A gifted teacher makes learning a JOY by capturing those priceless teachable moments and turning them into profoundly successful learning experiences…such is the wisdom and magic of Valree Milson.  Serving the past 28 years in Texas education, she has decided to officially retire at the end of this school year.  Prior to joining MISD, Mrs. Milson served two other districts teaching various grade levels.  She joined MISD in 1997, serving young learners at Longbranch and earning her Master Reading Teacher designation as a Reading Intervention Specialist for MISD.  She was instrumental in developing, ordering, and classifying our Guided Reading Library here at LME five years ago before we opened; she moved and has made LME her home since then.  Most importantly, her specialized intervention work with young readers continues to impact our learning community and MISD today.

When talking with former and current students, several made these comments:

• You always know where you stand with her; she means business!
• She never breaks hearts only bad tempers.
• Her mind is open, honest, fair, and full of fun!
• She’s a softie, but don’t tell her I said that…
• She stands above others because she’s tall and because she’s nice.
• If she raises her voice, it’s to cheer us on again.
• She makes the journey and the work fun everyday.
• I was probably a great mystery to her, but she knew how to break my code anyway.
• She’s all about teaching and reaching each child, especially those who don’t want it.
• She listens before she talks and really understands.
• She inspires me to believe in myself…what else is there?

I could go on and on, but you get the idea here…  Congratulations, Mrs. Milson!  Our staff and learning community salute you!  Blessings and thanks as you begin a new chapter in your book of life…oh, and school starts on August 26th so we’ll have your volunteer badge waiting!  🙂

Note:  As we wind down this school year, we still have about 20 copies of our 2012-13 yearbook for sale in the front office.  The cost is $25.00; stop by today to get yours.  Thanks to our fabulous Yearbook Staff for an award-winning book this year!