R is for Retirement

We sure will miss her.

Hill City Elementary School Principal Samantha Weaver said it best in regards to kindergarten teacher Donna VanNess’ retirement at the end of this school year. 

After starting her teaching career at Clear Lake and then teaching at Wagner for 12 years, where she also coached gymnastics, VanNess found her way to the Black Hills. 

“Mrs. VanNess has been a huge part of shaping our Rangers, teaching a variety of grade levels and making a difference every step of the way,” said Weaver.

She started at Hill City as a long term substitute her first year and was then hired on full time in 2001 where she taught several different grades and moved into several different classrooms throughout the course of her career, settling finally in the kindergarten classroom.

“She jumped into kindergarten and totally bloomed there in my opinion. My boys loved her,” said Leslie Larsen. 

Some of the things she admires about VanNess is “her drive to show the kids how to learn, and how to hold and the curiosity that she lets them have.”

VanNess recalled that when she submitted her retirement she didn’t feel ready but knew that it was something she needed to do. She joked that since then, she hasn’t missed a day of school yet this year.

“Mrs. VanNess has always been known for her dedication, her trustworthiness and her student-first attitude,” said Weaver. “Whether it was helping kindergartners take their very first steps into school life or guiding fifth graders as they got ready for middle school, she always had a way of connecting with kids and bringing out their best.”

When asked what she will miss, VanNess said, “That’s easy, the kids.”

She will miss “working with kids and getting to know them and their families,” she said. “Getting to understand what their concerns are and hopefully having them feel like they are a priority for me.”

“I’ve enjoyed being a learner too. Not just, I come in and have been just a teacher, but every day, the kids teach me things about patience and listening, about paying attention to what their needs are,” said VanNess. “I think I’ve learned a lot.”

In her 24 years at Hill City, it is certain that she has, and taught plenty as well.

“She’s a true expert when it comes to curriculum and understanding how kids learn and grow,” said Weaver. “If you needed advice on how to help a student succeed, you knew you could count on Mrs. VanNess. She is an advocate for her students. Mrs. VanNess is someone who could always be trusted to put students first, work together, and communicate with honesty and heart.”

What is she most looking forward to in her retirement? 

“Spending more time doing things with my husband,” she said. “We like to walk the dogs, go hiking in the woods around here and we’d like to take our camper and go camping and see places together. So, I think that’s what we’ll do.”

“We are so thankful for her dedication, her passion and all the memories she’s made with us,” said Weaver. “Congratulations, Mrs. VanNess. You’ve definitely earned a little time away from the classroom…but we won’t be surprised to see you around.”