June 28, 2022
Mindy Stockman - 4th Grade
How long have you been in education?
30 years
How long have you been at Fort Ann?
30 years
What are you looking forward to the most in retirement?
Traveling and spending time with my family!
What is your favorite thing about working here/what will you miss the most?
My favorite thing about working here is the fact that I got to know and teach all of the students since we are a small community. I will miss the students and staff at Fort Ann.
What is your favorite memory?
My favorite memory was taking my fourth grade classes to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in NYC. The joy and amazement on their faces as we drove through the city and walked around the statue was priceless.
June 27, 2022
Martha Smith - 2nd Grade
How long have you been in education?
31 years
How long have you been at Fort Ann?
31 years
What are you looking forward to the most in retirement?
In retirement, I look forward to traveling, reading and family time!
What is your favorite thing about working here/what will you miss the most?
My favorite thing about working at Fort Ann Elementary is working with such amazing colleagues who are very friendly, compassionate, talented, knowledgeable, helpful and FUN to be around. It was delightful to watch my students grow and develop while also having FUN!
What is your favorite memory?
Watching students’ faces light up when they make such great connections is a very rewarding experience. I also feel very blessed to have ended my career with a principal who was very supportive of teachers and students. I am leaving on a happy note!
June 23, 2022
Kolby Spector, #1 in our top three students
What are your post high school plans?
I plan to attend SUNY Adirondack in the fall.
What is your intended major?
I plan to major in Education.
Who is your favorite/most influential FACS teacher and why?
Ms. Morrison is my favorite FACS teacher because of her sense of humor and style of teaching. Ms. Morrison makes students feel appreciated for their hard work in her class and offers extra help whenever it is needed. FACS would not be the same without her.
Describe your best memory at FACS
My best memories at FACS are middle school field trips to camp Chingachgook. I always had a great time on these trips and it was awesome to have fun with both my teachers and friends outside of the classroom
What advice would you give younger students?
I would tell a younger student that hard work pays off, to always take the high road, and to avoid peers who may drag you down.
June 22, 2022
Tim Gleason - Math
How long have you been in education?
36 years
How long have you been at Fort Ann?
25 years
What are you looking forward to the most in retirement?
Not filling in surveys or forms!!
What is your favorite thing about working here/what will you miss the most?
I really like the people I work with - that’s why I stuck around for an extra year!
What is your favorite memory?
At this point I would not limit it to one favorite memory. I have many favorite memories or people, places and events associated with FACS. Maybe, just maybe my favorite memory is yet to come!
June 21, 2022
Alexis Ward, #2 in our top three students
What are your post high school plans?
I plan to attend St. Lawrence University in the fall.
What is your intended major?
Communications/ Journalism
Who is your favorite/most influential FACS teacher and why?
My favorite teacher is Miss Morrison. She is a very wise, genuine person who helps her students to view things from different perspectives, all while adding her own sense of humor to her lessons. She is also an intimidating opponent when it comes to Boggle and Academic Bowl! Overall, she is an incredible teacher and an integral part of FACS as a whole.
Describe your best memory at FACS
My best memories at FACS are the times that I spent in our school's musical theatre program. Over the years, it has helped me to make countless friendships and grow a lot as both a person and a performer, and I will truly miss it. Also, playing the role of Eliza Doolittle in this year's production of "My Fair Lady” was an unforgettable honor and a dream come true!
What advice would you give younger students?
Try to find something that makes you happy every day, whether it be a class, an extracurricular, a teacher, or even a hobby outside of school. The littlest things can open your horizons to new interests, friendships, and perspectives that can change your life for the better.
June 20, 2022
Karen Ballard, first grade teacher
How long have you been in education?
27 ½ years
How long have you been at Fort Ann?
19 years
What are you looking forward to the most in retirement?
Spending time with my grandson!
What is your favorite thing about working here/what will you miss the most?
I love all our FACS staff and will miss them!
What is your favorite memory?
I enjoy having seniors come back to my class to say good-bye before graduation!
June 17, 2022
Teagan Tharp, #3 in our top three students!
