Hampton Elementary School students will experience a tremendous amount of change as they return to school this year. Among them, the warm smiles of Mrs. Askew and Mrs. Timberman will no longer be there to greet them.
Resident Sue Askew retired after a thirty-nine year career as a paraprofessional at the school. In accepting her resignation, principal Sam Roberson described “an incredible woman and an inspiration to everyone”. Mrs. Askew was instrumental in helping countless students overcome academic obstacles and realize their full potential. Her work with children left an indelible mark, the rewards of her encouragement – her students’ success.
“I’m so sad that she’s leaving HES! But I’m also happy for her! She deserves it!” said parent Nicole Sayles. “I will miss her, and my son will, too.”
“She has been a very special and faithful part of HES,” school nurse Beverly Danielson said. “Her care and kindness influenced my own three children and influenced me as a co-worker each and every day.”
“Mrs. Askew was always so sweet and kind,” said former student Kimberly Thornton. “She always helped me with things.”
“This saying, in my opinion, fits Sue Askew — sometimes real superheroes live in the hearts of young children who are fighting big battles. She was just that person,” teacher Linda Sanchini wrote, “one of their first greeters at the start of the day, and one of the last to send them home at the end of the day. She listened to them, and would carry on conversations about their interests. Whether it was working on a bulletin board design and sharing a trick or two to make it shine, advocating for students, helping us communicate to the community, or sharing a delicious homemade treat, Mrs. Askew was willing to contribute. I will deeply miss working with her.”
Wendy Timberman retired after teaching in Hampton, where she resides, for 16 of her 30 years in education. Starting as a remedial math teacher and transitioning to the classroom, she instructed many different grade levels, always with the singular gentleness, compassion, and patience she perfected during her early career in pre-school and early literacy programs at local libraries. Wendy’s commitment to her students was unwavering and continued through the mandatory closing of the school in March when teachers switched to distance learning. Like all good teachers, Wendy did what she had to do to attend to every student’s individual needs, and since they were “down the street and around the corner”, she delivered instruction directly to some of them through the windows of their homes. And on their birthdays, Wendy, who has led the children in patriotic songs for Memorial Day celebrations, brought her guitar to their lawns and sang to them.
Wendy shared with school officials the experience of one of her last lessons, “conveying the blessings of teaching in the heart of this awful pandemic.” She described sitting on the step of a student’s porch, with the student at a distance on the porch swing, and after a very attentive lesson, glancing at her feet. “There, sitting in the sun were chickens, two ducks, and a big, white turkey. Sitting and listening. In the window stood grandma with a sleeping baby in her arms.” For those of you who don’t know Wendy, close your mind’s eye on this pastoral scene, reminiscent of a Tasha Tudor illustration, and you’ll capture a glimpse of her teaching, and the ambience of her being.
Congratulations Mrs. Timberman and Mrs. Askew. We’re certain the Gazette speaks for the entire community in wishing you in your retirement health, happiness, and, of course, a continued love of learning.