The last day of school before Thanksgiving break T.L. Rodes Elementary was “70’s Day,” in celebration of the 70th day of the school year and everyone was wearing tie dye, looking groovy. Then, another surprise came no one was expecting.
Principal Lisle Meador called an impromptu assembly in the cafeteria, where Jill Skaggs and Kevin Odom from Bossier Federal Credit Union were waiting to honor Special Education teacher Janet Peppers for being named the Bossier Parish School Board’s “Gold Star” award winner for November.
The quiet, soft-spoken teacher was visibly stunned at first when her name was called.
“I feel good, happy. I just want to do my job and for my kids to be successful,” Peppers said.
The 10-year teacher at T.L. Rodes was nominated for the “Gold Star” by several of her colleagues. One nomination read, “Everyday she gets to school early to make sure her kids get off the bus and walks them to her room. If one of them is having a bad day, she stops everything to make sure they are back to their normal mood.”
It went on to say, “She is definitely one dedicated teacher as she has never left her room for lunch this year and has stayed to take care of her students. Someone that has this much respect for her students and her fellow co-workers deserves a Gold Star!”
Another nomination explained how tirelessly Peppers works with some difficult students. “She may cry at the end of the day, not just because the day was so hard but because she has such a desire to help her students succeed. She never complains and always does her best, even when it is not in the best situation I admire her strength and courage and her devotion to her students.”
Principal Lisle Meador could not agree more. “She touches a lot of lives. If they need her, she’s there,” Rodes’ principal said. “She is just an amazing person who goes above and beyond. She never has a planning period. She spends her entire day focused on her students. She truly has a heart for children.”
Peppers was humbled, listening to all the praise and gave credit to Meador, Assistant Principal Beth Thomas and the school’s support staff.
“Their prayers everyday and pats on the back keep me going,” Peppers said. “I love teaching and helping people because someone helped me at one time. I want to pass that on. And I love children. I love working with children. If you want to make an investment, invest in a child.”
Congratulations to Janet Peppers for being named Bossier Schools’ latest “Gold Star.” It is easy to see why you are so beloved.
Nominations are now being received for December’s “Gold Star” winner. Click on the gold star in the ‘Shortcuts’ box and tell us who you think goes above and beyond at Bossier Schools. Even if you have nominated them before, send in their name again. The awards program begins anew each month.
