It’s funny how life can come full circle at times.  I distinctly remembering being in 8th grade at St. William’s School in Los Altos (now Rosita Park).  As student body president, it was my job to go into classrooms and report to the students about the great things student council was doing for them.

My favorite classroom to go into and report was a 5th grade room.  The teacher in that room was a fun and vivacious woman who always made me feel special- even though I wasn’t her student.  That teacher was young Kathy Panec.

When I became principal 7 years ago, I was excited to join Kathy on the staff.  We had worked together for a semester at Blach as she filled in for an English teacher who was on leave. Even her short time at Blach endeared her to that faculty and student population.  Before that, I had reacquainted with Kathy as a parent since both of her daughters came through my history classroom as Blach students.  Now the circle is almost complete as I announce Kathy Panec’s retirement at the end of this school year.

Kathy has been a teacher for 35 years!  She started at that small private school in Los Altos (St. Williams) back in 1981.  She has been at Springer since 1986.  During her time at LASD, she has mentored almost 20 new teachers and has taught hundreds and hundreds of students.  Those students were treated to a classroom of love and support that Kathy provides as an exemplary teacher.  I felt it as a 13 year old delivering student council news back in 1984 and I still feel it today in Room 11 at Springer.  

As a Springer graduate herself, I know that Kathy views the Springer community as her extended family.   Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Panec on her retirement and thanking her for her marvelous years of service to Springer students!

Have a great weekend,

Wade Spenader-Principal