Dear Cheryl

Do you realize how many more lives your newsletters touch than just the students of the class of '71. Yesterday Marla Brandes Baird called me to tell me that she had just logged on to the website and had read Sheila's interview and would forward it on to me. I can't even describe the feelings that went thru me as I read such a wonderful tribute from one of my former students. What more could a retired teacher want? I am so proud of Sheila as I am of all the members of our Hoffer classes and especially the fabulous Central School sixth grade class. What a remarkable group! I'm sure there has never been a class where all the students were so self motivated, so dependable, had such a love of learning plus the greatest sense of humor. The year I spent with them I was also vice principal and many times had to be out of the classroom until midmorning. In that time they would come into the classroom, take roll, lunch orders, go on their audio visual duties, and then get to work on their assignments without any adult supervision. Never a problem. They were so special--and they knew it. I remember when they went over to Coombs as 7th graders Mr. Ceja was having a problem with them. He called me to tell me to come over and talk to them. They were ready to stage a rebellion because they wanted to be kept together in all their classes. He said, "They think they are special". I assured him that they were! I left teaching that year and went into administration but soon realized that they were so right when they told me I should stay in teaching so I went back into teaching. I had alot of wonderful classes and I would tell them how great they were. They would ask me "Are we the best class you have ever had, Mrs. Welty" and I would answer, "No, because once upon a time in the village of Banning, California there was Central School sixth grade class who were ........"

It has been such fun for me to see pictures of my students, and the other sixth graders, all grown up and to hear what they are doing now. It's remarkable that the group has stayed so close. Thanks to Libby and Marla Brandes Baird I have been able to sort of keep up with the group. Also I got wonderful letters from Cathy and Ruby while I was in the hospital. All thanks to your wonderful newsletter. Thanks Cheryl.

Gratefully
Dott Welty