THANK YOU

Kudos to Jan Kammert

Mahatma Gandhi said, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”

On Friday, June 16, 2023, Jan Kammert will say goodbye to her last students as she completes her final day of teaching at McMurray Middle School, where she has taught for the past 24 years. With profound commitment and dedication, she has impacted the lives of hundreds of students. Her way was not flashy or self-promoting, her way was indeed gentle, steadfast, and consistent.

Jan showed up for her colleagues by representing them as a union representative and by always having an open door, open ear, and open heart. She showed up for her students, almost never taking a day off, working long hours after school, on weekends, and over vacations because she held such high standards for herself and her students.

Students and staff are fortunate that Jan chose to spend the last years of her career (after advising and working in admissions at two universities and teaching in the Midwest) on Vashon Island, serving this community, serving students. With her big heart and immense capacity for empathy, she did “shake the world” as she touched so many lives. And in her way, she wanted to sneak out the door with no big fanfare, no fuss, but of course, we cannot allow her to do this! I want to publicly thank her for all that she has given and let her know that she is seen and treasured. Thank you Ms. Kammert!

Patty Gregorich, 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher, McMurray Middle School