The District 5 Foundation will host a luncheon honoring all district retirees on Thursday, March 26 at Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Lane.
Retirees are invited to arrive at 11:30 a.m. to reconnect with former colleagues. Lunch will be served at noon.
Those planning to attend should RSVP by March 13 to luncheon2026@district5foundation.org and include their name along with the school or department where they served. Organizers encourage recipients to help spread the word to fellow District Five retirees.
For additional information, contact Mary Kennerly at mkennerly001@gmail.com.
The luncheon celebrates the service of teachers, food service employees, custodians and maintenance staff, bus drivers, office staff, instructional support personnel, and administrators — all of whom played a vital role in supporting students throughout their careers.
As part of the celebration, the following tribute poem by Bev Barbee honors the lasting impact of District Five retirees:
Ode to D5 Retirees
By Bev Barbee
Did you drive them to school on a big yellow bus?
Did you teach them to read, debate or discuss?
Did you teach them to sing? Or play in the band?
Or how to create their artwork by hand?
Did you feed them or keep their rooms neat and clean?
Or teach them math like mode, median and mean?
Can they easily find places on a map?
Can they play fair with others, adjust and adapt?
For our retirees who each served with their heart,
This gathering gives time to continue friendships, visit,
Enjoy a meal together, reflect, catch up on D5 news,
And celebrate the teamwork that supported generations of students.
