My friend, Jeannie Leitis. |
My daughter's kindergarten teacher, friend and colleague
died in a tragic accident earlier this school year, her name was Jeannie Leitis.
I first met Jeannie when my daughter started kindergarten in 1999. Kelsey, my
daughter, was a bit nervous about kindergarten but as we walked up to the classroom
and she saw her teacher so young and energetic Kelsey was instantly at ease. As
we approached, Jeannie bent right down to get eye to eye with Kelsey and
introduced herself, Kelsey instantly LOVED her teacher. When Jeannie was done
talking to Kelsey she looked and me and asked if I would like to volunteer, I instantly
agreed, this was the start of my love affair with teaching. Jeannie not only
taught and inspired my daughter she taught and inspired me as well. I spent
every Tuesday and Thursday in the classroom helping, watching, learning and shortly
after that I went back to school to get my teaching credential.
Kelsey with Jeannie at her kindergarten graduation. |
Jeannie loved her kids and had extremely high expectations
which resulted in her students excelling in school. Her students loved her! Her
energy and enthusiasm for teaching was so contagious her students worked hard
to keep up with her, making huge strides in their education. On the playground
Jeannie would encourage play and a lot of times participate in the games her
kids were playing.
Jeannie moved to Michigan
a few years ago, but we kept up with each other through Facebook and whenever
she came to town. When we got the news of her death, Kelsey and I were shocked
and saddened, how could this have happened to such an incredible teacher, true
friend, amazing person. We held each other and cried, we just couldn't imagine
not seeing her again, hearing her voice or reading about her most current
adventure.
As Kelsey and I were getting her graduation announcements
ready to mail out, we again were saddened that the teacher that started her on this
amazing academic journey ( 4th in line for Valedictorian) was not here to see
her graduate. Jeannie's life ended
before it should have and that fact we struggle with everyday, but her memory
is alive in each and every one of us that had the pleasure of calling her wife,
daughter, friend, teacher.
Kelsey's graduation picture. |
Our school has decided to erect a memorial in honor of
Jeannie Leitis, a small basket ball hoop in the kindergarten first grade
playground, something that Jeannie would have loved when she was there teaching
her kiddos. We will be purchasing it with the donations we raise and the
district will put it in for us.
This is the basketball hoop we are wanting to purchase. |
If you would like to help honor Jeannie's memory and make a
generous donation a tax deductible foundation has been created in Jeannie’s
name and checks should be made out to the “Education Foundation.” On the check
memo line please write “Jeannie Leitis Memorial.” Please send your checks
directly to:
Lisa Gonzales-Burris
Monroe School
4400 Ladoga Avenue
Lakewood, CA 90713
Any funds collected in excess will be used to purchase books and materials to continue Jeannie’s work/love of teaching children to read. If you have any questions please contact Lisa at: Lisageebee@me.com
Lisa Gonzales-Burris
Monroe School
4400 Ladoga Avenue
Lakewood, CA 90713
Any funds collected in excess will be used to purchase books and materials to continue Jeannie’s work/love of teaching children to read. If you have any questions please contact Lisa at: Lisageebee@me.com
We miss you Jeannie!
What an amazing tribute!!
ReplyDeleteMisty
Think, Wonder, & Teach
Thank you Misty, she was an amazing person!
DeleteShawna
I am so sorry about the loss of your friend. What a wonderful way for the school to remember her!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Thank you Lori, we all miss her so much and are very excited about the basketball hoop, she would have loved it!
DeleteShawna
I am sorry to hear about your friend... this IS an amazing and wonderful tribute!
ReplyDelete❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher
Thank you Teri, she was a wonderful person and teacher, we had to do something great to keep her memory alive, and I think this is perfect.
DeleteShawna
Congratulations to your daughter on her academic success! Sounds like the world is a brighter place because of her K teacher; such a tragedy to have to say "good bye" to someone so young. Thank you for sharing your story. What a wonderful way to remember Jeannie!
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Thank you Barbara, we are so proud of Kelsey and Jeannie was one of her biggest supporters. We that knew and loved Jeannie are very excited for this little basketball hoop, she would have loved it and it will be a great reminder that an incredible teacher worked there!
DeleteShawna
How special of a teacher she must have been; I got the chills as I read your post! You know that is truly special for your school and community to do to keep her memory alive!
ReplyDeletekellybrown28021@gmail.com
Thank you Kelly, she was such an amazing person. We are very excited about this little basketball hoop, it will be a great reminder of an incredible teacher/person!
DeleteShawna
Nice!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your friend. Your post tells how much she meant to you and her students. What a great way to remember her.
ReplyDeleteApril
Wolfelicious
Thank you April, she was such an amazing person. We are very excited to have this little basketball hoop as a reminder of her.
DeleteShawna
Aw Shawna, you really brought a tear and a smile to my face. She really loved working with you and loved teaching Kelsey. The world sure lost a great teacher and a great inspiration.
ReplyDeleteSean (Jeannie's husband)
Thank you Sean, she was one in a million!
DeleteShawna
What a sweet thing to do to honor your friend's memory. It sounds like Kelsey was lucky to have her as a teacher. I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your daughter on her graduation! It sounds like she is a very smart girl!
Blessings,
Marlana
Lil' Country Kindergarten
Hi Marlana,
DeleteThank you, Kelsey is a very hard working and conscience student, we are so proud of her! Jeannie was a very special teacher and we are all excited to have this memorial.
Shawna
What a beautiful way to pay tribute to your friend. Your post was so moving! I'm sorry to hear of your loss - she sounded like a wonderful person and friend.
ReplyDeleteDiane