As summer approaches and the school year winds down, R. Roger Rowe School will be saying goodbye to five longtime educators. At the Rancho Santa Fe School District board’s May 14 meeting they honored retirees Christi Walter, Linda Tan, Stacey Halboth, Carol Blakistone and Beth Richardson.
“In many ways, you’re the heart of our school,” remarked President Jee Manghani to the departing teachers.
The group has spent a long time together, all of them long enough to have been at the “old Rowe” campus before it was rebuilt in 2010. Each was recognized for their caring commitment to the students, enjoying a brief slideshow of yearbook photos over the years, and presented with a certificate of retirement and celebration succulents from Superintendent Kim Pinkerton.
In written remarks from Principal Joe Erpelding (who was absent attending his son’s graduation), Christi Walter was described as a “pillar of positivity” who dedicated 34 years to Rowe, teaching fourth grade, middle school and kindergarten, where she has been for the last 20 years. She was remembered for her style, her dance parties and “contagious” optimism.
Erpelding said that 35-year Rowe teacher Linda Tan was equally optimistic—an “ultimate glass half full person” and a patient and calming educator who always motivated her students to achieve. During her tenure at Rowe, Tan taught every grade from first through sixth grade, “finding true joy in the innocence and curiosity of her students, particularly in second grade.”
Retiring teacher Stacey Halboth was recognized this spring as a San Diego County Credit Union Classroom Hero. In her 34 years at Rowe, she served as a classroom teacher, librarian and literacy support teacher. Pinkerton said Halboth is a “relentless advocate for students, a champion for veterans and a lover of the ocean.” She brought the Ocean Week curriculum to the school 30 years ago and has inspired many students to focus on philanthropy, particularly by sharing her dedication to Honor Flight San Diego and deep connection to the veteran community.
Education specialist Beth Richardson has been at Rowe for 22 years, considered a valued mentor and sounding board for the staff and appreciated for her sense of humor and “snack cabinet”. According to Middle School Principal Lindsay Conley, as a specialist, Richardson “looked past assessment, grades and reports to really see the human being beneath, advocating for students’ potential long before they could see it themselves.”
Fellow retiree Carol Blakistone worked closely with Richardson during her 20 years as a special education instructional assistant. “She’s made a direct impact on many students’ lives with the support she provides,” Conley said. Blakistone was recognized for her warmth and dedication to students, to help provide them with what they needed to succeed in the classroom.