, “Mrs. Rockwell believes that a connection to one’s past will make the school relevant to the students’ present, as well as elicit a sense of belonging and pride. The Broadwell House, one of the oldest homes in this area, is the perfect place for her young historians to explore their immediate surroundings and bring history to life.”

Mrs. Donna Leggette, who has taught with Rockwell for five years in the Lower School, said that Mrs. Rockwell was such an amazing teacher due to her utilization of “every moment of the day for interactive, fun learning.  She is just what each child needs throughout each and every day.  She is a nurturer, an encourager, an awakener – the consummate teacher.”  Both Mrs.  Leggette and Mrs. Fritz agree that what the CCDS community will the most is Rockwell’s passion for teaching.

In Mrs. Menter’s 26 years at CCDS, she has inspired countless students with her mantra “the proof is in the process.”  She has taught mostly fifth grade math, but also taught some second, third, and fourth grade classes.  Ms. Pamela Long, ’01, now a worker in the Development Office, remembers Mrs. Menter as being “challenging, but patient with her students.”  Mrs. Molly Petre, fifth grade language arts teacher, described Mrs. Menter as having “more energy and drive for excellence… than anyone [she has] ever met.”

Mrs. Menter is retiring “to begin the next journey in [her] life, wherever that will take [her],” she explained.  Mrs. Menter plans to travel more, and is already planning a Mediterranean cruise next October with her husband.  She also will volunteer more at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.  However, she said she is “leaving the classroom, but not CCD.”  She promises to attend sporting events, plays, concerts, and other special events here.

Both of these amazing teachers will be sorely missed by colleagues and students alike.  They both spent countless hours of their time and amazing amounts of their talents and energies to better this community.  Their contributions are much appreciated.