Karen Perry of Siuslaw Middle School retires after 30 years with district

There were few dry eyes last Wednesday night, especially among her colleagues, when eighth-grade teacher Karen Perry was honored for her service to Siuslaw schools. Perry retires this month after more than 30 years with the district.

In 1979, Perry started her career as an aide at the middle school for the language-arts teachers and also as supervisor for in-school suspension, at that time held in a room known as “the dungeon,” which was located under the stage. One year later, she enrolled at the University of Oregon to earn her teaching certificate.

She was hired in 1981 to teach seventh-grade language arts, which she taught for three years before taking a year off for maternity leave. When she returned, she accepted a position teaching eighth grade — the grade she has remained with ever since (except for some time off to spend with her children, Dylan and Max).

Middle School Principal Lisa Petersen said during her presentation that advising and activities were a natural part of Perry’s teaching style.

“Ms. Perry is an advocate of students learning outside of the classroom,” said Petersen, adding that Perry’s students attended live performances at the Hult Center, the University of Oregon’s Robinson Theatre and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF).

She has directed plays at the Florence Events Center and talent shows with fellow teachers Marsha Klosterman and Bev Slonecker, both retired.

Perry’s classes have published poetry books.

For the complete article see the 06-20-2012 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 06-20-2012 paper.

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