Editor:
After 39 years of teaching Life Skills (Family and Consumer Sciences), formerly known as Home Economics, to approximately 15,000 students, I have decided to retire. North Harford Middle School has been my base for 34 of those years and Havre de Grace Middle School the previous five years. Those years have afforded many wonderful teaching experiences and I hope that my students have enjoyed their time in my classroom as much as I have enjoyed watching them learn and mature.
Some of my students experienced their very first candlelight meal with a formal table setting; others enjoyed learning to cook delectable dishes; still others were able to sew items for themselves or for gifts. Hopefully, all of them learned the value of a dollar and the economics of running a household, babysitting skills, first aid, as well as the importance of community service. I am deeply grateful to the parents of my students and to the many businesses that supported our various school projects. A special thanks to Saubels, formerly Graceton, for all the patience, kindness and great service they provided me for my classroom.
I am confident that the life skills I taught will stay with my students throughout their lives. I would be very happy to hear from any of my former students who may read this article to know how you are doing. You may contact me at donnachilcoat@hotmail.com. I wish each student success and happiness in their respective life.
This is indeed a bittersweet farewell as I leave my beloved teaching profession to pursue other interests and to spend more time with family and friends. Thank you again students, parents, community businesses and co-workers for making my work possible.
I will hold in my heart forever the joy of teaching and the realization of touching and enriching the lives of our youth!
Donna Chilcoat
North Harford Middle
Family and Consumer Sciences
"Teaching Life Skills"