Retiring teacher gets special honor
MIDDLETOWN » For years, children wishing to check out a book at Glenwood Elementary School went to the library.
Now, they peruse the collection at the Fern A. Mathis Library and Media Center.
The new moniker honors the teacher who has devoted 44 years to educating youngsters. The renaming was completed in style with an assembly, sign unveiling and reception.
“They played a little game show and the final question was ‘who is the Glenwood library named for?’” said Mathis, who will retire at the end of the school year. “When they showed my family standing under the sign, I lost it.”
Mathis has touched children at every level, moving among grades one-five for the first 32 years of her career. Since 2005, she has been the school’s lead Response to Instruction and Intervention teacher, working with children, faculty members and parents to provide early support and help improve student achievement.
Determining the best way to honor its longest-tenured teacher began two years ago with the formation of a committee composed of staff, parents and principal Eric Bucci. “What can we dedicate to Fern” soon became evident and keeping the idea under wraps was equally important.
“We identified the library due to your dedication to encourage students to read,” said Bucci. “It was amazing how many people kept the secret from you.”
The clandestine nature of the plan extended far beyond the building. The administration was aware of the impending honor and the school board approved the renaming. Citations were also presented from Delaware County Council, U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, D-1, Gov. Tom Wolf, state Sen. Tom Killion, R-9, state Rep. Chris Quinn, R-168, and the Penn Center for Educational Leadership and representing Mathis’ hometown of Yeadon, Mayor Rohan Hepkins and state Rep. Margo Davidson, D-164.
The reception was filled with students who noted the way Mathis touched their lives.
“She always tried to find fun ways for kids to learn,” said sixth grader Kathlene Flebbe. “The library is a great way for kids who love to read to have fun.”
In an era when changing companies, geographic locations and vocations is the norm, Mathis’ choice to complete her career in the same building has been a sterling example to everyone she encounters, said Superintendent Jim Wigo. She has shown her students the importance of “being there” and provided their parents with stability and the significance of public education. Similarly, she has set the standard for her family, her colleagues and her superintendent.
“Faith has served as an integral part of a large family, both her own and Glenwood’s, and there is not a person who better demonstrates what this school is all about,” he said. “Thank you, teacher and friend.”
Mathis may be looking forward to retirement as an opportunity to enjoy additional time with her three grandchildren and days on the beach in Cape May, but her presence will never leave Glenwood.
“To have the library dedicated for me is so special,” she said. “Over the years I have always tried to be there for you and I still will be