That was the common question among people who heard about Carol Anderson’s retirement from Lawton Elementary School at the close of this school year. After 35 years with the Seattle School District (29 of them at Lawton Elementary School), Carol decided it was time to take a break. Making that decision, she said, was tough but knowing that, with her announcement another, younger teacher would be able to remain on staff at Lawton helped — gesture those who know her would say is typical.
First, however, staff, students and parents at Lawton Elementary weren’t about to let their beloved kindergarten teacher leave without a fanfare — a surprise assembly was planned for the afternoon of Tuesday, June 19th to let her know how much she was appreciated. Former teachers came to honor Carol and family members were told to sneak into the gym and wait, hidden, until they were called in one by one. “Mrs. Anderson” walked her class into the auditorium and was immediately ushered up to a throne on the stage and adorned with scepter, crown and royal robe. The “royal” family members were brought in one by one to add to her surprise. Students proceeded to sing special songs rehearsed for the occasion and Kleenex was dabbed at more than a few watery eyes. Countless students held up hand-made signs throughout the room and a number of former students were called up to share their individual thoughts. The finale was having Anderson get up with students and staff to sing and dance the “Mrs. Gooney Bird” song with “left foot” “right hand” etc. Following the assembly, the excitement of the afternoon continued with a special reception, organized by Lawton staff and parents, and held at the Church of the Ascension for the community at large. Carol commented later that she was overwhelmed with the number of families that attended. “It was such an amazing opportunity to catch up with former students and learn what has happened to them since their graduation from Lawton.”
Cathy Miller, whose children John, Kevin and Maggie were all in Mrs. Anderson’s class, said that she always admired how Carol was able to focus on each individual student and find the good in them. This was how Carol approached teaching, especially at the kindergarten level, when first time students were forming their opinion about school in general and, more importantly, themselves. The nurturing aspect of her oversight and excellent instruction gained her high marks with the district, parents and students
Having grown up on Magnolia (Magnolia Elementary, Blaine Junior High, Queen Anne High School) Carol is a product of Seattle Public Schools and her community. Asked what her future plans might include, Carol paused from packing up boxes and looked around the classroom that held countless memories of some of the over 1,000 children she had taught. “I still can’t grasp the fact that I won’t be here in September to welcome a new group of children” she said with some sadness. Then, brightening a little as she picked up one of the many books she has read to her classes, Carol shared that she has always had a desire to write. “Books are such an important part of a child’s life. It would be wonderful to be able to contribute to that experience through writing.” Carol also plans to enjoy additional travel time with husband Mark Anderson, as well as spending time with their children and grandchildren: son Bryce Anderson (Michelle, grandson Jetson), son Corbin Anderson (Jen, granddaughter McKinley) and daughter, Kelly Anderson. She has said that a part of her will always remain at Lawton. In support of this, the staff had a large paving stone engraved in her honor and placed in the school’s Secret Garden, near the engraved stones of former students, including those of her own three children who attended Lawton. On Carol’s stone is written “Carol Anderson, 1983 – 2012, Exceptional Educator”.
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