Debbies “Island-Time” retirement party
Many of our friends and neighbors have either attended Culbertson Elementary School themselves or their children have the opportunity to learn and grow in such a special place. If you have the chance to experience just how amazing Culbertson is, then you surely would agree that Mrs. Johnson (Debbie) played a huge role in making everyone feel welcome. Today we take some time to celebrate Debbie as she celebrates her recent retirement.
Debbie is originally from Blue Bell, and her husband, Rich is from Broomall. The two met at the University of Delaware, married, and purchased their first home on Lewis Rd in Newtown Square. As the years went by and their family grew Debbie and Rich decided they needed more space and found a home in the Newtown Woods area, where they have lived since 1996.
Debbie is a mom of three boys who began working for the Marple Newtown School District in 1999. “I started as an administrative sub working at Culbertson Elementary and Paxon Hollow Middle School,” she explained. “At the time, my boys were little, so this job gave me the flexibility I needed.”
It also allowed her to become involved in the schools as a parent. Her boys went to Culbertson, Paxon Hollow and Marple Newtown High School. “I had the best of both worlds,” Debbie said. “I got to work where my kids went to school, and I met so many friends I now consider my family.” Debbie served as PTO President and steady volunteer, stuffing parent c o m m u n i c a t i o n envelopes and helping out at every school event. She also ran the snack bar at Newtown Edgmont Little League when her sons played baseball.
Debbie accepted a full-time position as the secretary to the principal at Culbertson in 2010 and quickly became the “go-to” person for teachers, students, staff and parents. She was known for being the friendly face at the front desk who was there to greet everyone on their way in and to wish them a good night on their way out. “I have always believed that kids need to see a friendly face first thing in the morning and at the end of their day,” she added.
Turks and Caicos
As the years went by, Debbie and Rich’s sons graduated from high school, then college and started their own families. Her husband, Rich retired recently, and Debbie realized she wanted more time for herself and her family. “I love having grandkids now,” Debbie gushed. “I have five little ones and another on the way!” Debbie and Rich’s kids and grandkids live nearby, so she determined it was time to retire from working full-time. “I want to be on the beach with them this summer and to be there when they need me during the school year,” she explained.
Debbie decided to retire this past December, right before the school’s winter break. When the announcement was made and the news spread through the school, teachers, parents and students got to work on showing Debbie just how much she meant to them. Every student in the school wrote a special note to their beloved Mrs. Johnson. The letters were collected and put into a book presented to her before she left. Everyone at Culbertson lined the hallways on her last day to give her an emotional “clap-out” and her colleagues joined her for a happy hour celebration that evening. The party wasn’t over yet, though, because they celebrated her once again with an island-style party in the school cafeteria once she returned from a well-deserved vacation in Turks and Caicos.
The true blessing is that when you give so much of yourself, you receive more love back than you can imagine. Debbie feels blessed to know she has made such a positive impact on so many students and colleagues. After all the celebrations, she wrote a special message to her family, friends, co-workers and students. “I really don’t know where to begin,” she said. “There are not enough words to express how my Culbertson family of coworkers, parents, students and my own family showered me with love for my retirement. Thank you to the parents for sharing your children with me – they are the biggest reason leaving was so hard.”
But this really isn’t a goodbye story; it’s more of a see you later for Mrs. Johnson, who recently became a certified Special Education Assistant Substitute. “I don’t think I will ever fully retire,” she laughed. “By becoming a substitute, I can have the freedom to spend time with my family and grandkids and stay connected to my Culbertson family.”
Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your story with our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors. We wish you all the best and hope you enjoy your summer surrounded by your family in the sun, sand and surf!