Congratulations, Mr. Sattelmeyer!

My Dad retired this year after 39 years of teaching.  One: only saints are able to teach bratty kids (that are not their own) for such an extended period of time; and, two: teachers are WAY underpaid for what they have to do on daily basis.  Growing up as "Mr. Sattelmeyer's daughter" definitely had it's perks: I met a lot of kids my age who had my dad as a third grade teacher and spoke so highly of him; I couldn't go to the library without feeling like a rockstar, as everyone there seemed to know my dad; and we always had the latest and greatest computer programs, workbooks, and lots of esteemed awards during science fairs (let me clarify: David and Jonathan received lots of medals for their projects; I might have been too busy reading or something equally uncool to care about making a difference in the world of science).  Having a well-known father in the same education system as you has it's downside as well, such as the time I "got caught" switching seats on the bus while it was moving so I could sit next to my boyfriend; the bus had a camera recently installed on it and my dad was on the safety committee (or something like that) and caught me on tape.  Whoops.

 

I would like to thank you, Dad, for all of your hard work over the past four decades.  I heard first-hand from countless students and parents throughout Shaker Heights about how you were an amazing teacher, a favored teacher, a compassionate teacher, and an inspiring teacher.  Looking back in my memory, I can remember all of the teachers who had a positive effect on me; so I am sure that the number of students who keep you in their memories is innumerable.  It is a hard task to inspire one student to reach their full potential, let alone an entire classroom of students, year after year after year.  Thank you for every opportunity that you and Mom sacrificed to give to us three kids; we are who we are today because of the two of you.  I am so grateful.  Thank you.

 

Even though my Dad was adamant that he did not want a party, we decided not to listen (like usual) and had a special surprise recognition dinner while we were all together this summer.  The guys took my Dad out to keep him away from the hubbub of cooking and decorating the house; the kids had a babysitter to keep them occupied; and us ladies did all of the work.  See us hard at work below:

 

 

 

 

 

My Dad was a good sport and pretended to be surprised after their afternoon out at the local sports bars (these boys had ONE job to do....).

The Sattelmeyer men.

You can not deny the Sattelmeyer in your blood, Avery.  Combined with the Jeans' genes, you are awesome.

The ladies are a bit "tired" at this point...

I had a hard time controlling Avery and Kayla at the party store when picking out the decorations.  They were very excited to "help".

Aunt Luz decorated the log cabin (old-school Lincoln Logs), that represented my Dad's main gift.

Sorry, Dad; there is no Publishers Clearing House check in that card.

This is what working with 1000+ children over the past four decades will do to a person....

My Dad's main retirement gift is a week-long family vacation next year in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains.

 

This is (was) Larry, the Lobster.  He was too pretty to eat.

These kids will be complete angels and a dream for their future teachers to work with (I hope!). 

Kayla hittin' up the dessert.

Mr and Mrs Sattelmeyer.  Thank you both for everything you have done for us.

A Sattelmeyer Family feast.